Welcome to Romania

WELCOME TO ROMANIA

2024 - 2025 Academic Year

GENERAL INFORMATION

ROMANIA - FAST FACTS

Country name: Romania

Capital:

Bucharest (BUCUREȘTI - pronounced: BOU-KOU-RE SH-TEE) is the largest city in Romania, as well as its cultural, industrial, and financial centre. It is located in the southeast of the country on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, less than 60 km (37.3 mi) north of the Danube River and the Bulgarian border. First mentioned in documents in 1459, it became the capital of Romania in 1862.

Official language:

Romanian, a Latin-based language, closely related to Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Catalan. Some Turkish and Slavic words have been adapted into the Romanian vocabulary throughout the years.

Romanian flag:

Composed of three vertical stripes: Blue (representing freedom), Yellow (representing the richness of the grain fields) and Red (the bloodshed for independence).

Surface:

238.391 sq. km.

Population:

18,856,474 (June 2023)

President:

Klaus Werner Iohannis

Main ethnic groups:

Romanian 84%, Hungarian 6.1%, Romany Gypsy 3.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.2%

Religion:

Christian Orthodox 81%, Protestant 6.2%, Roman Catholic 4.3%, Reformed 3%, Greek-Catholic 0.7%, Unitarian 0.3%, Jewish, other.

Country phone code: +40

Time zone:

Romania is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

Currency:

Romania’s currency is LEU (pl. LEI), and the fractional coin is BAN (pl. BANI). For money exchange, you can either go to a bank or a private exchange office (‘Casă de schimb valutar’). Banks are open from 9:00 to 17:00 during the week.

It takes longer at the bank than at the private exchange offices, where there is usually no waiting line, and they request fewer documents. But it is much safer at the bank, meaning the rate is always fair, and there is no commission.

You can find private exchange offices just about everywhere, on the main streets, in hotels and shopping centres. We advise you to be aware of strange people approaching you near the tourist hotels and exchange counters: they are probably malicious people looking to profit from your honesty.

Regarding the black market, there is little profit to be made by changing money this way. The exchange rate at the street kiosks is almost as good as with the black marketers, and it’s a much safer deal. We strongly advise you not to change money on the black market since these individuals are very resourceful when it comes to wrongdoing.

It’s best if you hold on to your exchange receipts since you may need to show them if you want to use cash for things like accommodation, transportation or international tickets or to obtain a refund in a different currency when leaving Romania.

It’s advisable to exchange only small amounts of money into lei at a time. It’s safest to carry some of your money in traveller’s cheques or credit cards, but also wise to have on you some euro or dollar bills, in small denominations. Hotels, airlines, car rental companies, supermarkets, and most local shops and restaurants will usually accept credit cards (Master Card, Visa, American Express, etc.).

Weights and Measures:

1 inch = 2.54 cm

1 foot = 30.48 cm

(ounce) = 28 grams

oz = 1 lb. = 454 grams

1 yard = 0,9 meters 2.2 lbs. = 1 kilogram

1 mile = 1,6 kilometres (km)

Temperature 32 °F = 0 °C

Landscape:

With a surface area of 238,391 square kilometres, Romania is the largest country in the South-East of Europe and the twelfth largest in all of Europe. Romania’s terrain is distributed roughly equally between mountains, hills and lowland territories. The dominant being the centre of Romania, with 3 main groups: Eastern, Western and Southern Carpathians and height ranges reaching over 2,000 m/6,600 ft, with the highest point at Moldoveanu Peak (2,544m/8,346 ft). These are

surrounded by the Moldavian and Transylvanian plateaus and Pannonian and Wallachian plains. Romania’s geographical diversity has led to an accompanying diversity of flora and fauna. In the Eastern part of Romania, there is The Danube Delta, the second largest and best-preserved delta in Europe and also a biosphere reserve and a biodiversity World Heritage Site, which stretches over 4,340 square kilometres. Also, in the east, we have the Black Sea with a national coastline of 245 km, stretching from the Ukrainian border in the North until the Bulgarian border in the South.

This is the main tourist attraction in Romania, especially the cities of Constanta and Mamaia.

Climate:

Because of its position in the SouthEastern part of Europe, Romania has a climate that is transitional between temperate and continental, with four distinct seasons and climatic conditions that are somewhat modified by the country’s varied landscape. There may be variations of about 5 °C between day and night (0°C=32°F). Spring is pleasant, with cool mornings and nights and warm temperatures during the day. Summers are generally very warm to hot. Autumn is dry and cool, with fields and trees producing colourful foliage. Winters can be cold, with lots of snow. These are the average temperatures:

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

New Year – 1st & 2nd January

Epiphany – 6th January

Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist – 7th January

Romanian Principalities

Unification Day – 24th January

Easter Orthodox) Established by the Orthodox Church – April/May, usually three days

Labour Day – 1st May

Child’s Day – 1st June

Pentecost (Pentecost Sunday and Monday) – Established by the Orthodox Church – May/June

Assumption – 15th August

Saint Andrew’s – 30 th November

Romania National Day – 1st December

Christmas – 25th & 26th December

LOCAL CUSTOMS

Considering the number of traditions that are still present in the everyday life of Romanians, some might say Romania is still a land of myth and legend.

While part of the traditions and customs revolve around human life cycles such as births, baptisms, weddings and death, others are related to the succession of seasons. Many of them go way back to pre-Christian times.

Dreaming who your future husband will be-occurs on the night before the Epiphany holiday, locally known as Bobotează . Unmarried women are said to see their future husband in their dreams.

To do so, they need to put a small branch of basil under their pillow. The basil must be obtained from a priest.

Dragobete is celebrated on 24th February and is the local equivalent of Valentine’s Day. Dragobete is personified as a handsome young man, protector of lovers. According to tradition, young men and women pick flowers together in the woods, and upon their return, women allow the man they like to steal a kiss, thus marking the start of their relationship.

Nowadays, the common practice is for women to touch a man by the end of the day to be happy in love during the year.

Mărțisor is one of the best-kept Romanian traditions, being widely celebrated throughout the entire country. On 1st March, to mark the arrival of spring, Romanian women receive a small jewel-like ornament or token tied with a red and white string. Usually handmade, it is worn pinned on clothes or as a necklace or bracelet. The red and white string represents the duality of life and death. At the end of the month the Martisor needs to be taken off and tied to a tree’s branch.

Babele, which translates to ‘the old women’, celebrates the beginning of spring. People pick any day from

1st to 9 th March as the day that will reveal what the year ahead will bring. Depending on the weather of the chosen day, the future will be either bright as a sunny day or less so if the day is cloudy or rainy. However, if it snows, there’s a good chance you will get rich or at least richer than you already are.

Legend says that an old woman called Dochia , mother of Dragobete, wanted to punish her son for marrying without her permission. She set a tough test for her daughter-in-law, sending her to the river with a black ball of thread with the task of washing it in the river’s cold water until it changed colour from black to white. Despite her best efforts, the ball wouldn’t change colour and the young girl started to weep. Seeing her suffering, a young man offered her a red flower to wash the thread ball with. It worked, and the thread became white. As she returned home, Dochia was amazed by the young girl’s success and also by the blossoming flowers, thinking that spring had arrived.

Hastily, she started running in the mountains and, under the hot sun rays, started throwing, one by one, all her nine woolen coats. But, as she reached the top, she got hit by a heavy blizzard and, with no coat left, she froze instantly. That is why it is common to say, when commenting on the rapidly

changing early March weather, that ‘Dochia must have thrown one of her coats!’

On Saint Andrew’s Day, 30 th November, a popular custom is to take a handful of wheat and place it on a sunny spot in the house, so that if watered regularly it can sprout and grow. If the wheat grows tall and healthy, it means the coming year will be a happy one. Also, as one would expect from the country that gave the world Count Dracula, common belief says that on this night evil spirits and creatures, such as werewolves and ‘strigoi’ (a local type of zombie), get free reign and can enter people’s homes. As a solution, Romanians eat as much garlic as possible during the day and smear all doors and windowsills with the precious bulb.

Name Day Celebrations

: Many Romanians are given names after religious Saints, and they will celebrate their name day on the day of ‘their’ Saint. Being more ‘public’, name days are celebrated more often than birthdays and are seen as a good opportunity to contact friends and business connections to wish them ‘La mulți ani!’ or Happy Name Day! It is quite common for the one celebrating to treat colleagues and friends.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND SAFETY

For emergencies of any kind, 112 is the dedicated number on the European Union level, Romania included. Depending on the issue, the operator will make the connection to the fire department, ambulance, police, etc.

It’s worth mentioning that operators of the 112 emergency lines speak English. In Bucharest and the other big cities, the emergency units have a very quick response time, as opposed to the rural areas.

Crime rate:

Romania differs from a lot of countries in that violent crime is more likely to happen in rural areas than in cities. This happens due to the socio-economic problems of many parts of the countryside.

These rural areas often suffer from poverty, low levels of education, and unemployment.

Crimes against tourists:

Most crimes against visitors are limited to crimes of opportunity or small scams. For example, pickpocketing in crowded areas and public transportation, individuals posing as fake police officers, approaches of ‘quick friendship’, etc. It’s recommended to keep your valuables in your inner pockets, if possible, and don’t leave handbags or backpacks unattended or open.

Traffic safety:

It is argued that driving is perhaps the biggest safety concern that visitors encounter. Romania had the highest road fatality rate in the European Union in 2017, according to data released by the European Commission. Most accidents happen on rural roads due to speeding and drivers not adapting to the road conditions. While driving in Romania, please keep a high level of awareness and adapt to the road conditions, especially for long, out of the city drives.

Zero Tolerance – Romania follows a Zero Tolerance attitude towards drinking and driving.

Rovinieta – This mandatory tax is required when driving outside Bucharest. It is a motorway tax that can be paid online or at a petrol station.

Earthquakes

are quite common in Romania; the vast majority (more than 90%) come from Vrancea County, the most seismically active area in the country. The biggest earthquake ever recorded in Romania came from Vrancea on 4th March 1977.

It resulted in many casualties in Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. It was felt from Rome to Moscow and from Turkey to Finland. It’s indicated that damages were worth more than US$2 billion. Since then, only low-magnitude earthquakes have been recorded, none of them producing casualties.

In case of an earthquake it’s recommended to:

• Seek cover under a solid table. Stay inside, don’t go out on the balcony.

• Avoid staircases and lifts.

• As soon as the earthquake is over, turn off the main switch to minimise the danger of fire.

• Have a first aid box, flashlight, whistle, water and food.

• If you are outside, stay away from buildings.

Earthquake awareness

www.earthquakecountry.org/prepare

This page highlights the high-risk zones in the USA but it is also a great source of information for any other high-risk location, such as Romania.

Awareness and action are the best prevention.

EXPATS’ RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND LIFE IN BUCHAREST

Bucharest is located in the southern part of Romania. The city is divided into six sectors (districts).

District 1 and 2 are the ones preferred by expats mainly since these areas have new developments or classic villas, surrounding green areas, international restaurants, international schools and kindergartens, and booming commercial and business districts.

The main residential areas mentioned below have cafés, restaurants, kindergartens, sports areas, museums, parks, international schools and shopping centres.

Kiseleff: this neighbourhood has nice classic houses and apartment buildings. It is close to Herăstrău park and Kiseleff park. Embassies and consulates are in the area too.

Primăverii: a nice residential area located in District 1, close to Herăstrău park, with many modern buildings alongside beautiful classic villas. It’s a nice area to walk around.

Floreasca hosts trendy new international restaurants and cafés. It has a big park, entertainment facilities, nice terraces and an outdoor swimming pool. There is also a nearby market for vegetables and fruit. There are mostly apartments for rent in this area.

Dorobanți: one of the main streets of District 1 in Bucharest starts in Metro Aviatorilor, passing by Piața Dorobanți (market) and leading to Romană Square.

It’s one of the areas that are nice to walk around with museums, trendy restaurants and boutiques. It is a mainly residential area with a commercial presence.

