Romania (RO)
Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe — a full Schengen EU member state blessed with the dramatic Carpathian mountains, medieval Saxon towns like Sibiu and Brasov, the legendary Transylvania region, a booming technology sector, and one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe — a full Schengen EU member state blessed with the dramatic Carpathian mountains, medieval Saxon towns like Sibiu and Brasov, the legendary Transylvania region, a booming technology sector, and one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union. Since joining the EU in 2007 and achieving full Schengen membership in January 2025, it has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. With a cost of living roughly half that of Western Europe, a booming IT sector, and striking natural and cultural heritage, Romania increasingly attracts remote workers, digital nomads, and returning diaspora.
Climate
March–May: 5–20°C. Mild and variable. April and May are pleasant, with blossoms across the countryside. Occasional rain.
June–August: 22–32°C. Hot, with regular heatwaves over 35°C in Bucharest and the southern plains. The Black Sea coast and mountains are cooler retreats.
September–November: 8–22°C. Warm September, cooling rapidly through October. Beautiful autumn colours in Transylvania and the Carpathians.
December–February: -5 to 5°C in the lowlands; -10 to -20°C in the mountains. Snow is reliable in Transylvania and the Carpathians; Bucharest alternates between snow and cold rain.
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
A firm handshake with direct eye contact is standard, including between men and women in professional settings. Friends and family kiss on both cheeks. Common greetings: "Bună ziua" (good day), "Bună seara" (good evening), "Salut" (informal hi). Older or senior contacts are addressed as "Domnul" (Mr) or "Doamna" (Mrs).
Punctuality is expected in business meetings and medical appointments — arrive on time or a few minutes early. Social settings are more relaxed: guests arriving 10–20 minutes late to dinner at a friend's home is normal and not considered rude.
Smart-casual is the norm in offices; Romanians tend to dress well and notice appearance. Business meetings call for a suit or blazer. For visits to Orthodox churches, cover shoulders and knees; women traditionally cover their heads with a scarf.
- ✕ Openly criticising the Romanian Orthodox Church can cause offence, especially with older generations.
- ✕ Jokes about the communist era and Ceaușescu are sensitive — many families suffered under the regime.
- ✕ Avoid generalisations or negative stereotypes about the Roma community.
- ✕ Do not confuse "Romanian" with "Roma" — they refer to different groups.
- ✕ Whistling indoors is considered bad luck in folklore; some older hosts will react.
- ✓ When visiting a Romanian home, always accept the food and drink offered — refusing is considered impolite. Expect țuică and cozonac even at short visits.
- ✓ Remove your shoes when entering someone's home; slippers (papuci) are usually provided.
- ✓ Bring a small gift — flowers (odd number, never chrysanthemums which are for funerals), wine, or chocolates.
- ✓ Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants; many bills now suggest it automatically. Round up for taxis.
- ✓ Name days (onomastica) — the feast day of your patron saint — are often celebrated more than birthdays by older generations.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork, rice, and spices, slow-cooked with smoked meat. The centrepiece of Christmas, Easter, and wedding tables.
Grilled skinless minced-meat rolls (beef, lamb, pork) seasoned with garlic and spices. Sold at every terrace and market; 4–6 lei each with mustard and bread.
Traditional cornmeal polenta, served as a side to stews, cheese, and sour cream. A rural staple that has become a national comfort food.
Sour tripe soup with garlic, vinegar, and cream. A restorative classic — every Romanian has an opinion on where to find the best.
Fried dough balls made with sweet cheese, topped with sour cream and fruit preserves (usually blueberry). The most beloved Romanian dessert.
Sweet braided bread filled with walnuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight. Baked for Christmas and Easter in every Romanian household.
Traditional plum brandy (24–30% alc). Served in small glasses as an aperitif at family meals; often homemade in rural households.
Stronger double-distilled brandy (50%+ alc), typical of Transylvania and Maramureș. Fruit-based (plum, pear, apricot).
Romania has a 6,000-year wine tradition. Notable regions: Cotnari (sweet whites), Murfatlar, Dealu Mare. Signature grapes: Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Tămâioasă Românească.
📍 Tourist Highlights
The 14th-century Transylvanian fortress popularised as 'Dracula's Castle'. Dramatic mountain setting near Brașov.
UNESCO-listed 15th–16th century Orthodox monasteries with exterior frescoes in brilliant blues and reds. Voroneț, Sucevița, Moldovița.
Spectacular alpine road (DN7C) crossing the Făgăraș Mountains at 2,042 m. Open roughly July–October. Called "the best road in the world" by Top Gear.
The last inhabited medieval citadel in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
The world's heaviest building and second-largest administrative building. Built under Ceaușescu in the 1980s; guided tours daily.
Europe's largest wetland and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Home to over 300 bird species. Accessible by boat from Tulcea.
📖 Brief History
Romania traces its modern identity to the Roman province of Dacia, conquered in 106 AD, whose language and heritage form the basis of Romanian culture. The medieval principalities of Moldavia, Wallachia, and Transylvania were shaped by Ottoman, Habsburg, and Russian influence. The modern state was formed by the Union of the Principalities in 1859 and gained independence in 1878. After monarchy, two World Wars, and four decades of communism under Ceaușescu, the 1989 Revolution restored democracy. Romania joined NATO in 2004, the EU in 2007, and achieved full Schengen access in January 2025.