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.
Romania is generally a safe country for tourists with low rates of violent crime against foreigners. Petty theft and taxi scams are the primary concerns in tourist areas, particularly Bucharest's Old Town and metro system. Standard urban precautions are sufficient for a comfortable visit.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Romania is rated Level 1 (normal) by the US State Department. EU member state with good infrastructure and emergency services.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Romania is generally safe for travelers. Petty crime in tourist areas advised against; standard precautions recommended
Standard travel advice
Most visits are trouble-free. Be alert to pickpockets in crowded areas and use licensed taxis or ride-share apps
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport, especially Bucharest Metro and tourist areas like Old Town.
Use only licensed taxis from apps (Bolt, Uber) or reputable companies — avoid unlicensed cabs that overcharge tourists.
Avoid displaying expensive items such as cameras and jewelry in tourist areas or on public transport.
Keep valuables secure on overnight trains between cities; use luggage locks and keep bags in sight.
Exchange currency only at official banks or licensed exchange offices (Casa de Schimb) — never from street touts.
Register your trip with your home country embassy; the US Embassy in Bucharest is at Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9.
Drinking tap water is generally safe in Bucharest and major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Stray dogs are present in some areas, particularly in rural regions and parks — avoid approaching them.
Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox monasteries and churches: covered shoulders and knees are required.
Be aware of ATM skimming scams — use bank-branded ATMs inside bank branches rather than standalone machines.
Road conditions vary widely; mountain roads can be hazardous in winter — always carry snow chains if driving in Carpathians.
Healthcare is adequate in Bucharest but limited in rural areas; travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Emergency number in Romania is 112 for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed Airport Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Bucharest OTP airport approach arriving passengers and quote extortionate flat rates ($50-100+ for what should be $15-20). Most aggressive in arrivals hall.
How to avoid: Use Bolt or Uber app from the arrivals hall parking area; alternatively, only take taxis with 'TAXI' signage and working meters from the official rank outside
Friendly Stranger Casino/Nightclub Scam
Seemingly friendly local or attractive person invites tourist for drinks at a club, which turns out to have extortionate prices. Bill of $200-500 for a few drinks appears; intimidation used to collect payment.
How to avoid: Be cautious of overly friendly approaches from strangers near Bucharest Old Town; check prices before ordering; leave if prices seem unreasonable
ATM Card Skimming
Card skimming devices installed on standalone ATMs, particularly in tourist areas. Data harvested for fraudulent use.
How to avoid: Use only ATMs inside bank branches (Banca Transilvania, BCR, ING are widespread); cover keypad when entering PIN; check for any loose attachments on card slot
Currency Exchange Shortchange
Unofficial exchange offices, street money changers, or some tourist-area exchange shops use sleight of hand to give less money than the agreed rate.
How to avoid: Exchange only at official licensed offices (casa de schimb) in reputable locations; count money before leaving; use bank ATMs for best rates without risk
Parking 'Fine' Scam
Unofficial individuals place fake parking tickets on cars in tourist areas, claiming to be parking wardens and demanding cash payment immediately. Official Romanian fines are handled through official channels, not on-the-spot cash.
How to avoid: Ignore unofficial individuals claiming fines; official parking infractions result in proper documentation, not immediate cash demands
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.), Hepatitis A and B, tick-borne encephalitis if hiking extensively
- Water
- Generally safe in cities, though locals often drink bottled water. Avoid in rural areas.
- Food
- Altitude sickness rare but possible in Carpathians; tick bites in forests; food hygiene generally good
- Facilities
- Excellent - pharmacies (Farmacie) everywhere, many open 24/7 in cities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Romania is very safe for solo travelers. Major cities have good public transport, reliable ride-sharing apps, and generally helpful locals. Solo women should exercise standard urban precautions at night in Bucharest's Old Town but are very unlikely to encounter serious problems. Solo travel in Transylvania, Maramureș, and rural areas is safe and often rewarding for the local interactions it generates.
Female travellers
Safe with standard precautions. Romanian cities are generally safe for women traveling alone. Bucharest's Old Town nightlife can involve attention from men but serious incidents are rare. Dress conservatively at monasteries and rural areas. Use Bolt/Uber rather than street taxis at night. Join day tours or hostels for making connections in rural areas.
Families
Excellent family destination. Romanians are very family-oriented and welcoming to children. Castles, the Danube Delta, and mountain activities appeal to all ages. Roads in rural areas can be rough; rent an SUV for village exploration. Medical facilities excellent in cities; keep travel insurance with pediatric coverage. Tap water safe in cities; bottled recommended in villages.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Legal but conservative. Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania since 1996, and Bucharest has a small but visible LGBTQ+ scene with Accept Romania NGO active in advocacy. Public same-sex displays of affection may attract unwanted attention outside major cities and the Bucharest LGBTQ+-friendly venues area. Rural Romania remains socially conservative. Bucharest Pride takes place annually in June.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Tourist Police