Herăstrău Park : one of the biggest parks in Europe, it is located in the northern area of District 1. Aviatorilor, Herăstrău, Primăverii and Nordului are surrounding neighbourhoods that present good standards, new developments or refurbished houses.

Aviatorilor: a residential area with both classic houses and new apartment buildings. There is a convenient metro station, and this is a nice area to walk around. It is close to both Herastrau and Kiseleff Parks.

Nordului: is just across from one of Herăstrău’s sides. It is mostly a residential area with houses and apartment buildings in a very nice green area.

Aviației: this neighbourhood has become a new business and commercial area alongside housing developments which have been recently finished or will be finished soon.

If you have young children (not school age yet) and love walking to places, these areas can offer a lot.

OUTSKIRTS

Pipera : is located in a surrounding

area of Bucharest connected by the DN1 and Pipera-Tunari roads.

It is next to Băneasa Forest and is mainly a residential area close to the international schools. Over the last 2 years, the local authorities have worked to connect more houses to water supply systems and improve pedestrian paths, though some parts remain not very well taken care of.

This area is ideal if you have children of school age, and you want to avoid morning traffic jams. The drive from one of the residential areas mentioned earlier to Pipera can take between 25 to 50 minutes (round trip).

HOUSING

LEASE AGREEMENT

Since October 2011, lease contracts/ agreements for residential properties in Romania have been regulated by the Civil Code. To avoid any issues that might arise during your stay, the lease agreement must be as comprehensive as possible.

In this respect, the below contractual clauses are considered mandatory:

1. Comprehensive description of the contracting parties – Lessor and Lessee;

2. Full address and description of the property – as per the building’s official plan;

3. Deposit amount and payment terms. Many landlords use various methods to keep the deposit once the contract is finished. Deposit recovery should be detailed in the contract as much as possible;

4. Rental fee, including the method of payment and currency. If the rent is due to be modified after a certain period, this should also be mentioned;

5. Utilities and maintenance. Who is responsible for the payment of the utilities, and who is responsible for the repairs within the property. Payment deadlines have to be agreed upon and respected by both parties;

6. Modifications within the property are a sensitive topic which should be carefully detailed in the contract in order to avoid any complications that may arise once the lease agreement is finished;

7. Return of property and handover protocol;

8. In case of an early departure, a break clause should be mentioned. Most landlords request to keep the security deposit unless otherwise specified;

9. Contract extension clauses;

10. Any amendments to the contract should be done only in writing through addendums;

11. Full contact details of all parties involved;

12. The lease agreement is a mandatory document as part of the immigration process. For it to be valid and accepted by the authorities, it must contain signatures from both the landlord and the tenant. Additionally, it should mention the landlord’s obligation to declare the contract to the competent authorities. Although this is mandatory by law, some landlords will insist on bypassing this procedure to avoid paying taxes. This usually applies to landlords who are private individuals.

UTILITIES

Due to bureaucracy and lease agreements that can end before the expiry date, Romanian landlords prefer to keep utility contracts in their name. This will also save time on the Lessee’s side. The internet and TV contracts are usually the ones requiring modification as different tenants will need different packages. This can be easily done by the landlord upon request.

If you live in an apartment, you will have the following utilities:

A) Private consumption:

• Electricity,

• Water,

• Natural gas – for cooking, for heating only if the apartment has its own central heating system,

• Internet, TV, Phone package (landline)***

B) Common utilities are calculated by the building’s administrator or the building management company, depending on the case. They are issued on a monthly basis and are usually posted on the building’s hallway notice board. You will need to personally

check the notice board and follow up with the payments unless you have another deal with the landlord. Usually, they consist of:

• Cleaning – usually the hallway, elevator and building surroundings,

• Electricity – usually for the hallway and elevator,

• Heating – in case the apartment doesn’t have its own central heating system and is connected to the public heating network,

• Elevator maintenance,

• Security – if applicable,

• Cleaning, administrator or building management company, repairs,

• Building repairs – if applicable.

Some buildings have an in-house repair and cleaning service, and these costs are paid monthly; others contract such services only when needed.

If you live in a detached or semidetached house, you will have the following utilities:

A) Private consumption:

• Electricity,

• Water,

• Natural gas – for cooking,

• Natural gas – for heating only if the house has its own central heating system,

• Internet, TV, Phone package (landline)***

• Garden maintenance – if applicable, swimming pool maintenance – if applicable.

B) Common utilities apply only if the house is located in a compound:

• Cleaning,

• Electricity,

• Security,

• Heating – in case the apartment doesn’t have its own central heating system and is connected to the public heating network,

• Swimming pool maintenance – in case the compound has a common swimming pool,

• Removal of snow during wintertime,

• Maintenance of the green area – in case the compound has a common green area.

*** Should these utilities not be included in the lease agreement, you can reach out to local providers (such as Orange, Digi (RCS&RDS), Telekom, Vodafone).

The same providers can be contacted for mobile phone subscriptions.

Find out more:

www.orange.ro www.digi.ro www.telekom.ro www.vodafone.ro

Please note:

* During wintertime the temperatures can go as low as -20 degrees Celsius or even below in rare cases. This can highly increase the cost of the heating especially if:

• You are not used to the cold weather conditions,

• The surface area that requires heating is big,

• The heating is left running even if nobody is at home for days,

• Windows or doors are left open while the heating is running,

• The location is poorly insulated.

** In some properties which are part of a compound, the consumption of gas used for heating and/or cooking, as well as the water, are calculated and

charged as a % of the compound’s total consumption (depending on surface area and the number of family members living in the apartment).

OTHER DETAILS

• As per the local legislation, all lease agreements must be in Romanian. However bilingual forms are accepted as well. The Romanian version will prevail in case of inconsistency between the two versions;

• The lease agreement is not valid unless signed by both parties. Gentleman agreements have no legal value;

• In case the landlord is a private individual, he has an obligation to register the contract with the local Fiscal Authorities or to declare it through Form 212. In cases where the landlord is a company, the contract will be declared through their accounting system;

• Payment of the agreed security deposit must be made right after the contract is signed, together with the first rental fee;

• The real estate agent’s fee should be paid to the real estate agent who showed the property as soon as the contract is signed (if applicable).

TRANSPORTATION

DRIVING IN ROMANIA

When coming from abroad, you might find driving in Romania more aggressive and hazardous. If driving is not a necessity, then you should probably consider public transportation and taxis.

When driving in Romania the following documents should be carried:

• Full, valid driving licence

• Proof of insurance/green card (third party or above)

• Proof of ID (Passport)

• Proof of ownership (V5C Certificate)

While driving in Romania, you are required by law to carry the following items (on-the-spot fines can be issued for failing to carry them):

• Warning triangle

• Fire extinguisher & First-aid kit

• Reflective jacket

• Lights: Passing lights must be used outside built-up areas, day and night.

• For drivers and passengers of motorcycles over 50 ccs, it is compulsory to wear a safety helmet.

While driving in Romania:

• The wearing of seat belts is compulsory in the front and back seats.

• Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to travel in the front seats of cars.

• Speed limits:

• Motorways/highways: 130km/hour

• National Roads/Outside built-up areas: 90km/hour

• Built-up areas: 50km/hour

• Special areas (marked) signage could go as low as 30km/hour (i.e. close to schools, hospitals, etc.)

• Lower speed may be indicated by signs, please pay attention!

• Traffic lights:

• The international three-colour traffic light system is used.

• At intersections where both traffic lights and a policeman control the traffic, drivers should obey the signals given by the policeman, even if they are contrary to those shown by the lights.

• Drink/drug driving :

• Zero Tolerance – Romania

follows a Zero Tolerance attitude towards drinking and driving.

• It is an offence to drive on the public highway with any alcohol in the blood. The police can stop drivers at random to carry out an alcohol test. The Romanian police are tough on drunk driving – checkpoints are very frequent – and any alcohol counts as drunk driving.

• Romania has strict laws for the punishment of drunk driving. Any blood alcohol level above 0.0 is considered a crime. Driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.08 is a felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.

• More details about Driving in Romania here: https:// ro.usembassy.gov/u-s- citizenservices/additional- resources-foru-s-citizens/ driving-in-Romania/

• Car Accidents: If you are involved in a car accident while driving, and someone is hurt, you must stop and wait for the police. Driving away from the scene is considered a hit-and-run. Minor accidents with no injuries can be solved between yourself and all

parties involved by having to go to a police station and make a statement, but, if in doubt, better call 112 (Emergency Services).

• Roadworthiness tests (ITP): If you buy a new car in Romania, you must have it checked for roadworthiness 3 years from the date of its first registration; for other new road vehicles, the regularity depends on the category. The contact for the roadworthiness tests is Romanian Automotive Register: www.rarom. ro

• Compulsory and optional car insurance (RCA, CASCO): WWhen you register a car in any EU country, you must insure it for third-party liability. This compulsory insurance is valid in all other EU countries. It covers you if you have an accident causing damage to property or injury to anyone other than the driver. It doesn’t cover other costs (e.g. the cost of repairs to your own vehicle). You can also take out additional, optional insurance, called first-party liability, covering other risks. This insurance extends your cover (e.g. to injuries to the driver, damage to your vehicle,

theft of your vehicle/ its contents, vandalism, and legal assistance). There are no EU-wide rules on additional optional car insurance. Check the terms and conditions with your local insurer before you travel abroad. Insurers can apply different rules in each country. So, your insurance could be limited by time (e.g. a month abroad) or by distance (e.g. 150km from the border of your home country) or might exclude some countries for some types of risk (such as theft).

• Rovinieta : The ‘Rovinieta’ is obligatory when driving outside Bucharest. It is a mandatory motorway tax that can be paid online (https://www.e-rovinieta. ro/ro/e-rovinieta) or at a petrol station..

• Winter Tires: In case of dangerous road conditions (the roads are covered with snow, ice or glazed frost), winter tyres are compulsory for all vehicles, no matter the time. Hence, the changing of tyres is not related to a specific date (e.g., 1st November) but to the wintry conditions of the roads (see Government Ordinance 5/2011).

RULES

OF THE ROAD

Overtaking and passing:

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.

• Trams are overtaken on the right. Moving trams may be overtaken on the left on a one-way street or if there is not enough room to overtake on the right.

Priority:

• In built-up areas and at roundabouts, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right. Roundabouts are an exception to the rule! Vehicles already in the roundabout have priority over vehicles entering the roundabout, unless otherwise indicated.

• Priority must always be given to ambulances, fire engines, trams and marching columns. Warning of approach:

• The use of the horn is prohibited in towns between 10:00 and 18:00. At night, the warning must be given using lights.

• In Bucharest and other towns, the use of the horn is prohibited and signs to this effect (‘Claxonarea interzisă’) warn of this regulation.

Parking regulations:

• Beware of fake parking agents around crowded central areas. During the daytime, the parking areas on the side of the street are regulated by official parking agents who wear uniforms and issue receipts. At night time, street people will try to assist you with parking and may ask for money. In case you can’t find any other parking spot except the one offered by the fake parking agents, it’s recommended to give them 1-2 LEI. You should download the ‘Am parcat’ or the ‘Parking Bucuresti’ application for free from the AppStore or Google Play and create a personal account to help you park more easily in the capital and to quickly pay the price of the

occupied space. Parking in zone 0, 1 and 2, between 08:00 and 20:00, from Monday to Sunday, will cost 5 lei per hour. Drivers who fail to pay the parking fee risk fines of 200 lei per day, wheel clamping, and even vehicle towing. Moreover, drivers who park illegally are subject to fines ranging from 290 lei to 725 lei, in addition to 2 or 3 penalty points.

• Hybrid and electric vehicles registered in Bucharest (green plates) will be able to use the public parking of general utility in Bucharest freely.

• If possible, use underground parking or secured parking areas.

• Drivers must stop or park their vehicles on the right-hand side of the road or street in the direction of traffic and as near as possible to the pavement or to the edge of the road.

