Extra Tips & Tricks

       

Tips & Tricks

Local know-how to help you settle in, stay safe, and enjoy Romania like a pro.

Pick a topic:

Customs & Etiquette

  • Romanians are friendly and open — foreigners are usually made very welcome. Chatting with visitors is common and they'll find a way to communicate even across language barriers.
  • Older people appreciate old-fashioned politeness. Use "Mrs." or "Mr." when addressing someone you've just met.
  • Handshaking is the standard form of greeting.
  • If you refuse what a host offers to eat or drink, it will often be taken as a polite refusal that actually means "yes". To truly decline, give a polite excuse firmly or ask for something else.
  • It is common and normal to linger after a meal — don't feel rushed to leave.
  • When visiting someone at home, bring a small gift: flowers or chocolate (for women), or a bottle of wine or liquor. The number of flowers must always be odd.
  • Life moves at a more relaxed pace in Romania. Casual dress is fine most of the time, but a suit/smart dress is expected at business meetings.
  • Appointments are necessary and punctuality is expected.
  • It is not considered impolite to ask about someone's age, income, politics, or religion — don't be surprised by such questions.

Safety Tips

Watch over your luggage and personal belongings at the airport, train station, bus station, and in crowded places. Pickpocketers can be active in busy areas.
  • Taxis: Watch out for overpriced rides. Never get into a taxi whose driver approached you. Always call a cab or use Bolt/Uber.
  • For a full list of hospitals in Timișoara, check medicinatimisoara.ro.
  • To find the nearest pharmacy, check paginiaurii.ro.

Tipping Guide

  • Taxi drivers — do not expect tips, but courteous service can be rewarded.
  • Hotel maid — ~1€/day (5 lei), or ~5€ (25 lei) for a week or longer stay.
  • Hotel concierge — not necessary for simple questions, but appropriate for more substantial help.
  • Restaurants, pubs & bars — not mandatory, but a 5–15% tip is appreciated for good service. Try to avoid paying entirely in coins, as it can be considered disrespectful.
A common practice: round up to the nearest 5 lei. For example, if your bill is 23 lei, leaving 25 lei includes a tip and avoids coin change.

General rule of thumb: 10–15% gratuity is appropriate for most services.

Food Tips

Ordering & Paying

  • Most restaurants and bars accept credit cards, but always ask before ordering — if you don't mention it, the waiter will assume you're paying cash.
  • In clubs, it's safer to have cash due to the crowds.
  • Menu prices are per serving and include taxes. However, some menus list prices per 50g or 100g — ask the waiter if unclear, since the actual portion can be up to 300g.
  • Each item is ordered and charged individually. Bread will often be brought to your table automatically and added to your bill — say so if you don't want it.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside restaurants. Ask about a terrace or outdoor area.

Food & Drink Culture

  • Meat is prevalent in most menus — pork, beef, and chicken are the norm. Vegetarian options may be limited in traditional places.
  • In Transylvania, some dishes may be prepared with more fat than you're used to.
  • Șpriț — wine mixed with mineral water — is very popular and refreshing.
  • Vin fiert (mulled wine with fruit, sugar & cinnamon) is the go-to drink on cold winter days.
  • For something stronger, try țuică fiartă — hot plum brandy, sometimes with sugar and peppercorn.

Driving Tips

Always observe the speed limit. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and that you carry all documentation including proof of insurance.

On the Road

  • In winter, winter tires are mandatory on snowy and icy roads.
  • Carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, red warning triangles, and a fluorescent jacket at all times.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory. Exceptions only for pregnant women and those with a medical exemption.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances is a criminal offence.

Police & Accidents

  • The traffic police ("Poliția Rutieră") can confiscate your licence for 1–3 months and demand on-the-spot payment of fines.
  • Police are required to administer a breathalyzer test to all drivers involved in an accident. Refusing may result in criminal penalties even if no alcohol was involved.
  • If your vehicle was damaged before entering Romania, ask a Customs or Police officer to write a damage report. Any damage inside the country must also be formally reported.