GENERAL INFORMATION

 HOW TO GET TOURIST VISAS: In order to travel to Romania, you need a valid passport and an entrance visa provided by Romanian Embassies and Consulates. Entrance visas may be also obtained at the border checkpoints for the citizens of the following states: members of the European Union, NATO, Switzerland and the State of Israel.

 CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Romania enforces the international rules of the Convention related to customs facilities for travelers. Any traveler may enter or leave Romania with USD 10,000, at the most, in cash or travelers cheques.

 HOW TO GET TO ROMANIA: By highways, railways, air and waterways. The main highway and railway center in Romania is Bucharest. By air, Romania may be reached on the international airports in Bucharest (Otopeni and Baneasa), Arad, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta (Mihail Kogalniceanu), Oradea, Tg. Mures, Satu Mare and Timisoara, that connect our country with all the important capitals and cities of the world. River transportation is carried out on the Danube and sea transport is effected through the largest Romanian port on the Black Sea, Constanta.

 CURRENCY EXCHANGE: Currency may be exchanged in lei upon arrival at the airport, at banks, hotels and exchange offices. The latter usually offer better rates. It is advisable to avoid making currency exchanges in the street.

 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: January 1-2 – New Year; the first Monday after the Orthodox Easter; May 1 – International Labor Day; 1 st of December – National Day; December 25 - 26 – Christmas.

 LOCAL TIME: GMT + 2 hours (GMT + 3 hours during the summer time, i.e. between the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October). MOST SHOPS are open during the week between 9:00 and 6:00 p.m., the small shops having, in general, longer working hours.

 BANK BUSINESS are between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

 WORKING HOURS: Offices are open, in general, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

 POST OFFICES are open daily, including Saturday morning, and perform local and international services.

 TAXICABS are the best way to tour the town. The cost of a trip is not high as compared to western standards. Before getting into a taxi, ask whether the driver uses a meter or requires a certain price, the latter being negotiable.

 RENT A CAR: All the subsidiaries of the large international companies are present in Romania: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, National.

 HOTELS in Romania are rated between one to five stars, motels from one to three stars and rural accommodation between one to four flower (daisis). Rooms may be looked through tourist agencies, or direct with the property. One can also book reservation for the major hotels in Romania on an Internet site: www. traveleasteurope.com. Reputed hotel chains are to be found in Romania: Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Sofitel, Crowne Plaza, Best Western, Marriott. Do not forget that the day at the hotel begins at 12:00 noon and you must specify in advance your day of departure.

 RESTAURANTS of a great diversity are available with traditional or special menus. For further suggestions check with the reception desk at your hotel.

 CREDIT CARDS: Most credit cards, including American Express, Master Card, Diners Club and VISA are accepted in the hotel and the restaurant, in the big store.

 Distances in kilometers and miles (between brackets) between Bucharest and the main European cities: Athens – 1,300 (806); Berlin – 1,800 (1,116); Istanbul – 700 (434); Prague – 1,490 (924); Madrid – 3,300 (2,046); London – 2,590 (1,606); Paris – 2,470 (1.532); Vienna – 1,150 (713) and Rome – 2,030 (1,259).

 Distances in kilometers and miles (in brackets) between Bucharest and the main cities in Romania:  Arad – 590 (366); Baia Mare – 625 (388); Brasov – 166 (103); Cluj Napoca – 497 (308); Constanta – 225 (140); Galati – 230 (143); Iasi – 399 (248); Ploiesti – 59 (37); Sibiu – 316 (196); Timisoara – 533 (331). ROAD: Driving takes place on the right side and speed limits are: 50 km/h (31 miles/h) in built areas, 90 km/h (56 miles/h) outside built up areas and 120 km/h (74,5 miles/h) on the highways. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden.

 MEDICAL SERVICES: Medical insurance according to the various agreements between Romania and other countries is valid. No vaccinations are required.

 UNITS of MEASURES: In Romania the metric system is in use (1000 m = 1 km = o,62 miles).

 USEFUL CONTACTS in BUCHAREST: Ambulance – 961; Emergency Hospital – 962; yPolice – 955; International phone calls – 971; Fire Department – 981; TAROM flight booking – 9361.