• ‘Stopping’ means that a vehicle remains stationary for less than five minutes; remaining stationary for more than five minutes is considered as parking.

Enforcement of parking regulations:

• A vehicle which is parked illegally may be clamped and towed away. A fine is imposed in all cases.

• Parking spaces reserved for disabled motorists are indicated by the international sign of the wheelchair.

BUCHAREST ROAD NETWORK

The city’s municipal road network is centred on a series of high-capacity boulevards (6 to 10 lanes), which generally radiate out from the city centre to the outskirts and are arranged in geographical axes (principally north-south, east-west and northwestsoutheast).

The principal and thus, most congested boulevards are Calea Victoriei, Bulevardul Unirii and Mihai Bravu Boulevard, which is the longest in

Bucharest and forms a sort of semicircle around the north-eastern part of the old district.

The city’s roads are usually very busy during rush hours due to an increase in car ownership in recent years. Every day, there are more than one million vehicles travelling within the city limits.

BUCHAREST ROAD NETWORK

Bucharest has the largest transportation network in Romania and one of the largest in Europe. It consists of both an underground and a surface transportation network. Although there are multiple connection points, the two systems operate independently of each other. They are run by different organisations (the metro, by Metrorex and the surface transport network, by STB), using an integrated ticketing system. Surface transport consists of an extensive network of buses, trolleys, trams and light rail, carrying about 1.7 million passengers daily.

The service operates 85 bus lines, 23 tram lines, one light rail line and 15 trolleybus lines, making it one of the busiest in Europe and the fourth largest on the continent. At times, however, it does suffer from severe overcrowding, especially during rush hour..

Buses

Before taking the bus or tram, make sure you have bought your ticket.

For that, you need to find an STB distribution network centre and buy an ACTIV card.

Starting 1st August 2021, the transport system throughout the Bucharest-Ilfov Region has changed substantially. The concept of metropolitan lines has been implemented (which brings together all urban, regional and express lines), by applying the temporal fares and creating several types of subscriptions and integrating the fare offer with that of the metro.

trips

trip – 90 minutes

trips – 90 minutes

trips – 90 minutes

and metro trips

(VAT included)

* Metropolitan trip: Travel in Bucharest-Ilfov using surface transport with unlimited transfers within the specified time. Metropolitan trip and metro: Travel in Bucharest-Ilfov using surface transport and metro with unlimited transfers within the specified time.

** The prices are subject to change. Check the latest prices on their website: https://www.stb.ro/modplata or on the City Hall website: https://tpbi.ro/tarife /. For further and more detailed information on tickets, subscriptions and payment methods: http://stbsa.ro/index

Buses stop only at designated bus stops and won’t stop on request. See the map: https://www.stb.ro/linii

PAY your journey via SMS with your mobile phone.

With a single SMS at 7458, available on all national mobile networks, passengers can purchase a metropolitan trip with a validity of 90 minutes for 0.65 euro + VAT, or a metropolitan subscription with a validity of 24 hours 1.50 euro + VAT.

The SMS must be sent before boarding public transport vehicles. After that, you

will receive a message on your mobile phone confirming your payment and a code. If the conductor asks you for proof of payment, show them this code which is valid only on the mobile phone on which the payment was made.

Suppose the validity period of the transportation ticket expires before finalising the trip by surface public transport vehicles. In that case, it is necessary to purchase a new transportation ticket by SMS to continue the trip.

More details and the updated prices are here: https://www.stb.ro/modplata

Pay your journey via a contactless bank card directly to the validator.

This form of payment is available for Otokar and hybrid Mercedes Citaro buses, night trams (1 and 10) and tram 41. It offers the passengers more flexibility because it allows payment with any contactless card, Mastercard, Maestro or Visa, issued anywhere in the world.

The trips’ prices are set out in the STB SA price list, without commission or other charges, regardless of the type of card one uses.

Night Buses

The hub for night buses in Bucharest is Unification ‘Unirii’ Square. Access on the bus is done only through door 1, and travellers are required to validate the ride (performed by the driver).

Succession intervals of buses:

• between 23:00 and 01:00 = 40 minutes

• between 01:00 and 03:00 = 120 minutes

• between 03:00 and 04:30 = 40 minutes

Here is the map for the night buses in Bucharest: https://www.stb.ro/orar

Buses in Bucharest are not all lowfloor, but they enable all customers, including people using wheelchairs or other mobility impairments, to get on and off. Every bus has a retractable ramp which must be in full working order. The driver will help people with mobility impairments.

Travel Card Validation:

• When validating, the card must be held 2-3 seconds at a distance of about 1-2 cm of the central area of the validating device – which is marked with a black disk- so that all the information on the card can be scrolled.

• The correct validation is confirmed by a short audible signal, the ignition of the green light and the appearance of the message ‘Călătorie plăcută’ (Have a nice journey) on the display of the validating device. The following website has a useful video for validating the ticket correctly: https://www.stb.ro/carduri

Contraventions:

• When asked by STB ticket controllers, passengers must present the travel cards they are using. Owners of nominal subscriptions and bus-passes have to present their IDs, when asked. Passengers travelling without a valid travel card will be sanctioned by

STB controllers, with the payment of a journey overload of 50 lei up to 80 lei/offence or through an offence report.

• Controllers identify themselves with a nominal STB ID and with the badge (where the ID number is mentioned) and have to give the identified offender the finding proof (under regulation no 156/2001 of the General Assembly of Bucharest City).

• When offenders don’t pay the super tax on the spot, payment can be made within 48 hours at any STB centre for card loading and reloading.

• Cards must be validated at the special devices immediately after boarding the public transportation vehicle.

• The journey fee deduced when validating the electronic wallet is valid only for one person, for one journey, on a semi-route, with no interruption, only in the vehicle where it was validated.

• Subscriptions and bus passes will be used only for the means they have been issued for.

• Nominal Activ cards and nominal bus passes cannot be used by other passengers.

• The offence report written for offences in the public transportation vehicles can be challenged within 15 days from the day it was reported.

• Complaints against the offence reports written by STB controllers can be made at the special district court (judicial court), in the area where the offence has been detected.

Bucharest Metro/ Subway

(www.metrorex.ro)

It’s not the biggest underground railway system in the world, but for people who use the Bucharest metro every day

(over 500,000 daily journeys are made, to be precise) it’s the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to and from work.

Almost 70 km long, with 51 stations, running between 05:00 and 23:00, Bucharest subway first opened for service in 1979. At rush hours, trains run at six-minute intervals, but on line 2, which crosses the centre, they run every 3 minutes. During the rest of the day, trains run at eight to nine-minute intervals, as they do on weekends.

Tickets for Bucharest Metro

You will need magnetic stripe cards, which can be used only for underground trips.

single trip card 3 Lei

two-trip card 6 Lei

1-day card 8 Lei

72-hour card 20 Lei

10-trip card 25 Lei

Unlimited weekly pass 30 Lei

Unlimited monthly pass 80 Lei

Unlimited 6-month pass 400 Lei

Unlimited 1-year pass 700 Lei

You can also use the STB magnetic card to pay for an integrated bus Check the prices on page 15.

*The prices are subject to change. Check the latest prices on their website: https://www.metrorex.ro/services

The trip cards are mainly purchased with cash from the selling points at metro stations.

Methods of payment for the trip titles:

• With cash

• at pay-desks, access booths and automatic vending machines;

• By Bank cards

• at pay-desks (there are stickers that inform travelers about the possibility of paying the trip titles by cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, Visa Electron and Maestro);

• at the automatic vending machines;

• at the access gates or terminals especially installed for contactless technology.

Some dos and don’ts:

• Be careful not to lose or damage the metro card, because you will lose your money. Metro cards are not linked to personal data, so you will not be reimbursed for the unused trips.

• Make sure you have cash before going to an underground station.

• Access to platforms is via steps and escalators.

• Stand on the right when using escalators.

• You will spend about three to four minutes before getting from one station to another, so keep an eye on the electric panels so as not to miss your destination and need to return.

• In the stations there is signage indicating the area you may want to exit/visit. You can also ask anyone where to go to reach your destination.

• Check the front of the train for the destinations because there are trains which run in different directions from the same station.

• Avoid, if possible, rush hours (weekdays from 7:00 – 9:00 and from 18:00 – 20:00).

• Stand behind the yellow line while waiting for the train.

• Offer your seat to anyone who is elderly, pregnant, not well or with small children. Don’t block the doorways for other passengers.

• There is internet Wi-Fi in the stations but not on trains.

Tudor Arghezi

TAXI IN BUCHAREST

Taxis in Bucharest are yellow. They can be stopped on the street if the light on their roof is green. They can also be booked by telephone or via mobile apps. Fares are metered.

Payment in cash is advisable, as not many accept credit or debit cards.

You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like.

Beware of the fake taxi drivers. You may be approached by such private drivers offering a service. You can recognise them by their increased price (way higher than the average price), very insistent attitude, price meter facing the driver making it difficult for the passengers to see the costs.

The cost of the trip is never set in advance; you should always pay what the price meter indicates.

Please note that during rush hours (8:00 to 9:00 and 18:00 to 19:00) it is hard to get a Taxi and the traffic in Bucharest is a nightmare, especially during autumn and winter.

Booking a taxi by phone or via apps guarantees you a safe trip and a track record if necessary.

Here is a list of safe taxi companies in Bucharest and some prices:

*The prices are subject to changes. Check the latest prices on their website pages.

You can also book a taxi via a mobile application here:

https://www.free-now.com/ro-en/ http://www.gtitaxi.ro/index.php?lang=EN https://bolt.eu/cities/bucharest/ https://www.uber.com/ro/en/ride/

USEFUL APPS

UBER

(www.uber.com/ro/en)

UBER is not fully regulated in Romania; however their system is up and running. They operate only in Bucharest and their services are better than the local yellow cabs.

Their prices for the normal, UberX service vary from 1.3 LEI/KM to 4 LEI/ KM, depending on various factors including weather conditions and demand. A surge can apply in case of heavy traffic, bad weather conditions, etc. The best route for your drive is shown by the UBER navigation system. Thus, the driver is unable to make the trip longer than it should be by taking advantage of the fact that you might not know the surroundings. Uber also has a Women for Women programme through which female drivers can opt to exclusively receive orders from women.

In order to use their service, simply download their app on your mobile phone, supports both IOS and Android.

*The prices are subject to changes. Check the latest prices on their website.

BOLT

(https://bolt.eu/en/cities/ bucharest/)

Bolt is a relatively new method of transportation in Bucharest.

Their drivers are more attentive to customers’ needs, and the service is a very comfortable alternative to public transport, at an affordable price. Bolt offers the ‘Women for Women’ option, enabling female drivers to accept rides requested solely by other women, while female passengers can request rides driven exclusively by women. The prices vary from 1.3 lei/km (standard option) to 1.56 lei for the ‘Comfort’ option.

Prices could be different depending on the weather or rush hour. You have the option to choose a car where the driver remains isolated from you, and Bolt is also an eco- friendly company that offers you the opportunity to travel by offsetting CO2 emissions.

At the moment, Bolt has one of the fastest response times from their drivers (depending on your location). You can easily track the ride by watching the navigation system that the drivers use or by checking the app from your phone.

The app is accessible for both iOS and Android.

BlackCab

(www.blackcab.ro/en)

BlackCab is another local taxi system; they focus on high service quality with reliable drivers, clean and modern vehicles. The price is always set in advance by the operator or the mobile app. They are offering advance booking by both phone and mobile app.

