SPAS AND TREATMENT RESORTS Since ancient times, the actual territory of Romania was known for the therapeutical effect of its world famous mineral waters. BAILE HERCULANE (Hercules’s Spa) was used in times of the Roman Empire, some 1,800 years ago. Mud with astonishing healing properties, as well as treatments developed by Romanian specialists are used to improve the health of the visiting guests. Usual treatment lasts for two-three weeks, and is conducted under close medical supervision. Famous spas are the following, to mention just a few:

In the North-Eastern part of Moldova, in the Bucovina area, painted monasteries from the 15th-17th century were declared UNESCO heritage and are visited by numerous foreign guests. The most famous are Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita and Dragomirna.

FOLKLORE TRADITIONS

To enjoy the secular traditions, unspoiled by modern civilization, a visit to the countryside is recommended. Easter customs are also very interesting.
 

HUNTING

The extreme rich fauna includes deer, wild boar, bear, wolf, fox, mountain cock, lynx, chamois. Wild life is protected in natural reserves and hunting seasons are strictly observed. (stag 01/09-30/11, reebuck 01/09-3-/11, deer 15/05-31/10, chamois 15/09-31/12, bear 15/03-15/05, wild boar 01/10-15/02, mountain cock 01/04-15/05, pheasant 15/10-28/02).

FISHING

In the Danube Delta and many rivers and lakes there are over 160 species of fish, among which trout, carp, sturgeon, wel, pike, roach, umber, bream and zander are the most frequent. Law regulates fishing seasons.

http:///ROMANIAN CUISINE

International cuisine is available in high class restaurants. But, most of them - and especially the traditional restaurants - offer their guests attractive menus, including famous and highly appreciated Romanian dishes: mititei (highly seasoned grilled meatballs), joints roasted on the spit, cooked or battered brain, tripe or quenelle soup, tripe stew, pork stew with mamaliga (maize porridge), sarmale (minced meat rolls in cabbage or vine leaves), venison, fish specialties. One should not miss drinking the local plum brandy (a strong drink obtained by distillation), followed, at the suitable time, by the many times prize awarded wines coming from the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealul Mare, Husi, Odobesti, Valea Calugareasca, Dragasani, Recas, Arad, etc.

GETTING THERE

You can reach easily Romania by air, using the services of main international carriers. However, since there is no direct flight from Japan, overnight stay in one of the European traffic hubs (Rome, Paris, Athens, Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Istanbul) might be necessary.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Banks and exchange offices provide the service. Exchange rate may vary, so check in advance the best offer available. Some exchange offices charge a fee for the service; it is advisable to check this before deciding. Do not attempt "on the street - exchange", which is illegal and might get you in trouble. The most usual foreign currency is US$; Euro and other European currencies are also accepted. Except for banks, you might experience difficulties in exchanging Japanese Yen. It is advisable to change just the necessary amount, thus to be in possession of smaller denominations. First class hotels provide currency exchange service, at a slightly lower rate.

BANKING HOURS

Usually 10:00-15:00, Monday to Friday

EXCHANGE OFFICES

Usually 9:00-19:00, Monday to Friday; some operate on Saturday too.

CREDIT CARDS

Major credit cards (AmEx, Diners, Eurocard, JCB, Mastercard, Visa) are accepted in big hotels and restaurants. Otherwise, be prepared to pay in cash, local currency. Usually, even smaller hotels should accept traveller's cheques.

POST OFFICE

Post offices, providing local and external services, are open daily, Monday to Friday; Saturday morning only few offices in the district capital cities.

TELEPHONE

To call abroad from Romania one dials 00 for international, plus country code, area code, local number. For instance, to call number 3333-4444 in Tokyo, dial 00-81-3-33334444. Not all phones in Romania have access to international network, but all hotels do provide this service, directly or through operator.

To call Romania from Japan dial 001, 0041 or any other international calls provider, plus 40 for Romania, 2 for Romtelecom operator, then area code, local number. To call number 1234567 in Bucharest you dial (ex. using KDD) 001-40-2-1-1234567.

To call a mobile phone, please note that starting September 2002 previous system was changed, as follows: former first three digits    090    changed to    0740

            094                        0744

            095                        0745

            091                        0721

            092                        0722

            093                        0723

            096                        0766

            098                        0788

For example, to call former number 091-111-222, dial from Japan Int+40-721-111-222.

For trunk calls while in Romania, dial 0, then 2 for Telecom, the area code of the respective town and the phone number.

Direct services are provided by telephone exchanges installed in post offices, through private telephone sets and hotel operators. 

Most public phones in Bucharest and tourist areas use prepaid card system.

ENERGY SUPPLY

220 V, 50-60 Hz. Japanese appliances require voltage adaptor, as well as plug adaptor. Check the user instructions of your appliances for details.

HEALTH CARE

Health Care Services are available in hospitals, polyclinics, state or private clinics throughout the country. Japanese citizens will be requested to pay directly the services provided. Check with the travel company the extent covered by your travel insurance.

CLOTHING

Apart from normal seasonal clothes, it is advisable to bring a warm pullover, raincoat and walking shoes, especially if you plan visiting the northern part of Romania. Very warm clothing is recommended for winter.

SHOPPING

Valuable folklore items and artifacts can be purchased at reasonable prices, including ceramics, pottery, carpets, porcelain, silverware, icons. Painting of contemporary artists is also recommended. Ask for invoice, as it is necessary for customs clearance. Normal shopping hours 10.00-18.00, but some department stores and boutiques stay open till 20.00. Duty free shops in international airports display such items for last minute shopping.

HOTEL BOOKING

Hotel accommodation can be booked through Romanian travel agencies at much better prices than by checking in at the front desk.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

AIR

TAROM, the national carrier, has flights to major provincial cities. However, as Bucharest is the hub of the network, it might be necessary to fly back to the capital in order to catch a flight in another direction. For domestic flight reservations call 001-40-2-1-6594185 (in Romanian), or contact a local travel agency.

RENT A CAR 

Available at international airports and major hotels. You need an international driving license to drive the car, or you can ask for chauffeur-driven cars. Traffic is on the right side of the street, and cars have left-side driving-wheel. Speed limits: 60 km/h in town, 80 km/h off city limits. Contact: HERTZ Fax 001-40-2-1-3120434, or other local travel agencies. 

TAXI

Companies as well as individuals provide this service. A taxi ride from OTOPENI (Bucharest) International Airport to the city (15 Km.) should cost US$ 15-20, or the equivalent in local currency. If the cab is not provided with meter, agree the fare in advance with the driver.

TRAINS

The railroad network covers the entire territory. Speed of trains differs according to number of stops.

1. PERSONAL stops at every station
2. ACCELERAT is faster, with fewer stops
3. RAPID is even faster
4. INTERCITY trains stop only in important cities.