Useful information

Etiquette & Customs (in short)

The Romanians have a formal and reserved attitude to practices and attitudes.

Try to learn as much Romanian you can before you arrive, or at least so many simple words you can, like “Hello”: Salut (sah-LOOT) , “Thank you”: Mulţumesc (mool-tzoo-MESK) or “Goodbye”: La revedere. (lah reh-veh-DEH-reh) or Pa (PAH).

This shows, that you are willing to learn their language. You can learn much more here.

Meeting Etiquette:

  • Initial greetings are formal and reserved: a handshake, direct eye contact, and the appropriate greeting for the time of day
  • Some older Romanians kiss a woman’s hand when meeting them. Foreign men are not expected to kiss a Romanian woman’s hand
  • Close friends kiss one another lightly on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek
  • Allow your Romanian friends to determine when your relationship has reached this level of intimacy

Gift Giving Etiquette:

  • If you are invited to a Romanian’s home, bring flowers, chocolates, or imported liquor to the hosts
  • Give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are used for funerals
  • A gift for the children is always appreciated
  • Gifts are generally opened when received

Dining Etiquette:

  • Arrive on time if invited to dinner
  • You may arrive up to 15 minutes late for a party
  • Dress in clothes you might wear to the office
  • Check to see if there are shoes at the front door. If so, remove yours
  • Table manners follow established protocols of good behaviour
  • Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan
  • Leave your napkin on the table. Do not put it in your lap
  • Wait for the host or hostess to say “pofta buna” (good appetite) before you begin eating
  • You will have to insist that you cannot eat any more, as refusals are seen as good manners and are not taken seriously
  • To indicate you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate
  • When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right

Sources of information: Commisceo Global
There is a lot more information about Romanian Etiquette & Customs on their website. Check it out here.

Tipping

Should you leave a tip in restaurants or bars?

You should give 10% or 15% of the bill as a tip or round up to an even number IF your bill doesn’t include a service charge. In some restaurants, the bill will include a service charge. So make sure to check the bill itself; there is no need to leave any extra tip in addition to this amount.

Beware

Romania is generally a peaceful country, but there can always happen thefts of mobile phones, cameras and other valuable things. Be aware of pickpockets around various sights – especially around cathedrals and other places where tourists gather.

Most travellers will not experience any issues or problems on their holiday in Romania. It can happen, but it can also be prevented by some simple precautions as:

  • Do not “flash” cash or expensive items
  • Visit only the cash machines during the day or early evening
  • Do not leave expensive items visible in the car

Things and places you should avoid in Bucharest:

  • Pantelimon, Rahova and Ferentari – Areas are not safe day and night
  • Bucharest Gara de Nord (central station) – Use caution, you do need to be careful after dark
  • Avoid use of taxis – They overcharge you, even with the taximeters on. Use Clever App

Things and places you should avoid in Timișoara:

  • Gara Timișoara Nord (central station) – Use caution, you do need to be careful after dark
  • Avoid use of taxis – They overcharge you, even with the taximeters on. Use Clever App

Things and places you should avoid in Brașov:

  • Craiter, Traian, Bartolomeu – Areas are not safe day and night
  • Gara Braşov (central station) – Use caution, you do need to be careful after dark
  • Avoid use of taxis – They overcharge you, even with the taximeters on. Use Clever App

Emergency numbers in Romania (free call)

 In case of any emergency call:

  • 112 – National emergency number

 The caller must:

  • State the location where assistance is needed
  • State their name and telephone number
  • State what happened and if it is still happening
  • State how many people need help
  • State, if there are weapons involved

Learn more