CAR RENTAL

If you are not traveling to Romania with your personal vehicle, it might take you a while until you manage to buy a car locally. In case you need to rent, please see below a list of car rental services:

Hertz

Address: Otopeni – Bucharest, 224E Bucureștilor Avenue, Building Corp AS4, 1st Floor, East Side Phone: +40 21 204 12 78

Email: office@hertz.ro

Web: www.hertz.ro/en

Avis

Address: 51 Theodor Pallady Bvd., 4th floor, Bucharest Phone: +40 21 210 43 44

Email: reservations@avis.ro Web: www.avis.ro/en

Budget

Address: 9 Mihail Moxa St., Bucharest Phone: +40 21 210 28 67

Email: reservations@budget.ro

Web: www.budget.ro/en

Europcar

Address: Otopeni International Airport, 24E, Calea Bucurestilor St., Otopeni, Ilfov

Phone: +40 748 889 535

Email: office@europcar.com.ro

Web: www.europcar.ro/en

Sixt

Address: Otopeni International Airport

Phone: +40 21 9400

Email: reservation@sixt.ro Web: www.sixt.ro/en

AIR TRAVEL

Every year, Romania’s airports break new records for the growing number of passengers travelling through its gates. It’s not only the country’s main airport, Henri Coanda but also smaller ones that have received an unexpected surge in the number of visitors in the past years. With direct international flights and many options for domestic flights, flying via Romania remains the fastest way to start your vacation.

Henri Coandă International Airport

Address: 224E, Calea Bucureștilor St., Otopeni, Ilfov, Romania

General: +40 21 204 10 00

Information Departures:

+40 21 204 12 10 / +40 21 204 12 00

Information Arrivals:

+40 21 204 12 20 / +40 21 204 12 24

Website: www.bucharestairports.ro

Located 16.5 km North of Bucharest centre, it has an operational capacity of 39 aircrafts/hour with:

• 6.000.000 passengers per year processing capacity

• 2 terminals (Departures & Arrivals)

• 104 check-in counters

• 57 boarding gates

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

You should request special assistance when you reserve your ticket. Thus, the agent responsible for boarding will know the type of assistance needed and you will be helped by a qualified person.

From the Airport

Taxi • Located at the exit of the Arrivals Terminal (first floor).

You can order a taxi using the touch screen devices available at the Arrivals Terminal, in the public area. Keep the ticket you receive, as it has the car’s number on it and the waiting time. Show it to the taxi driver before getting in the car.

Charges for the taxi system: maximum price for distance – 3.5 lei/km.

Do not let yourself be approached by fake taxi drivers!

Bus • Located in front of the Arrivals Terminal and Departure Terminal.

783 Express line connects the Bucharest International Airport with Piaţa Unirii (Union Square), while making stops at other important public places, such as Piaţa Romană, Piaţa Universităţii, Piaţa Victoriei.

783 Express line is non-stop during the week and weekends/holidays.

The price for one way trip is 7 LEI.

Train • The train provides a fast connection between Henri Coandă Airport and Bucharest North Railway Station.

Trains run 24 hours a day, every 40 minutes.

The duration of the trip is approx. 20 minutes.

Here are some estimated travelling times for direct international flights from Bucharest to some of Europe’s main destinations and from Bucharest to other Romanian cities. Please note that these travelling times depend on your chosen flying operators.

London, UK

Dublin, Ireland

Paris, France

Vienna, Austria

Frankfurt, Germany

Munich, Germany

Madrid, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Rome, Italy

Milan, Italy

Athens, Greece

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Lisbon, Portugal

3h 15min Cluj-Napoca

3h 26min Timisoara

2h 50min Craiova

1h 39min Constanta

2h 08min Sibiu

1h 49min Targu-Mures

3h 21min Arad

2h 45min Oradea

1h 45min Satu-Mare

1h 59min Baia-Mare

1h 29min Bacau

2h 32min Iasi

3h 57min Suceava

0h 52min

1h 0min

1h 0min

0h 42min

0h 43min

0h 47min

1h 1min

1h 2min

1h 3min

1h 0min

0h 45 min

0h 52min

0h 55min

Satu Mare

Oradea Baia Mare

Cluj Napoca

Arad

Timișoara

Craiova

Sibiu

Târgu Mureș

RAILROAD TRANSPORT

The Romanian railway network (C.F.R.Caile Ferate Romane) is now the fourth largest in Europe by total track length, comprising 22,298 km (13,855 mi). Of these, some 8,585 km are electrified. The route length is 10,788 km.

The first railway line on Romania’s present-day territory was opened on 20 August 1854 (SOURCE: Wikipedia) Apart from the national network, Romania is well connected with other neighbouring countries, offering the possibility to travel to and from Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Austria, etc.

Bucharest has several train stations throughout and around the city, the main one being Gara de Nord. Other main stations include Băneasa, Obor, Basarab and the newest one – Otopeni Airport.

Gara de Nord, first opened in 1872, is the hub to every destination in Romania and also other European cities. The other stations only see around five trains a day and are not considered ‘important’ stations.

You can find some more information regarding train schedules and stations at www.cfrcalatori.ro/en. Details about the trains from Gara de Nord – Otopeni Airport can be found here: https:// www.inyourpocket.com/bucharest/ Arrival-and-Departure

Please Note: Although big in size, the Romanian railway system has been partially modernised; most of the infrastructure is outdated. Avoid long train trips, especially the ones involving older train models. Delays are very often, even more so in the wintertime.

Bacău

Constanța

Aurel Vlaicu

Bucharest

Henri Coandă

Iași

Suceava

MEDICAL

MEDICAL INFORMATION

• If you happen to feel unwell, you can call your family doctor or contact Regina Maria hospital for appointments - 021 9268.

• If you need advice or have non-lifethreatening situations, call Regina Maria Hotline for medical advice - 021 9942. This service is included in your subscription.

• For emergencies, you can contact Ponderas Ambulance - 021 9886. Please note that this is a private service with an additional cost.

• For major emergencies or severe medical situations such as major accidents or serious health issues, please dial the emergency number 112 (Emergency Ambulance). This service is included in the state medical insurance.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

You can call the state emergency line 112 to request an ambulance. If needed, you will be able to request an operator who can speak English. When the ambulance arrives, the paramedics will

assess the situation and either prescribe treatment or take the patient to hospital. If you phone 112 and need to go to the hospital you will be taken to a state hospital.

You can request to be transferred to a private hospital once your condition has stabilised and doctors have given their approval.

Private healthcare networks also have ambulance services and A&E departments, but there are situations when patients would be taken to a state hospital in preference to a private hospital because of facilities/equipment and the level of care required. This is normally the case for major trauma incidents, car accidents and lifethreatening emergencies.

SPECIFIC ADVICE

• If you suspect your child has swallowed a poisonous or harmful substance:

• Call the TOXAPEL service (via Grigore Alexandrescu Children’s Hospital) on +40 21 210 61 83 or +40 21 210 62 82 (open 24/7) or take them straight to hospital. The first 30 minutes is critical with poisoning cases, so do not delay!

• If you are bitten by a dog:

• Wash out the wound with soap and lots of water, apply 40-70% alcohol (e.g., gin/whisky), and seek immediate medical attention. Go to Matei Bals National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Pavilion 4, Basement for the anti-rabies clinic, Institutul Național de Boli Infecțioase ‘Prof. Dr. Matei Balș’, 1 Dr. Calistrat Grozovici St..

• During Tick season (March –November in wooded areas)

• Use a repellent containing 20%30% DEET or 20% Picaridin. Reapply according to manufac- turer’s directions.

• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) and breathable garments, including long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck pants into socks.

• If available, apply a permethrin spray or solution to clothing and gear.

• When hiking in wooded areas, stay in the middle of the trail and avoid tall grasses and shrubs.

• Use a tarpaulin when sitting on the ground.

• Carefully examine your body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks before entering a dwelling.

• Promptly remove ticks using tweezers by grasping the tick’s head and mouth parts as much as possible and by pulling perpendicular from the skin. See ‘How to: Tick Edition’ for videos on removing ticks correctly.

• Thoroughly disinfect the bite site with soap and water or disinfectant. If travelling in an endemic area, save the tick in a zip-lock bag or container for up to 10 days (refrigerate live ticks; keep dead ticks in the freezer). Write down the date and location of your contact with the tick. Your healthcare practitioner may advise you to submit the tick for testing.

• If you develop symptoms of a tick-borne disease, contact your healthcare practitioner immediately.

• Apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

STATE HOSPITALS FOR EMERGENCIES

• For adults – Floreasca Emergency Hospital (Spitalul Clinic Floreasca): 8 Calea Floreasca , Bucharest, District 1, open 24/7, +40 21 599 23 00

• Does not accept children; they must be taken to the children’s hospital (see below).

• For adults – Municipal Emergency Hospital (Spitalul Universitar de Urgenta Bucuresti): 169 Splaiul Independenței, Bucharest, open 24/7, +40 21 318 05 23

• For children – Grigore Alexandrescu Children’s Emergency Hospital (Spitalul Clinic de Urgenţă pentru Copii ‘Grigore Alexandrescu’): 30 Iancu de Hunedoara Bvd., Bucharest, open 24/7, +40 21 316 93 66

PRIVATE HOSPITALS FOR EMERGENCIES

• For adults – Regina Maria Euroclinic Hospital: 14a Calea Floreasca, Bucharest:

• Emergency room open 08:00 –20:00; Phone: 021 92 08.

• For emergency care after 20:00 adults should go to Regina Maria Ponderas (see below).

• For children – Regina Maria Ponderas Academic Hospital: 85A Nicolae G. Caramfil St.., Bucharest, open 24/7; Phone: 021 9886.

• You can contact the Regina Maria call centre on 021 9268 – this gives you the option to talk to a doctor over the phone.

• You can also contact their emergency hotline:

• In Bucharest – Adults: +40 722 456 711; Children: +40 724 353 545.

• Outside of Bucharest – Adults: +40 724 239 337; Children: +40 724 353 545.

• The operators speak English and will determine what the issue is and whether an ambulance needs to be sent out. If an ambulance is sent then it will take the patient to either a Regina Maria hospital or a state hospital emergency room, depending on where the best treatment is available.

• Other private health networks also offer emergency care, e.g. MedLife & Sanador.

ACCESS TO FREE STATE HEALTH CARE

In Romania, foreigners who have acquired the right to stay in Romania are entitled to health care in the state system under the same conditions established by law for Romanian citizens. To access this, ensure that you obtain the Personal Numeric Code (CNP) for you and your family members and register with a family doctor as soon as possible.

BSB supports our staff to obtain the CNP and also pays relevant contributions to the health insurance system.

DOCTORS

Medical Concierge Regina Maria: Contact: Cristina Rusu Personal Healthcare Advisor

Phone: +40 720 111 610

Email: c.rusu@reginamaria.ro or cristina.r@reginamaria.ro

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 09:00 – 18:00

(*please don’t forget to add HR in cc)

Medical Hotline Regina Maria / ask a doctor 24/7 ( dial 021 9942)

Medical Insurance – Groupama

Contact: Main contact point Call Center: 021 9767

Hotline Medical: 021.9942

Account manager: Ramona Diaconeasa Ramona.Diaconeasa@groupama.ro/ 0724 712 389

General Practitioners – Family Doctors

Family Clinic (Dr Christina Popescu) Phone: +40 374 200 300 www.familyclinic.ro

Paediatrician - Family Clinic (Dr Christina Popescu) Phone: +40 374 200 300

www.familyclinic.ro

Dentist - MIKO DENTAL (Dr. Serban Atanasiu)

Phone: +40 766 407 782 www.mikodental.ro

Dentist and Orthodontist - Clinica Dr. Vereanu (Dr. Anca Vereanu)

Phone: +40 21 231 08 08 www.clinicavereanu.ro

SHOPPING

SHOPPING IN BUCHAREST

Shopping Malls

BĂNEASA SHOPPING CITY

Address: 42D București-Ploiești Road, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 306 55 05

Website: www.baneasa.ro

BUCUREȘTI MALL

Address: 55-59 Vitan Avenue, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 327 67 00

Website: www.bucurestimall.ro

JOLIE VILLE

Address: 103bis Erou Iancu Nicolae St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 206 80 01

Website: www.jolieville.ro

AFI CONTROCENI MALL

Address: 4 Bvd. General Vasile Milea

Phone: +40 314 257 510

Website: www.aficotroceni.ro

UNIREA SHOPPING CENTRE

Address: Unirii Square, 1, Bvd Unirii

Phone: +40 21 311 61 66

Website: www.unireashop.ro

PROMENADA MALL

Address: 246B Calea Floreasca, Bucharest

Phone: +40 730 246 246

Website: www.promenada.ro

PARKLAKE SHOPPING CENTER

Address: 4 Liviu Rebreanu St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 757 353 014

Website: www.parklake.ro

PLAZA ROMÂNIA

Address: 26 Timișoara Bvd., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 407 8464

Website: www.plazaromania.ro

Supermarkets

For all the large supermarkets you need a 50 bani coin for a trolley

• Mega Image – a wide selection of products particularly in larger shops. Imported and organic goods, gluten-free and sugar-free ranges, and their own brand is very good. Mega Image shops can be found throughout the city and their largest one (it has a cheese room!) is opposite Băneasa Shopping City Mall. They do online delivery.

