Business Customs
Romanian business customs reflect the Western business model as Romania is both a U.S. and E.U. friendly country. In addition to this, Romanians are known for being both great English speaking and generally foreigner friendly.
Some fundamental cultural differences between the U.S. and Romania remain. Variations in pace and style may be most noticeable, and sustained contact with potential business partners is expected. Prompt acknowledgment of correspondence, longer lead time for appointments, and greater formality in the conduct of business is the norm.
Romanian executives communicate both my phone and email, however, calling contacts in addition to emailing is very appreciated in Romania as it shows your desire to build a personal connection while also collaborating on a professional level. Moreover, speaking Romanian is always a plus in the Romanian business environment.
Travel Information
The State Department maintains country-specific travel information on www.Travel.State.Gov. Information on travel and advisories to Romania can be found on the Consular Information Page for Romania. Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts from the State Department and U.S. embassies while traveling abroad.
Entry Requirements for U.S. citizens
Romania is a Schengen Member State, which permits U.S. citizens to travel for temporary tourist and business trips to 26 European countries in the Schengen area without a visa and be admitted for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The days do not have to be consecutive. U.S. citizens attempting to enter after having already spent 90 days in the Schengen area in a 180-day period without a permit may be denied entry. For stays longer than 90 days in Romania, you must obtain a permit from the Romanian Immigration Office in your residence area before the 90 days is over.
You may use this tool to calculate your travel days remaining under the 90-day stay: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/border-crossing/short-stay-visa-calculator_en. For additional information, please visit the website of the Department of State for information on Travel to European Countries in the Schengen Area.
You must have a valid passport with validity of at least 90 days past your intended date of departure to the Schengen area. This requirement applies if you are transiting a Schengen country to a non-Schengen destination. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes in Europe. The State Department recommends that your passport have at least six months validity remaining whenever you travel. Check the expiration date on your passport and renew your passport before traveling. Visit the Department of State’s passport website for information on applying for a new or renewal passport.
Romanian visa information can be found on both the Romanian Embassy in Washington D.C. website, or you can either visit the Romanian Embassy at 1607 23rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, contact them at +1 (202) 232-4747, or try to reach the Romanian Consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York.
Foreigners are required to always carry identification documents. Americans who obtained a temporary or permanent stay permit must be able to present the document upon the request of any “competent authorities.” Foreigners who do not have a stay permit should present their passports. The Embassy recommends carrying a copy of the relevant document.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links:
The U.S. Embassy Romania’s American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit is located at the Embassy’s Consular Section (4-6 Liviu Librescu Blvd) responsible for offering assistance to U.S. citizens in Romania.
ACS Contact Information:
- Phone: 004-021-270-6000 (dial 1); Available: Monday-Friday (13:00-16:30); Email: ACSBucharest@state.gov
Emergency Services (operates 24 hrs/day; 7 days/week) - Phone: 004-021-270-6000; Available: Monday-Friday (8:00-17:00).
- For emergencies after public hours, please dial 004-021-200-3300.
All non-emergency American Citizen Services e.g. U.S. passport renewal, Birth Abroad Consular Reports, Notaries and other services are provided by appointment only. Links to the online appointment system are provided on the US Embassy website https://ro.usembassy.gov/ under the “U.S. Citizen Services” category.
Useful websites:
- U.S. Embassy to Romania website containing services provided: https://ro.usembassy.gov/
- State Department Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html
- Romanian Immigration Department: https://igi.mai.gov.ro/en/
Currency
Romania’s local currency is the Romanian LEU (RON). Visa and Mastercard are accepted widely throughout Romania while American Express is only accepted in the major cities. Many businesses in Romania’s major cities are now cashless and accept contactless credit card payments.
Romania has a well-established ATM network, with over 11,000 machines, primarily operated by major banks like BCR, BRD, Alpha Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and UniCredit. While some banks like CEC Bank and ING offer fee-free withdrawals for foreigners, you should always check whether the ATM you are using charges a fee for non-customers.
