Bucharest Travel Tips

Bucharest, Romania: Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

  1. Greetings and Social Etiquette:

    • Romanians are warm and friendly people. A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, but avoid overly familiar behavior until invited to do so.
    • Titles such as Professor, Doctor, or Mr./Ms. are often used with a person’s surname, followed by their given name.
    • Punctuality is expected in business settings but may not be as strict in social situations.

  2. Dining and Food Etiquette:

    • Meals are usually leisurely affairs, so expect to spend some time when dining out.
    • It’s customary to wait for the host to invite you to sit down before doing so.
    • Tipping in restaurants is expected, about 10% of the bill.
    • Traditional Romanian dishes include Sarmale (cabbage rolls), Mihalcele (pork meatballs), and Casatora de bunătate (a stew made with several types of meat).

  3. Drinking Etiquette:

    • Romania is famous for its wine, especially from the regions of Transylvania and Moldova. Tasting local wines is a must.
    • Beer is also popular, particularly Ursa, Carlsberg, and Timișoreana.
    • When offered a drink, it’s polite to accept. If you don’t want a refill, leave a small amount in the glass.

  4. Gift-Giving Etiquette:

    • Flowers are appropriate gifts for both men and women, but avoid chrysanthemums as they are used during funerals.
    • Small souvenirs from your home country are also well-received.
    • Business gifts should be of high quality and presented in a conservative manner. Avoid giving anything related to politics or religion.

  5. Public Behavior:

    • Romanians value cleanliness, so keep the areas around monuments and parks tidy.
    • Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
    • Be aware of your surroundings at night, especially in less touristy areas.

  6. Language:

    • The official language is Romanian. While many people, especially in Bucharest, speak English, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn a few basic phrases.

  7. Tips for Visiting Cultural Sites:

    • Respect the rules and regulations of each site, particularly regarding photography and touching artifacts.
    • Dress appropriately for visits to churches or museums. Shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts may not be allowed.
    • Tipping tour guides is customary but not expected. A small tip at the end of a tour is appropriate.