• Carrefour – all the big brands, good toy selection, decent butcher’s counter – get them to mince your beef/pork fresh here (‘Un kg de carne tocata, vă rog!’). The Carrefour in Shopping City Băneasa Mall is very large. Other addresses are available online (www.carrefour.ro). They also do online delivery.

• Metro – cash and carry. You need a card to use this shop which Corporate Services can help you obtain. Good for buying in bulk, and has fresh fish and good frozen

lamb. Also has homeware, cleaning products and electronics. Address: 44D Bucuresti-Ploiesti Road (very near the Băneasa Mall, around the corner from BricoStore.) Website: www.metro.ro

• Selgros – as per Metro – a slightly nicer shopping experience. It also has good outdoor gear at reasonable prices, and a great fish counter. Address: 55-65 BucurestiPloiesti St. (off a slip road to the right before the underpass when heading from Băneasa into town). Website: www.selgros.ro

• Lidl – stocks some good European brands at competitive prices and has regular ‘international’ weeks. There is a store in Pipera (88 Erou Iancu Nicolae St.) and others around the city. Website: www.lidl.ro

• Kaufland – every Kaufland has a grill with ‘mici’ (grilled meat rolls), rotisserie chicken and chips. Website: www.kaufland.ro

MARKETS

Fruit and vegetables are very seasonal. In the summer there is fantastic fruit and tasty vegetables, but during winter months they can be sparse. Imported fruit is becoming more common in winter but it is more expensive, and quality can vary.

The best place to shop for fruit and veg is not at the supermarket but at a proper market (‘piața’). They are also good places to buy fresh meat. The main markets can be found at:

• Obor: enormous market with an indoor and outdoor part and a ‘must see’ in Bucharest. Good for buying cheap plants and flowers as well.

• Amzei: a five-minute walk from the British Embassy.

• Domenii: just off Ion Mihalache Blv, near the intersection with Alexandru Constantinescu St.

• Floreasca: Banul Antonache St. (just off Calea Floreasca); very good butcher’s counter (they will mince beef for you) but fruit and vegetables are very expensive. Useful if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the supermarket.

• Dorobanţi: 1-4 Calea Dorobanţilor St.; good for exotic imports. There are also couple of good restaurants in the market.

• Târgul Țăranului / the Ark: small organic farmers’ market downtown, at St.. Uranus and Cal.

Rahovei (the latter is where flower market is situated too). Only open on the weekends (check website for times www.targultaranului.ro).

HOME FURNISHINGS

• IKEA Romania / www.ikea.com 42A Bucuresti-Ploiesti Șos (next to Băneasa Shopping City). They have also started delivering to IKEA pick up points across the city.

57 Theodor Pallady Boulevard, District 3, Bucharest

• XXXLutz / www.xxxlutz.ro

1 Comertului St., Bucharest (towards the exit on A1 to Pitesti). Particularly good for curtains.

51D Theodor Pallady Boulevard, District 3, Bucharest

• Mobexpert / www.mobexpert.ro Băneasa Shopping City, 44C București-Ploiești Road

• TheHome / www.thehome.ro Home ware shop comprising items mainly from Danish designers. Large showroom and shop downtown (82 Popa Nan St.) and small shop in Dorobanți (16 Braziliei St.).

• JYSK / www.jysk.ro

KIDS

There are children’s shops all over Bucharest but some useful ones to know about are:

Bebe Tei – items for parents and babies from bottles and sterilisers to skincare, toys and car seats.

Shop at 62 Lacul Tei Bvd. or order online at www.bebetei.ro

Farmacia Tei – skincare, vitamins, baby food and children’s snacks (they carry the Ella’s Kitchen and Organix lines at reasonable prices), nappies, bottles etc. Various branches across the city including 154-158 Barbu Vacarescu Blv. and 56 Lacul Tei Blv. or order online at

www.farmaciatei.ro

Mothercare – clothes, toys and other baby equipment but tends to be very expensive. Shop located in Dorobanți at 5-7 Locotenent Aviator Radu Beller St.

Next – branch of the UK clothes chain. Shop in Băneasa Mall. Website: www. next.ro

Pepco – cheap and cheerful clothes

Electronics & Home Appliances

Emag www.emag.ro – online delivery ONLY: wide range of products including food, toys etc.

Media Galaxy www.mediagalaxy.ro

Altex www.altex.ro Flanco www.flanco.ro

AVStore www.avstore.ro

EvoMag www.evomag.ro

and household accessories. Various branches across the city. Website: www.pepco.ro

Emag & Amazon Germany for anything else you can’t find! www.emag.ro & www.amazon.de

ONLINE SHOPPING

You can purchase food from the comfort of your home that could be delivered to your house. Applications like Bringo, Glovo, Tazz by eMAG, Bolt Market, Freshful by eMAG, and Takeaway.com allow you to purchase a variety of products from supermarkets, pharmacies etc.

You would need to install them on your mobile device before you start purchasing.

DIY

Brico Depot www.bricodepot.ro Hornbach www.hornbach.ro Dedeman www.dedeman.ro

Leroy Merlin www.leroymerlin.ro

GOODS FROM UK

www.eshopwedrop.ro

Glovo, Bolt Food, Tazz, Freshful by eMAG, Bringo, Fan Delivery, Takeaway. The apps are available for free download on Google Play Store and App Store.

CUISINE, LEISURE AND RECREATION

ROMANIAN CUISINE

Romanian cuisine has a delightful, homemade character which brings together fresh, organic products into relatively uncomplicated and very delicious meals. Most of the dishes use pork, together with polenta (mămăligă ), cabbage and potatoes. Most of the recipes come from old peasant cooking with influences from neighbouring cultures like Turkish, Slavic, Hungarian and German.

Places to eat

Restaurants usually offer a good variety of Romanian dishes, plus the standard chicken, pork and beef.

Good salads are omnipresent. It’s recommended to make a reservation well in advance.

Bucharest Resturants

Hanu’ Berarilor www.hanuberarilor.ro/en

2 Poenaru Bordea St. +40 729 400 800

Caru’ cu Bere www.carucubere.ro/en/

5 Stavropoleos St. +40 726 282 373

La Mama www.lamama.ro

Kane

http://kane.dinesuperb.com/ 9 Dianei St. +40 314 100 016

Noua

https://nouarestaurant.ro/

7 Popa Nan St. +40 21 794 3294

La Cocosatu’ Clucerului for the best grilled meat rolls (Mici)

https://www.lacocosatu.ro/ +40 769 669 720

Hotels, especially the larger ones have restaurants open for non-guests.

Cafes are open throughout the day and usually offer food.

Street stands offer a cheap meal on the run. You can find a wide variety including kebabs, burgers, pizza, pretzels, doughnuts and many local pastries.

Canteens are very popular nowadays around business areas. This is where many employees have their lunch. You can find a wide variety of dishes, ranging from local to Italian, Turkish, etc.

Traditional food and drinks

Soups are the starting point of Romanian meals and they can be either ‘sweet’ or ‘sour’, the latter being called ciorbă. The most popular sour soup is ciorbă de burtă, a tripe soup with sour cream and garlic. Other local favourites are ciorbă de perişoare, made with meatballs and vegetables and ciorbă de văcuță, made with beef and vegetables. Stew or Tochitură is another main dish, usually comprised of fried pork or chicken mixed with tomatoes and/ or wine sauce. Traditionally served with polenta, it works very well with bread.

Grilled meat rolls, locally called Mici or Mititei, consist of spicy minced meat, rolled and grilled on the barbeque; they are served with mustard, bread and a cold beer. It can be served in restaurants, as well as street stands. Most delicious Mici are made out of a combination of meats, usually pork and mutton or pork and beef.

Sarmale cu mămăliguță - there is no Romanian traditional meal without Sarmale. They are made of minced meat, usually pork, mixed with rice and

herbs rolled in pickled cabbage leaves or vine leaves. Served with polenta, hot peppers and sour cream, they are definitely a must try. It’s very likely that this dish was adapted from the Ottoman Empire.

Salată de boeuf is a salad made of sliced boiled vegetables (potatoes, carrots, parsnips, peas) mixed with pickled peppers and cucumbers. Homemade mayonnaise is added along with boiled chicken or beef.

Eggplant salad or salată de vinete is very easy to prepare and has a great, fresh taste. Eggplants are grilled, peeled and chopped, then mixed with onion, mayonnaise and sometimes garlic. Variations of this dish are found in many countries around the Balkan area.

Zacuscă is a traditional vegetarian meal. Prepared during the autumn and bottled in jars, it’s served spread on a slice of bread, especially during the winter or during fasting time. The main ingredients are grilled eggplants and red peppers, although there are many variations of zacuscă including with beans, fish, mushrooms, etc.

Desserts are a strong point of the local cuisine, so be sure to try them out. The two favourites competing for the number 1 spot are Cozonac , a sweetbread with cocoa, raisins and Turkish delight and Papanaşi, made from fried dough, stuffed with sweetened cheese and covered with jam (preferably blueberry or sour cherry) and a lot of sour cream.

Țuică is a strong spirit with approximately 40% alcohol. It’s distilled from plums and sometimes from pears or a mix of fruits. In the Northern area of Romania it’s distilled twice, resulting in a stronger form called Pălincă. Țuică is usually served in small shot glasses before meals in order to stimulate the appetite.

Vineyards

It might come as a surprise when you hear that Romania is one of the top wine producers on both the European and global scales.

Having a suitable terrain, soil and climate, as well as experience dating back to B.C. times, Romania produces an average of 4.5 million hectolitres of wine per year. Most of the Romanian wine is consumed domestically, the main export markets being England, Bulgaria, Germany and China.

Although all of Romania’s regions have vineyards, some of the most well-established are:

• Cramele Avincis www.avincis.ro

• Cramele Recaș www.cramelerecas.ro

• Cramele Jidvei www.jidvei.ro

• Cramele Cotnari www.cotnari.ro

• Cramele Murfatlar www.murfatlar.com

• Cramele Știrbey www.stirbey.com

• Cramele Urlați www.domeniileurlati.ro

• Lacerta Wine ry www.lacertawinery.ro

• Davino Winery www.davino.ro

• Crama Budureasca www.budureasca.ro

MUST SEE PLACES IN BUCHAREST

Calea Victoriei represents ‘The Street’ of Bucharest. The only one that crosses Bucharest from north to south, the first to be paved and lit, the artery from the city centre and from the palace to the countryside residence of Mogoșoaia. Calea Victoriei embraces a series of noble palaces and certainly some of the most beautiful buildings of the city, including the Enescu Museum, the former Cantacuzino palace. These buildings were homes for noble and extravagant women, famous artists, princes and ballerinas. Calea Victoriei was also the theatre of the 1989 revolution. Here the protest that concluded in the escape and death of Ceausescu started. Finally, you can imagine how Bucharest was in the fabulous 20s, when it was often referred to as the Paris of the East. A rich city, full of shops, cafés, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. A real capital city, cosmopolitan and multicultural.

