Romania

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching happen, usually:

• near hotels
• on public transport
• in train stations

Organised groups of thieves target travellers. These groups may include children.

Thefts from hotel rooms are common.

Thefts and assaults take place on intercity trains.

Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Centrul Vechi (the old town in Bucharest).

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly near hotels and on public transport
• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside
• don't leave luggage unattended in your train compartment
• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met
• don't leave food or drinks unattended

More information:

• Avoiding danger
• Partying safely

Scams

Sometimes thieves pretend to be police officers and ask for ID and wallets.

Romanian police won't stop you at random to ask for your ID or wallet. However, they may conduct checks if you don't comply with local laws.

If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer:

• ask to see their identification
• don't hand over your personal belongings
• offer to go to the nearest police station with them to check their identity

Financial scams, including credit card and ATM fraud, are common.

Internet fraud, including dating and marriage scams, also occur in Romania.

To reduce your risk of card theft and scams:

• only use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, especially at night
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be alert to internet scams and other fraud
• be sceptical if someone asks for your bank account details
• be cautious of any business-like dealings, especially online
• be wary of connections you make through internet dating schemes or chat rooms

More information:

• Scams

Protests occur in Bucharest and other major cities.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

They may also disrupt services, traffic and public transport.

To stay safe:

• avoid demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Romania, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have attacked several European cities.

European security services have also disrupted several planned attacks.

To protect yourself:

• be alert to possible threats
• be careful if you visit possible terrorist targets
• report anything suspicious to police
• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes operators of adventure activities.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Serious earthquakes are rare, but earth tremors are common.

Flooding is common in the autumn and winter months from September to March.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• closely monitor the media and other local sources of information
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Romania. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Rabies

Rabies is widespread. Feral dogs roam city streets, often in packs. Dog attacks are common.

Ask your travel doctor about getting the rabies vaccine before you travel.

If a dog or other animal scratches or bites you, get medical treatment immediately.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, especially if you travel through forests and rural areas.

Ticks are active in spring from March to June and autumn from September to December.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease spread by mosquitoes. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

Romanian Health Ministry has confirmed cases of West Nile virus in:

• Alba
• Bucharest
• Cluj
• Constanta
• Dolj
• Galati
• Mures
• Sibiu
• Teleorman

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles

An outbreak of measles has spread across Romania in recent years.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Romania are below Australian standards.

Some medical supplies are limited, particularly outside major cities.

Treatment can be expensive, and doctors often require payment up-front.

Romania has 3 decompression chambers. All are in the port city of Constanta on the Black Sea coast.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include prison sentences of up to 20 years.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Always carry photo ID.

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy.

In Romania, it's illegal to:

• take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations
• engage in sex work or pay for sexual services
• have sexual relations with a person under 18

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Same-sex relationships are legal. However, they're not widely accepted in Romanian society.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Dual nationals are legally recognised in Romania.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

You don't need a visa if you're a tourist staying for less than 90 days.

For other kinds of travel, you need a visa.

Romania isn't part of the Schengen area, but it's working towards becoming a member.

Entry and exit conditions may change if Romania becomes part of the Schengen area. Contact an embassy or consulate of Romania for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel with children

Special entry rules apply to children aged under 18 years, including Australian-Romanian dual nationals.

The child must be accompanied by an adult and will need their own passport.

If you're a parent or guardian travelling alone with a child, you must carry a legal permission document signed by the non-travelling parent.

If this isn't possible, you'll need:

• a death certificate of a parent registered on the child's birth certificate
• a court order granting sole custody to the travelling (or authorising) parent

The documents must be translated into Romanian.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children
• Embassy or consulate of Romania

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Romania is a member of the European Union (EU).

Declare cash over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Romania and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare, or you give incorrect information, you'll need to pay a fine.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Romania is largely a cash economy. However, credit card and debit card use is increasing.

It's illegal to change money on the streets. Exchange money at banks, large hotels or exchange bureaus.

Accessibility

If you have a disability, you may encounter limited accessibility in some parts of Romania.

Public transport and building accessibility is better:

• in Bucharest and other large cities
• at international airports and large hotels

Driving permit

To drive in Romania, you'll need both:

• your current Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

If you stay longer than 185 days, you can apply for a Romanian driver’s licence. Do this through the General Directorate for Driving Licences and Car Registration.

More information:

• DRPCIV (Romanian)
• Driving or riding

Road travel

Major city streets and inter-city highways are generally in good condition.

Most other roads are poorly maintained, badly lit and narrow.

Additional driving hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts on the roads

If you need emergency roadside help, call 9271.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road rules

Learn Romanian traffic laws before you drive. Be aware that:

• the minimum age for driving is 18 years
• children aged under 12 years can't sit in the front seat of a vehicle
• driving with with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal

If you drink and drive, you may:

• lose your licence
• face fines
• receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years

If you're involved in an accident, you must take a breathalyser test. Refusing to take this test is a crime.

Police strictly enforce traffic laws. They conduct frequent checks, including radar speed checks. If you're caught, you may lose your licence and have to pay a fine.

You need a road toll sticker (Rovinieta) to use national roads. Buy one online or from petrol stations and border points. Driving without a sticker may lead to a fine.

Weather conditions

Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow.

Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads. Roads become snow-covered most often from November to March.

In extreme weather conditions:

• use tyre chains when driving
• check weather alerts on meteoalarm (Romanian)

Vehicle insurance

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you if you plan to hire a car or other vehicle.

Also ask if any restrictions apply. Your cover may only be valid if you're licensed for that vehicle type in Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding
• Roviniete

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Authorised taxis are generally safe and reliable.

At airports, you can find them in ranks outside the arrivals terminal.

These vehicles:

• display taxi registration, licensing and tariff information
• have an airport sign on both sides of the vehicle

To avoid overcharging and other problems:

• only use authorised taxis
• avoid taxi service offers from touts at airports, train stations and other public places

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Romania's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

English-speaking operators are available.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Bucharest, headed by an Honorary Consul.

The consulate provides limited consular services and doesn't issue passports.

Australian Consulate, Bucharest

Honorary Consul
The Group
3 Praga St, District 1
Bucharest 011801
Romania
Phone: (+4 037) 406 0845 or (+4 021) 206 2200 
Fax: (+4 031) 107 1378
Email: office@australianconsulate.ro

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Athens.

Australian Embassy, Athens

5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street, Level 2
Athens 115 28, Greece
Phone: +30 210 870 4000
Fax: +30 210 870 4111
Website: greece.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Greece

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia