Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot. Consider hepatitis A and B vaccines, especially if you plan on exploring rural areas or staying longer. For rabies, consider it if you’ll be engaging in outdoor activities or in contact with animals.
Check with a travel clinic for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Romania, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for RomaniaCulture & Customs
Do: Greet with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Bring flowers or a bottle of wine if invited to someone’s home. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Don’t: Avoid making the ”OK” hand gesture; it’s considered rude. Don’t refuse food or drink when offered, as it might be seen as impolite.
LGBTQ travelers might find urban areas more welcoming, but rural regions can be conservative, so discretion is advised. Women should be ready for occasional unwanted attention, but it’s generally harmless.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Romania.
- Sarmale: These are cabbage rolls stuffed with a mix of pork and rice, sometimes spiced up with dill or thyme. You’ll find them at any Romanian festive table, especially during the winter holidays, embodying warmth and family gatherings.
- Mămăligă: A staple dish made from cornmeal, similar to polenta. Often served with sour cream and cheese, or as a side to meat dishes, this is comfort food at its best, reflecting the rural roots of Romanian cuisine.
- Ciorbă de Burtă: A tangy tripe soup that’s a favorite hangover cure in Romania. It’s seasoned with vinegar and garlic, and topped with sour cream, offering a unique taste that adventurous eaters appreciate.
- Mititei: Grilled minced meat rolls, usually a mix of beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic and spices. These are a must-try at any Romanian barbecue and are often served with mustard and bread.
- Papanași: A beloved Romanian dessert, these are fried or boiled doughnuts filled with sweet cheese and topped with sour cream and jam. They’re a sweet reminder of traditional Romanian hospitality.
Tap water in Romania is generally safe where locals drink it, especially in cities. However, some areas might have older plumbing, so tourists often prefer bottled or filtered water to avoid any risk. If you’re in rural regions, stick to bottled or filtered water just to be cautious.
The main language in Romania is
Romanian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Romanian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Romania includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Romania,
English proficiency varies by region and demographic. In urban areas, particularly in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and professionals in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Many Romanians, particularly those in education or with higher education, can communicate effectively in English.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English proficiency may be limited, with older generations often speaking little to no English. In these regions, communication may rely more on basic phrases or gestures.
Overall, while you can generally expect to find English speakers in tourist areas, it’s advisable to learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interactions. This effort is often appreciated by locals and can lead to more meaningful exchanges.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Romania is RON (lei).
ATMs: They’re pretty widespread in cities and larger towns. Stick to ATMs connected to banks for better security and exchange rates. Avoid standalone machines in tourist hotspots if you can.
Cash: Definitely carry some cash for smaller towns and rural areas. Not everywhere will take cards, especially in local markets and old-school eateries. Romanian Leu (RON) is the way to go; most places won’t accept dollars or euros.
Card Acceptance: Cards are widely accepted in cities, but always check before you order that fancy dessert. It’s a bit hit-or-miss outside urban areas.
Currency Exchange: Best rates are at banks or official exchange offices. Steer clear of airport kiosks and shady street exchangers—they’ll eat into your budget faster than a vampire at a blood bank.
Tipping in Romania is generally appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is common if the service was good. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a small amount is usually sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.