Romania captivates visitors with its medieval castles, fortified churches, and the legendary Dracula's Bran Castle. From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the Danube Delta's wildlife and the vibrant streets of Bucharest, Romania offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Romanians are proud of their Latin heritage and distinction from Slavic neighbors — never confuse Romania with neighboring Slavic countries or assume they speak a Slavic language
Direct eye contact during greetings and toasts is important — avoiding eye contact when clinking glasses is considered bad luck (7 years of bad luck according to popular belief)
Orthodox Christianity is central to Romanian identity — major holidays like Christmas (January 7 in Eastern calendar) and Easter are deeply celebrated with extended family gatherings
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home — always check before entering; slippers are often offered to guests
- Bring flowers, wine, or chocolates when invited to a Romanian home — odd numbers of flowers for living recipients, even numbers for funerals
- Dress modestly at Orthodox churches and monasteries — covered shoulders and knees required; headscarves for women at monasteries
- Accept food and drink offered by Romanian hosts — refusing hospitality, especially țuică or homemade food, is considered rude
- Learn a few Romanian phrases — even basic greetings like 'Bună ziua' (good day) and 'Mulțumesc' (thank you) earn disproportionate appreciation
Don't
- Don't confuse Romania with Roma (Romani people) — Romanians are sensitive about this conflation and consider it geographically and ethnically inaccurate
- Don't photograph people, especially in rural areas or at religious sites, without asking permission first — a respectful 'Pot să fac o fotografie?' (May I take a photo?) is expected
- Don't be overly formal in social settings — Romanians value warmth and can find excessive formality cold; move to first names once rapport is established
- Don't refuse a toast without cause — if you don't drink alcohol, explain simply rather than leaving a glass untouched; joining in with water is acceptable
- Don't assume all Romanians are devout Orthodox — while Christianity is culturally pervasive, secularism is common especially in urban areas
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Mărțișor (Spring Amulet)
On March 1st, Romanians exchange red-and-white string charms called mărțișoare representing the arrival of spring. Women receive them from men and wear them throughout March, then tie them to flowering fruit trees for good luck.
Colinde (Christmas Caroling)
On Christmas Eve, groups of children and young adults go house to house singing traditional colinde carols. Homeowners offer sweets, fruits, and money in return. The tradition predates Christianity and incorporates pre-Christian winter solstice elements.
Paști (Easter) Family Gatherings
Romanian Easter is the most important religious celebration of the year. Midnight church services with candle processions, followed by lamb dishes, cozonac sweet bread, and painted eggs shared among extended family. 'Hristos a înviat!' (Christ is risen) is the traditional Easter greeting.
Hora (Circle Dance)
The hora is Romania's national folk dance — a circle dance performed at weddings, village festivals, and national celebrations. Participants link hands in a large circle; learning a few basic steps is warmly encouraged at rural events.
Name Day Celebrations
Romanians celebrate name days (ziua numelui) corresponding to Orthodox saints' days as important as birthdays. If your host has their name day during your visit, bringing flowers or a small gift is appropriate and greatly appreciated.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake with eye contact standard for men; women may offer cheek kiss to both genders once acquainted. 'Bună ziua' (good day) in formal settings; 'Salut' or 'Bună' among younger people and friends.
- Dining
- Wait for the host to say 'Poftă bună!' (bon appétit) before eating. Complimenting the food directly to the cook is important. Leaving a little food shows you were satisfied without demanding more.
- Dress
- Smart casual in restaurants and urban settings; modestly covered at religious sites. Romanians in cities dress stylishly — casual but neat clothing is fine for most occasions.
- Gifts
- Flowers (odd numbers), wine, chocolates, or pastries when visiting homes. Avoid chrysanthemums (associated with funerals). Presenting gifts with both hands or at the start of the visit is standard.
- Business
- Business cards exchanged at first meeting; Romanian side often presents first. Titles (Domn/Doamnă + surname) used until invited to use first names. Punctuality expected for business; social tardiness of 15-20 minutes acceptable.
- Tipping
- 10% standard in restaurants; rounding up taxi fares appreciated; hotel housekeeping $1-2/night; guides and drivers $5-10/day for quality service
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Bună ziua
Hello / Good day
BOO-nah ZEE-wah
Bună dimineața
Good morning
BOO-nah dee-mee-NYAH-tzah
Bună seara
Good evening
BOO-nah SYAH-rah
Mulțumesc
Thank you
mool-tzoo-MESK
Vă rog / Cu plăcere
Please / You're welcome
vuh ROHG / koo plah-CHEH-reh
Da / Nu
Yes / No
dah / noo
Scuzați-mă / Îmi pare rău
Excuse me / Sorry
skoo-ZAH-tzee-muh / eem PAH-reh roh
Vorbiți engleză?
Do you speak English?
vor-BEETS eng-LEH-zah
Cât costă?
How much does it cost?
kuht KOS-tuh
Noroc!
Cheers! (toast)
noh-ROHK
Poftă bună!
Enjoy your meal
POF-tuh BOO-nah
Nota de plată, vă rog
The bill, please
NOH-tah deh PLAH-tah vuh ROHG
Unde este...?
Where is...?
OON-deh YES-teh
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Romania.
Main: Eastern Orthodox Christianity practiced by approximately 86% of the population. The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and is deeply intertwined with national identity.
Sites: Bucovina's painted monasteries (Voroneț, Sucevița, Moldovița), Curtea de Argeș Cathedral (royal burial church), Stavropoleos Church Bucharest, Patriarchal Cathedral Bucharest, Densus Stone Church (oldest Romanian church)
Holy Days: Easter (most important; date varies), Christmas (December 25), Epiphany (January 6, major river blessing ceremony), St. Mary's Day (August 15), St. Andrew's Night (November 29-30)
Conversations: Politics and the Romanian Orthodox Church's influence can be sensitive topics; questions about the communist era require sensitivity; the role of Orthodox Christianity in national identity is complex and personal