Cișmigiu Park is the oldest park in the city, it is a real peaceful oasis for everybody who lives in the busy city of Bucharest. It was opened in 1854 with 30,000 planted trees and exotic plants. It includes a lake (now man-made), playgrounds, cafés and restaurants. You can rent small paddling boats and have a fun tour of the lake or simply relax on one of the benches of the park listening to the birds singing.

If you fancy a game of chess, there is a reserved area with marble tables where you can sit and play. The surroundings of the park tell us different stories of Bucharest: the monarchy and its Royal Palace, the Bucharest of the ‘20s with cinemas and theatres, hotels and restaurants. On the south is the river Dâmbovița, on the north an outlook of Bucharest in the past with orthodox churches, villas with well cared for gardens and palaces.

Bucharest is a city of contrast that needs a bit of effort to be discovered, but once you make that effort you will be pleasantly surprised. Here are a few spots to explore if you are new to the city, to appreciate and get a feeling for it.

Pasajul Victoria , just off Calea Victoriei - A small alleyway off Bucharest’s ‘Champs-Élysées’, Calea Victoriei. You can easily see the rainbow-coloured umbrellas from the road, so it’s not hard to spot. In fact, you’ll probably stumble across this alley without even trying during your trip to Bucharest.

Cărturești Carusel - One of the most beautiful bookstores in Bucharest, if not the world, you simply can’t miss a trip to Cărturești Carusel while you are in Bucharest. It’s hard to miss, as this massive six-storey bookstore is located right on Lipscani, one of the main streets of Bucharest’s Old Town.

Palace of the Parliament - Some people find the Palace of the Parliament an eyesore; some find it beautiful. But you should be aware of its history before just posing for Instagram in front of it.

Most Romanians have a complicated relationship with this building, as it represents a lot of the trauma that Ceaușescu inflicted on the nation.

For one, much of the city’s old streets were razed just to develop this massive complex – seven square kilometres, forcing out 40,000 residents. Work on the ‘People’s Palace’ was mostly completed by the forced labour of soldiers and ‘volunteers’ and the work was backbreaking and exhausting. Some estimate that 3,000 people died during the construction of the Palace. It is worth booking a tour to know more and visit inside.

http://cic.cdep.ro/en/visiting/visitingroutes

Palatul Cantacuzino is also on Calea Victoriei. Built in the early 20 th century for the former mayor of Bucharest, the palace changed hands several times in its first 50 years of existence. In 1956, the palace became a museum dedicated to the musical composer George Enescu.

Romanian Atheneum exterior and interior - yet another building just off Calea Victoriei, the Romanian Athenaeum is a still-functioning concert hall and philharmonic in the centre of Bucharest and is one of its most recognisable buildings.

Cișmigiu Gardens - the ‘Central Park’ of Bucharest, the Cișmigiu Gardens are a wonderful oasis from the chaotic traffic of Bucharest. Done

in the English garden style, this park is truly unique and easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in Bucharest. There is a beautiful artificial lake with fountains, monuments, a beautiful bridge, many benches and trees which look even more beautiful in autumn! The streets around Cișmigiu Gardens are also well worth a wander, as they are beautiful, ornate and very peaceful. Location: Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta.

Primăverii Palace - the residence of Ceaușescu when in power, now a sort of museum with masterpieces and the taste of the 70s and 80s - his and his wife’s extravaganza! Book a tour with a guide to have an insight into life and history during that period in Romania.

Also interesting is the page on Bucharest provided by Lonely Planet: www. lonelyplanet.com/romania/ Bucharest

Botanical Garden: gradina-botanica.unibuc.ro

National Military Museum: www.muzeulmilitar.ro

MUSEUMS

Village Museum - this can be a nice morning out. The museum is outdoors and has a collection of typical old Romanian cottages from all the different areas in the country.

Address: 28-30 Pavel Kiseleff St. Phone: +40 21 317 9100

Website: www.muzeul-satului.ro/en/

National Museum of Art in Romania - The museum showcases a rich collection of national and European art spanning centuries, offering insight into the country’s artistic evolution.

Address: 49-52 Calea Victoriei Bvd., Phone: +40 21 313 3000

Website: www.mnar.arts.ro/en/

National Museum of Geologyeven if you are not a passionate geologist, the Geology Museum promises to be an interesting activity. They have a wealth

of material on display and although all of the captions are in Romanian, there are increasingly English translations alongside these. The Geology Museum hosts regular events, workshops and temporary exhibitions, including a summer school. The museum is opposite the Peasant Museum and backs onto Kiseleff Park.

Address: 2 Pavel Kiseleff Road Phone: +40 21 212 89 52 Website: www.geology.ro

National Museum of Contemporary Art - The museum is housed in the Parliament Palace and showcases contemporary Romanian art, including various temporary exhibitions by international artists.

Address: 2-4 Izvor St., Wing E4 Phone: +40 21 318 9137

Website: www.mnac.ro

National Museum of Modern Art

- The museum offers a diverse collection of modern artworks by Romanian and international artists, providing a glimpse into the vibrant world of modern creativity.

Address: 62-68 Calea Moșilor Phone: +40 21 314 7168

Website: www.mnam.ro/en/

THEATRES AND OPERA HOUSES

National Theatre Bucharest

- Established in 1852, the National Theatre Bucharest is not only a cultural landmark but also a hub for classic and contemporary Romanian drama, attracting both locals and international visitors with its diverse repertoire.

Address: 2 Nicolae Bălcescu Bvd. Phone: +40 21 314 7171

Website: www.tnb.ro

Romanian Athenaeum - With its stunning neoclassical architecture and renowned acoustics, the Romanian Athenaeum is not only a premier venue for classical music concerts but also hosts a variety of cultural events, making it a must-visit for any art enthusiast in Bucharest.

Address: 1-3 Franklin St. Phone: +40 21 315 6875

Website: www.fge.org.ro

Bucharest National Opera - As one of the most prestigious opera houses in Eastern Europe, the Bucharest National Opera showcases world-class productions of opera, ballet, and classical music, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for audiences from around the globe.

Address: 70-72 Mihail Kogălniceanu Bvd. Phone: +40 21 314 6980

Website: www.operanb.ro

Bulandra Theatre - Known for its avant-garde approach to theatre and thought-provoking performances, Bulandra Theatre is a cultural hotspot where visitors can engage with contemporary Romanian and international plays, providing a unique insight into the country’s artistic landscape.

Address: 2 Schitu Măgureanu Bvd. Phone: +40 21 315 5678

Website: www.bulandra.ro

Bran Castle is located on the historical border between Transylvania and Wallachia in the immediate vicinity of Brașov. Also known as Dracula’s Castle, it draws a huge number of tourists, especially during summertime. For more details, please visit: www.bran-castle.com

Transfăgărășan road is a highaltitude mountain road in the southern Carpathian Mountains reaching 2042 m at its highest point – second highest after Transalpina. It starts near the city of Pitesti and stretches for almost 90 Km. It was built by Nicolae Ceausescu between 1970 and 1974 as a quick military access road.

In 2009 Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond named it ‘the most beautiful road’.

For more details, please visit: www.transfagarasan.net

MUST SEE PLACES IN ROMANIA

Peleș Castle - located in Sinaia on the Prahova Valley, the castle was built between 1873 and 1914 as a summer residence for the Romanian Kings. It’s an easy drive from Bucharest on the way to Brașov and definitely one of the top tourist attractions. For more details, please visit: www.peles.ro

Brașov is one of the biggest cities in Romania, located in the central part of the country, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and part of the historical region of Transylvania. There are many tourist sites to visit in Brașov, including the famous Black Church. Winter sports enthusiasts will find a variety of skiing tracks around the city. For more details, please visit: www.ghid-brasov.ro

Turda Salt Mine located in Cluj County is one of the oldest salt mines ever known with over 2000 years of history. After descending 120 meters below ground, you will find the largest salt mine museum in the world, with futuristic attractions all around. For more details, please visit: www.salinaturda.eu

The Merry Cemetery of Săpânța is located in Maramureș County in the far North of the country, very close to the Ukrainian border. Over 800 wooden crosses carry the life stories, dirty details and last moments of the dead, all of it displayed in colourful, bright, hand-crafted artwork. These are the stories of all the people who died in Săpânța, since 1935 until the present day. For more details please visit: www.infoviseu.ro/en/

If you are planning to spend your holidays in Romania, you will find below links to some interesting locations and places to stay, very useful:

Sea: https://calatorinbascheti.ro/ litoralul-romanesc/

Mountains:

https://satulbanului.ro/ https://calatorinbascheti.ro/locul-nestiutde-la-munte-cu-piscina-unde-te-vei-simtirasfatat/

https://balvanyosresort.ro/ro/ https://popasulcraiului.ro/

Danube Delta: https://www.newlebadaresort.com/en/

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUBS

Bucharest Golf Club - This club offers a premier golfing experience with well-maintained courses and facilities designed for both beginners and seasoned golfers.

Adress: Ștefan St., Tâncăbești, Ilfov

Phone: +40 744 575 070

Website: www.bucharest.golf

Stejarii Country Club www.stejariicountryclub.ro/golf

Located in Băneasa Forest, surrounded by a green and fresh area, Stejarii Country Club extends over an impressive area of approximately 22,000 square metres, perfectly combining adult and children’s outdoor and indoor sport activities, with an accent on social and business networking. Stejarii Country Club can be a destination in itself. For Romanian or foreign tourists visiting Bucharest, offers specific one day packages, both for sporting and spa areas.

Address: 14A Jandarmeriei St. Phone: +40 744 332 155

Diplomatic Golf Club Bucharest

Being located in the northern Herastrau Park, the Diplomatic Club is an area in which guests are offered many opportunities for recreation, from playing sports like golf, tennis, soccer and swimming to spending a pleasant

time with friends and family. For lovers of outdoor parties, pool lounge areas or pool bars with delicious cocktails prepared by professional bartenders, it offers a cool alternative to the summer heat of the city. The Diplomatic Club also features a superb restaurant for private or corporate events in spectacular gardens or an outdoor environment.

Address: Demis Papillon Golf Academy / Diplomatic Club, 2B București - Ploiești St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 765 214 559

Website: www.en.demigolf.ro

Lac de Verde – Golf & Leisure Resort

This resort offers a serene escape with its comprehensive golf facilities and leisure activities, set in the picturesque surroundings of Breaza, Prahova.

Address: 54 Caraiman St., Breaza, Prahova

Phone: +40 754 093 291

Website: www.lacdeverde.ro/en

HORSERIDING

Cavalcada

Address: 79 Eroilor Blvd, Voluntari

Phone: +40 722 432 990

Website: www.cavalcada.ro

Equestria

Adress: Hipodromului St., Tâncăbești, Snagov Village

Phone: +40 749 137 094

Website: www.equestria.ro/en/

BIKE RENTAL

iVelo – Bike Sharing System

Website: www.ivelo.ro/en

City Link

Website: www.citylink.ro/en/ride/ Bate Șaua

Address: 13 Sf. Spiridon St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 722 736 694

Website: www.batesaua.ro

ICE SKATING

Cotroceni on Ice

Adress: AFI Palace Cotroceni Mall, 4 Doina Cornea Blvd, Bucharest

Phone: +40 724 064 766

Website: www.aficotroceni.ro/brands/ distractie/ ice-rink

Grand Arena

Adress: 12-18 Metalurgiei St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 734 353 350

Website: www.grandarena.ro

UNIC Ice

Adress: Center Mall, 151-171, Progresului St. (2nd floor)

Phone: +40 720 708 758

Website: www.unicice.ro

WATER PARKS, SWIMMING POOLS

Therme Bucharest

www.en.therme.ro

Located in the town of Balotești, about 10 kilometres north of Bucharest’s city centre, Therme Bucharest is one of the largest relaxation and entertainment centres in Europe. The centre is divided

into three major sectors, each of them with a specific theme. The Palm, as the name says, is an area dedicated to relaxation among 500 palm trees, the largest garden of this type in Europe. The Elysium area is designed for thermal saunas and for those who would like to enjoy a nice massage. The third sector is the centre of entertainment. Here you can have fun in a pool with waves – the largest one in Romania – or you can ride down one of the many toboggan slides. And when you’re tired enough, you can stop for a drink at the pool bar.

