How to Behave in Romania

Romania is a nation in Eastern Europe, sharing a border with Ukraine, Bulgaria, Hungary and others. This European nation is known for the beauty of Bucharest, as well as the haunting history of Transylvania. Romania can be considered relatively cosmopolitan compared to other countries in Eastern Europe, but it still holds dear traditions that have been handed down generation after generation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Romanian phrasebook

1. Kiss both cheeks in greeting or in farewell. As is customary with many European cultures, kissing both cheeks is common among strangers and friends. If you're afraid you may turn your head the wrong way, go ahead and let the person you're greeting take the initiative and make the first move.

2. Bear in mind that Romania, while a part of the Soviet Bloc of nations, was never a part of the Soviet Union itself. Romanians can be very touchy about this, so avoid this topic of conversation unless you know whom you are speaking with.

3. Behave politely when someone offers something to you but you wish to refuse. In Romania, it is custom for one to be offered something and for the recipient to refuse out of courtesy. The giver will then insist, as is custom. It is all right to continue to refuse, as long as it is done politely and with the knowledge that you are not offending the giver.

4. Wear long sleeves, slacks and other clothing that covers you up whenever you enter a place of worship. Romania is heavily Eastern Orthodox, and they are rather strict in their dress when in church. Romanians are, however, forgiving of outsiders who do not fully understand the customs, as long as they behave respectfully.

5. Get details about Romania, as well as information regarding customs and safety from Romania's main tourist website (see Resources below). You also find traveler resources regarding transportation, hotel accommodations and tour packages.

Tips & Warnings

• English is spoken in Romania to some degree, but knowing a Romance language like Italian or Spanish will help you communicate.
• Public transport in Romania, while safe, does have its share of crime. Travelers can occasionally be beset by people demanding money or asking for "bribes." If you're ever in a situation where someone asks for a bribe, you should always refuse. Offering a bribe almost always makes matters worse.
• Behave cautiously when around stray dogs in Romania. There is a huge number of feral animals in the populated areas of Romania, and it's impossible to tell, at a glance, which are suffering from Rabies or other diseases. Watch how they behave and keep your distance.

Resources

• Tourist information from RomaniaTourism.com.

[gun4hire]

on 10/29/2008 If you find yourself in Bucharest then for heavens sake don't get involved with the expat community as most of them are all skint and do nothing but drink cheap nasty beer in the Dubliner and slag people off behind their backs. The one you really need to avoid is Martin Dixon from the Expat Life magazine. You have been warned!