Please note that in Romania, a PIN may be required to make credit card purchases. Many American banks allow cardholders to establish a PIN prior to travel. If you do not have a pin just tell the cashier that you have “a no pin credit card.” Regardless, you should notify your bank of your international travel, and the potential legitimate use of your card abroad, prior to leaving the U.S. In addition, traveler’s checks may not be used in lieu of local currency and must be exchanged for cash at a bank before use.
Telecommunications/Electrics
A fun fact is that Romania has one of the best infrastructures for mobile and fixed data.
Wireless internet connection is also widely available across the Romania in both hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Most U.S. cell phone carriers offer international plans that extend to Romania. Alternatively, prepaid Romanian SIM cards can be purchased as a cheaper option which will give you access to a temporary local number and cheaper rates for calls, texts and data transfers.
The Romanian power socket differs from that of the U.S. in both voltage and shape, with the U.S. operating on a 110V supply voltage and the Romanian outlets provide a 230V. Depending on the U.S. appliance or electrical item voltage limit, a plug adaptor will be required.
Transportation
Romania is easily accessible from most major airports in the United States and Europe. Romania’s main access points are its airport in Bucharest (OTP), Timisoara (TSR), Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Sibiu (SBZ), Craiova (CRA) and Iasi (IAS) airports.
Romania is well served by an international and domestic rail system (the 7th EU network size-wise), although the country’s rail infrastructure needs an update. Traveling by train from other European countries to Romania takes from four hours (Budapest to Arad or to Oradea) to about 31 hours (Paris to Bucharest). First and second-class sleepers are available for journeys longer than 10 hours and for overnight trains. Schedules of international trains to and from Romania can be obtained at: https://www.bahn.com/en or https://www.interrail.eu/en
Taxis and car services are available in every city and larger towns in Romania. Uber and Bolt are the most popular platforms to book your rides with.
U.S. driver’s licenses are not valid in Romania. U.S. citizens must either obtain an AAA international driving permit in addition to their U.S. driver’s license or a Romanian driver’s license.
Language
The official language of Romania is Romanian, a Romance language which uses the Latin alphabet.
Health
While Romania is home to both public and private medical healthcare, please note that US citizens are generally not eligible for free public healthcare in Romania unless they have a residence permit or are employed in Romania and also contribute to the national health insurance fund. Hence, the Romanian private healthcare which is a charged service is the only valid alternative available to use for those who wish to pay for these services.
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. It is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your travels, especially if your medical insurance plan only works domestically.
If a U.S. citizen becomes seriously ill or injured in Romania, a U.S. consular officer can assist in locating medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and all expenses is the responsibility of the traveler. U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.
We also urge you to set up an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact to enable first responders to get in touch with the person(s) you designated as your emergency contact(s).
Americans who wish to extend their stay in Romania must purchase Romanian health insurance from the National Health Insurance Office in their area of residence for the duration of their intended stay in Romania. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided on the Department of State’s web page, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad. For more details, please consult this web link: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health.html
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Local time is Standard GTM + 2 hours. Business hours are typically from 9:00 - 17:00, Monday through Friday. An updated list of American and Romanian national holidays can be found on the Embassy’s website.
Temporary Entry of Materials and/or Personal Belongings
A government-issued passport is needed when entering Romania. You may also need to declare certain goods upon entry into Romania. Romania’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations on temporary import or export from Romania on firearms, antiquities, and/or medications. Romanian law allows travelers to bring cash into or out of Romania. However, sums larger than the equivalent of €10,000 ($11,000) must be declared. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Romania in Washington or one of Romania’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Romanian Embassy in Washington DC (https://washington.mae.ro/en/) Contact Info:
• 23rd Street NW, Washington DC, 20008
• +1 (202) 232.36.94; +1 (202) 332.48.46.
• +1 (202) 332.48.48; +1 (202) 332.48.29.
• +1 (202) 232 6634; +1 (202) 387.69.01.
Romanian customs authorities accept the use of an ATA (Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.
ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, call +1 (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit https://uscib.org/ for details.