Adress: DN1, Otopeni - Balotești.

Divertiland www.divertiland.ro/lang=en

1st Divertismentului St., A1 Km13, Chiajna – Ilfov +40 21 9446

Floreasca Club https://clubfloreasca.ro/

1 Mircea Eliade Bvd., Bucharest +40 21 319 81 77

Radisson Blu

www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/ radisson-blu-bucharest

63 - 81 Calea Victoriei Blvd, Bucharest +40 21 311 90 00

Dinamo Club www.csdinamo.eu/en/agrement-natatie 7-9 Ștefan cel Mare Blvd, Bucharest +40 21 210 51 35

Crowne Plaza Hotel www.crowne-plaza.bucharest-hotel. com/en

1 Poligrafiei Bvd., Bucharest +40 372 135 000

Ramada Park Hotel www.ramadabucharestparc.ro

3-5 Poligrafiei Blvd, Bucharest +40 21 549 2000

GYM, FITNESS & SPA

World Class

www.worldclass.ro/en/ World Class are popular gyms located around Bucharest offering personal training, fitness equipment, group classes, pools and spa treatments as well as fitness classes. Membership costs vary according to your requirements and club location. Classes are offered for children from 4-12 in gymnastics and

karate for example. There are dedicated ‘Born to Move’ classes teaching preschoolers. The World Class gym in Jolie Ville, Pipera is popular as it is possible to leave your kids playing at Jolie Kid’s House whilst you train (by prior arrangement with Jolie Ville Kid’s House management).

Pescariu Sports & Spa https://pescariusports.ro/ 3 Glodeni St., Bucharest +4 0372 731 972

Magic Gym

www.magic-gym.ro

116 Chitilei St., Bucharest +40 732 010 063

Downtown Fitness

www.downtownfitness.ro

60 Ion Mihalache Bvd., Bucharest +40 31 438 08 29

Stay Fit

www.stayfit.ro

Pantelimon: 1 Chișinău Bvd., +40 31 425 53 28 | Titulescu: 171 Nicolae Titulescu St., +40 754 450 828 | Teiul Doamnei: 35A Teiul Doamnei St., +40 753 984 003

Beat 45

www.beat45.ro

111 Calea Floreasca St., Bucharest +40 314 260 237

CrossFit

www.crossfitnordbvs.ro

67-77, Biharia St., Bucharest +40 740 540 876

TENNIS

Diplomatic Club - an exclusive venue renowned for its exceptional tennis facilities amidst tranquil surroundings, providing a premium experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Address: 47D Aviatorilor Bvd., Phone: +40 21 233 8100

Website: www.clubuldiplomatic.ro

Pescariu Sports & Spa - a premier facility offering extensive sports amenities and luxurious spa services in a refined setting.

Address: Demis Papillon Golf Academy / Diplomatic Club, 2B Bucharest - Ploiești Road, Bucharest Phone: +40 765 214 559

Website: https://pescariusports.ro/

National Tennis Centre

Address: Pierre de Coubertin St.

Website: www.frt.ro

Enache International Tennis Academy - Multiple locations in the North of the city.

Website: https://enache-internationaltennis- academy.business.site/

Tennis Academy Galaxy –Website: www.sportgalaxy.ro

INDOOR ACTIVITIES SECRET ROOMS

The Void https://thevoid.ro/en /

Address: 21 Pitar Moș St., Bucharest Phone: +40 741 372 273

Escape room www.theescaperoom.ro

Address: 1 Constantin Daniel St. Phone: +40 770 679 887

Trapped www.trapped.ro

18 General David Praporgescu St., +40 748 727 733

PLAYGROUNDS

Kiddo Play Academy Băneasa www.kiddo.ro/baneasa Băneasa Shopping City Mall 44C București-Ploiești Road +40 749 161 606

Gymboland Promenada www.gymboland.ro Promenada Mall, 246B Calea Floreasca +40 751 777 755

Bloks - Bouldering Gym www.blokx.ro

+40 723 291 366

Fabrica De Catarat – indoor climbing www.fabricadecatarat.ro

50 11 Iunie St. Fabrica Club, Bucharest +40 722 510 929

BOWLING & BILLIARDS

London Club – Billiard & Snooker www.londonclub.ro

21 Biserica Amzei St., Bucharest +40 788 566 366

Club Texas – Bowling & Billiards www.clubtexas.net

290 Splaiul Independenței St., Regie Student Campus

+40 21 316 24 26

Trickshot Promenada – Bowling & Billiards

www.trickshot.ro

246B Calea Floreasca St., Promenada Mall, Bucharest

+40 756 143 303

Maxfun

www.baneasa.ro/en/shop/maxfun

42D București - Ploiești St., Băneasa Shopping City Mall (2nd floor), Bucharest +40 799 004 005

PARKS

King Michael I Park

(Herăstrău Park)

To enjoy: Japanese garden, fitness equipment, library, art expos, sculptures, bicycle rental, bicycle tracks, picnic tables, ping-pong tables, museums, dedicated kids area – ‘Kids

Town’, pool, rare birds, carting, children playground, summer theatre, golfing area, basketball court, restaurants, WIFI, Japanese garden, cinema, lake, chess tables, graffiti area, skating ring, boat rides, little train rides, football court, reading room.

Cișmigiu Park

To enjoy: chess tables, skating ring, graffiti area, rare plants, dog playground, cafe shops, lake, picnic tables, wild birds, bicycle tracks, boat rides, restaurants, children playground, WIFI.

The Botanical Gardens

To enjoy: Botanical Museum, rare plants, Herbart, lake, rare birds, greenhouse.

Carol Park

To enjoy: The Astronomical Institute, mausoleum, Technical Museum, sculptures, dog playground, cafe shops, football court, lake, picnic tables, restaurants, children’s playground, basketball court, WIFI.

Tineretului Park

To enjoy: lake, fitness equipment, chess table, ski path, pool, carting track, restaurants, children’s playground, horseback riding, cafe shops, basketball court, tennis court, skating ring, bicycle rental, bicycle tracks, ping-pong tables, picnic tables, dedicated kids area – ‘Kids town’, wild birds, little train rides, dog playground, barbecue area, motocross, WiFi.

IOR – Alexandru Ioan Cuza

To enjoy: lake, tables, boat rides, children’s playground, tennis court, basketball court, football court, skating ring, bicycle tracks, chess tables, wild

birds, restaurants and cafe shops.

Circul de Stat Park

To enjoy: Lake, fitness equipment, wild birds, dog playgrounds, ping-pong, picnic tables, rare plants, children’s playgrounds, football court.

Izvor Park

To enjoy: fitness equipment, ping-pong tables, dedicated kids area, graffiti area, dog playground, children playground, basketball court, football court. playgrounds, football court.

Drumul Taberei Park

To enjoy: fitness equipment, ping pong tables, chess tables, picnic tables, dedicated kids area, wild birds, skating ring, bicycle tracks, boat rides, restaurants, dog playground, children playground, pool, summer theatre, cafe shops, tennis court, WIFI.

Edenland Park

To enjoy: bike rides, to climbing courses in the trees, archery or paintball.

Located just 20 minutes away from Bucharest on 12 Cantonului St., in Balotești, Edenland Park have created programmes of activities for all preferences, offering one of the most sought-after and popular attractions in Romania: tree houses. They are totally functional and can be a quiet refuge for a few nights, in couples or with friends or family.

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACIES

The need for high quality medical services is very important for major business firms, international agencies and foreign embassies here in Bucharest. Therefore, we have gathered here for you the main health centres and high standard private clinics.

HOSPITALS & HEALTHCARE CENTRES

PONDERAS - PRIVATE ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

Member of Regina Maria Private Health Network

Address: 85A Nicolae Caramfi St.

Phone: +40 21 98 86

Hours: Opened 24/7

Website: www.reginamaria.ro/ ponderas

FLOREASCA STATE EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

Address: 8 Calea Floreasca St.

Phone: +40 21 599 23 00

Hours: Opened 24/7

Website: www.urgentafloreasca.ro

UNIVERSITY STATE EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

Address: 169 Splaiul Independentei

Phone: +40 21 318 05 19

Hours: Opened 24/7

Website: www.suub.ro

MEDSANA - PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Address: 9 Primaverii Bvd., Phone: +40 21 408 78 00

Hours: Monday - Friday: 08:0020:00, Saturday: 08:00 - 14:00

Website: www.medsana.ro

EUROCLINIC - PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Member of Regina Maria Private Health Network

Address: 14A Calea Floreasca St.

Phone: +40 21 9268

Hours: Everyday 07:30 - 20:00

Website: www.reginamaria.ro

MEDICOVER CENTER - PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Address: 8 Pechea St. Phone: +40 21 9896

Hours: Opened 24h

Website: www.medicover.ro

GRIGORE ALEXANDRESCU STATE HOSPITAL

Children’s emergency room

Address: 30-32 lancu de Hunedoara Blvd, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 316 93 66

Hours: Opened 24/7

Website: www.spitalulgrigorealexandrescu.ro

PHARMACIES

DR. MAX

Pharmacy Chain with shops in different locations

Phone: +40 21 301 74 74

Website: www.drmax.ro

• 3-7 Radu Beller St., Bucharest

Phone: 021 233 89 61

• 14 București Nord Road, Voluntari Phone: 031 4 27 00 89

• 10-22 Piața Amzei St., District 1, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 30 38 579

• 44 București-Ploiești Road, Băneasa

Shopping City Mall, Bucharest

Phone: 31 43 78 730

• 246B Calea Floreasca St., Bucharest Phone: 031 436 29 58

HELPNET

Pharmacy Chain with shops in different locations

Website: www.helpnet.ro

• 89-91 Calea Dorobanți St. Phone: +40 746 123 812

• 223 Calea Moșilor

Phone: +40 746 123 813

• 10-22 Piața Amzei St. Phone: +40 746 123 852

• 132 Calea Dorobanților St. Phone: +40 746 333 889

FARMACIA DONA

Pharmacy Chain with shops in different locations

Website: www.farmaciiledona.ro

• 13A Liviu Rebreanu St. Phone: +40 372 407 101

• 53 Colentina St. Phone: 0372407021

Farmacia Tei

Pharmacy Chain with shops in different locations

Website: www.comenzi.farmaciatei.ro

• 154-158 Barbu Văcărescu Bvd

Phone: +40 78 687 0225

• 56 Lacul Tei Bvd.

Phone: +40 754 400 600

• 26 Timişoara Bvd., Plaza Romania

Shopping Center

Phone: +4 0756 037 165

PRIVATE VETERINARY

MARCOVET

Address: 115 Câmpul Pipera, Voluntari, Ilfov

Phone: +40732 122 488

Hours: Open 24/7

Website: www.marcovet.ro

DIVET

Address: 3 Calea Dorobanților St, Bucharest

Phone: +40 727 606 262

Hours: Open 24/7

Website: www.divet.ro

ALFAVET

Address: 17 Dumitru Cariagdi St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 321 76 13

Hours: Monday - Friday: 09:0020:00; Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00; Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00

Website: www.alfavet.ro

INNOVET

Address: 32 Barierei St., Ilfov

Phone: +40 21 316 44 99

Hours: Monday - Friday: 09:0019:00; Saturday: 09:00 - 14:00

Website: www.innovet.ro

SPEEDVET

Address: 4A Cobadin St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 371 306 308

Hours: Open 24/7

Website: www.speedvet.ro

CANIN AZZURRO 2000

Address: 6 Ștefan Negulescu St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 231 24 89

Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 -

18:00; Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00

Website: www.caninazuro.ro

BIOVET

Address: 211C Mihail Sebastian St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 41 03 469

Hours: Monday - Friday: 08:0021:00, Saturday: 08:00 - 20:00, Sunday: 8:00-16:30.

Website: www.biovet-impex.ro

FLOWER SHOPS

IRIS

Address: 5 Dorobanți Square, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 95 91

Website: www.florariairis.ro

PATCHOULI

Address: 6 Dorobanți Square, Bucharest

Phone: +40 744 662 664

Website: www.patchoulistore.ro

TRIAS

Address: 8 Erou Iancu Nicolae St., Voluntari, Ilfov

Phone: +40 751 136 412

Website: www.florariatrias.ro

FOREIGN CULTURAL CENTRES

BRITISH COUNCIL

Address: 14 Dorobanți Blvd, Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 307 96 00

Website: www.britishcouncil.ro/en

CERVANTES INSTITUTE

Address: 38 Regina Elisabeta Bvd., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 210 27 37

Website: www.bucarest.cervantes. es/ro

FRENCH INSTITUTE

Address: 77 Dacia Blvd, Bucharest

Phone: +40 374 125 200

Website: www.institutfrancais.ro

GOETHE INSTITUTE

Address: 32 Calea Dorobanți St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 311 97 62

Website: www.goethe.de/ins/ro/ro/ index.html

EXPAT NETWORKING GROUPS

IWA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ASSOCIATION

A very active and interesting group, that meets regularly and organises various events and activities that can cover a wide spectrum of interests.

Website: www.iwabucharest.ro

THE BUSINESS WOMEN FORUM ROMANIA

BWFR is a forum for discussion, networking on a professional and non-professional level. It organises workshops, meetings and galas.

Website: www.bwfr.org

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK ROMANIA

Website: www.pwnbucharest.net

INTERNATIONS

This is a global expats community site and Facebook page that organises regular meet-ups.

Website: www.internations.org

BUCHAREST WITH KIDS

The online resource for families in Bucharest.

Website: www.bucharestwithkids.net

LANGUAGE SERVICES

FIDES

Address: 9 Hristo Botev St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 313 47 85

Website: www.fidescentre.ro

ENGLISH TRAINER

Address: District 5, Bucharest

Phone: +40 742 121 555

Website: www.trainer-engleza.ro

ROMANIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE

Address: 38 Aleea Alexandru St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 317 100 627

Website: www.icr.ro

ROLANG

Rolang offers courses to learn Romanian at different levels and of different intensities.

Address: 28 Tudor Arghezi St., Bucharest

Phone: +0800 970 841

Website: http://rolang.ro/Romanianclass-courses.php

BRITISH COUNCIL

If you or your child want to study English or prepare for an English language exam, the British Council English School in Bucharest is the perfect place to start. Their experienced teachers will help you to choose from a wide variety of courses. They offer a range of courses for adults and children (4-17 years).

Address: 14 Calea Dorobanţilor St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 307 96 00

Website: www.britishcouncil.ro/en/ english/schools/bucharest

IBSEN

BSEN is a language education centre which offers Romanian for foreigners as

well as language courses and lessons in a range of different languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian to name a few). They offer individual courses (one-to-one), smallgroup courses and group courses, as well as conversation clubs (particularly in English).

Address: 8 Ion Florescu St., 2nd floor, Bucharest

Phone: +40 722 710 351

Website: www.ibsen.ro

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

International House primarily offers English-language courses. However, they do offer a course for learning the Romanian language suitable for top executives and their families.

Address: 93-95 Lânăriei St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 335 44 90

Website: www.ih.ro/romana-pentruexpati.html

INSTITUT FRANÇAIS

The French Institute of Bucharest operates according to two main missions: teaching the French language to non-school audiences and the dissemination of French culture and artistic creation in cooperation with the cultural partners of the country of residence.

Address: 77 Dacia Bvd., Bucharest

Phone: +40 374 125 200

Website: www.institutfrancais.ro/ Bucuresti/home

WATER PROVIDER

It is not advised to drink water from the taps, especially in Pipera where water comes mainly from private wells.

You can choose to install a filter (in some cases you will need approval from the landlord if they need to change the sink). For water providers’ home delivery in most cases you need to sign a contract and your CNP number will be required

• La Fântâna - www.lafantana.ro

• Cumpana - www.cumpana.ro

• Aqua - www.aqua.ro

• Almaro Med offers water testing and analysis of drinking water in Bucharest and the surrounding area. They also offer solutions for treating water.

Phone: +40 728 999 581

Website: www.almaromed.ro

• Perla Moldovei offers natural alkaline water pH 8.8 for home delivery. Various delivery plans are available.

Phone: +40 725 225 462

Website: www.perlamoldovei.ro

UTILITIES

SUPER SERVICE

Dishwashers, washing machines, fridges, freezers – all your large ‘white’ appliances can be serviced and repaired by Super Service. On-site diagnostics and repairs. Make sure you follow their guidance for finding the model and make of your appliance to help their engineers before arrival.

Phone: +40 756 200 076

Website: www.superservice.ro

HARTA RECICLARII

The Recycling Map is the first national, participatory and educational platform for the community to contribute to raising awareness of separate collection sites across the country. The shared goal is to promote the reduction, reuse

and recycling of waste of all kinds, from paper, plastic, metal to appliances, tyres, hazardous waste and more.

Website: www.hartareciclarii.ro

REPARATOT.RO

Offers repair services, electrician, locksmith, painter, and more.

Address: 48 Iancului St., 1st floor, Bucharest

Phone: +40 728 099 022

Website: www.reparatot.ro

EURO MASTER

Car Maintenance

Address: Pipera Bvd., Bucharest-Ilfov

Phone: +40 21 232 89 87

Website: www.euromaster.ro

GALLPRINT

Gallprint - Has a number of branches around Bucharest including one in Băneasa Shopping City mall very close to Carrefour. Gallprint provide a range of very useful services from cutting (duplicating) keys to shoe repairs. They

are also experts in the personalisation of various products including printing business cards and engraving on objects. They are able to photocopy documents, design stamps and picture frames.

Address: 44A București-Ploiești St., (Băneasa Shopping City)

Phone: +40 21 319 52 84

Website: www.gallprint.ro

ELECTRICIAN

REPARATII ELECTROCASNICE

Offers diagnostics at your home and electrical repairs of large and small appliances.

Phone: +40 769 624 199

Website: www.

reparatiielectrocasnice.ro

DEPANERO

Fixes all types of electrical appliances, large and small. From tablets and phones to washing machines and fridges. They offer a diagnostic service, repair and extended warranties.

Broken items can be taken directly to the offices or will be collected from your home by courier. Home visits will be undertaken for large appliances.

Open (Service): Monday – Friday: 08:00 to 18:00, Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00

Open (Call Centre): Monday – Friday: 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00

Address: 27 – 29 Orhideelor St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 742 726 843

Website: www.depanero.ro

CLEANING

MRS CURATENIE OK

Cleaning company that offers carpet cleaning, mattress cleaning and cleaning your couch or other soft furnishings by visiting your home. They can also clean your apartment.

Address: 42 Berzovia St., Bucharest Phone: +40 728 279 994 Website: www.curatenieok.com

CURATENIE-PROFI

Recognised and appreciated ‘at home cleaning’, which provides services to companies in various industries, such as hotels, shops, restaurants, medical, construction and others.

Address: 51 Matei Voievod St., District 2, Bucharest

Phone: +40767 119 679

Website: www.curatenie-profi.ro/ bucuresti/

MAVIM

Offers 360° services for home and office, so you can concentrate 100% on what’s important to you. They can do this because they look at cleanliness and maintenance in detail. They leave no stains and no scratches. You can call them anytime and they will find a solution for everything.

Address: 23 Maximilian Popper St., District 3, Bucharest

Phone: +40799 773 033

Website: www.mavim.ro

AXIS CLEANING

Axis Cleaning Company services focus on the quality of cleanliness and customer satisfaction. Offers all

types of cleaning for both homes and commercial spaces.

Phone: +40727 713 898

Website: www.axa-cleaning.ro

SO FRESH, SO CLEAN

A new concept that offers you both cleaning, and housekeeping.

Operates in both, apartments and villas, located in Bucharest. Contracts outside Bucharest will incur a transportation cost, determined following assessment. The price covers labour services, equipment, detergents and cleaning products, varying depending on the number of square metres.

Phone: +40 732 267 853

Website: www.sofreshsoclean.ro

RELOCATION COMPANY

ORBIT TRANSPORTURI INTERNATIONALE

Phone: +40 21 350 15 00

Mobile: +40 747 492 194

Full contact and bank details at: www.orbitromania.ro

REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

TUDOR ESTATES

Phone: +40 743 096 286

Website: www.tudorestates.ro

CASA TRANS IMOB

Phone: +40 732 009 391

Website: www.casatransimob.ro

IMOTECA.RO

Phone: +40 21 230 44 55

Website: www.imoteca.ro

PALACE ESTATE

Phone: +40 721 968 969

Website: www.palaceestate.ro

VILLA PIPERA

Phone: +40 74 903 21 90

Website: www.villapipera.ro

RE/MAX ROMÂNIA

Phone: +40 364 734 776

Website: www.remax.ro

BLISS IMOBILIARE

Phone: +40 729 005 624

Website: www.blissimobiliare.ro

GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANIES BANKS

GROUPAMA

Address: 45 Mihai Eminescu St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 213 058 000

Website: www.groupama.ro

ASIROM

Address: 31-33 Carol I Bvd., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 91 46

Website: www.asirom.ro

OMNIASIG

Address: 51 Aleea Alexandru St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 405 74 20

Website: www.omniasig.ro

ALLIANZ TIRIAC ASIGURARI

Address: 80-84 Căderea Bastiliei St., Bucharest

Phone: +40 21 201 91 00

Website: www.allianztiriac.ro

BANCA TRANSILVANIA

Phone: +40 264 308 028

Website: www.bancatransilvania.ro

ING

Phone: +40 31 406 24 64

Website: www.ing.ro

BCR – BANCA COMERCIALĂ

ROMÂNĂ

Phone: +4021 407 4200

Website: www.bcr.ro

BRD

Phone: +40 21 302 61 61

Website: www.brd.ro

GARANTI BBVA

Phone: +40 800 80 1234

Website: www.garantibbva.ro

RAIFFEISEN BANK

Phone: +40 21 306 30 02

Website: www.raiffeisen.ro

CEC BANK

Phone: +40 21 202 50 00

Website: www.cec.ro

IMMIGRATION TIPS

Romania joined the European Union on the 1st of January 2007 but is yet to become a member of the Schengen Area. Romanian immigration rules and regulations follow mostly the agenda imposed by the E.U., with slight particularities.

Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA – Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) can enter Romania at any border checkpoint based on a valid national ID or passport. If their stay is longer than 90 days, it’s required by law to register at the local Immigration

Office, thus obtaining the registration certificate.

Brexit citizens can enter Romania based on short-term visas, long-term visas and residency cards.

UK nationals can enter Romania directly with their passport for a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

While in Romania , always carry at least a copy of an official ID with you,

for example: passport, residency card (for NON-EU citizens), registration certificate (for EU citizens), etc.

Long-term visas (work visas) can be extended in Romania by obtaining a residency card.

Please note: Romania has a very bureaucratic system; this applies to the Immigration Office as well.

Documents are often issued with delays, especially when the due date is close to a national holiday.

Please plan your applications well in advance together with your HR Professional.

Thank you for joining the British School of Bucharest and we hope you will have a great stay in our beautiful country.

Bri tish School of Bucharest

Early Years Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Ilfov County, Romania

Telephone. + 40 21 267 89 19, +40 728 133 432, +40 728 133 433. Fax. +40 21 267 89 69 Email. office@britishschool.ro

BritishSchoolBucharest britishschoolro british.school.bucharest British School of Bucharest

www.britishschool.ro

This BSB material was published in August 2024. Although all the information in this document is considered correct at the time of publication, certain details may change naturally from time to time.

For the latest updates, see www.britishschool.ro/bsb-community/discover-romania/