Romania

Accesibility

If you have a disability, you may encounter limited accessibility in some parts of Romania.

Public transport and building accessibility is better:

• in Bucharest and other large cities
• at international airports and large hotels

Driving permit

To drive in Romania, you’ll need both:

• your current Australian driver’s licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

If you stay longer than 185 days, you can apply for a Romanian driver’s licence. Do this through the General Directorate for Driving Licences and Car Registration.

More information:

Road travel

Major city streets and inter-city highways are generally in good condition.

Most other roads are poorly maintained, badly lit and narrow.

Additional driving hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• wandering livestock and horse-drawn carts on the roads

If you need emergency roadside help, call 9271.

More information:

Road rules

Learn Romanian traffic laws before you drive. Be aware that:

• the minimum age for driving is 18 years
• children aged under 12 years can’t sit in the front seat of a vehicle
• driving with with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal

If you drink and drive, you may:

• lose your licence
• face fines
• receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years

If you’re involved in an accident, you must take a breathalyser test. Refusing to take this test is a crime.

Police strictly enforce traffic laws. They conduct frequent checks, including radar speed checks. If you’re caught, you may lose your licence and have to pay a fine.

You need a road toll sticker (Rovinieta) to use national roads. Buy one online or from petrol stations and border points. Driving without a sticker may lead to a fine.

Weather conditions

Road travel can be dangerous when roads are wet or covered with ice and snow.

Winter tyres are mandatory on snow-covered roads. Roads become snow-covered most often from November to March.

In extreme weather conditions:

Vehicle insurance

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you if you plan to hire a car or other vehicle.

Also ask if any restrictions apply. Your cover may only be valid if you’re licensed for that vehicle type in Australia.

More information:

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Authorised taxis are generally safe and reliable.

At airports, you can find them in ranks outside the arrivals terminal.

These vehicles:

• display taxi registration, licensing and tariff information
• have an airport sign on both sides of the vehicle

To avoid overcharging and other problems:

• only use authorised taxis
• avoid taxi service offers from touts at airports, train stations and other public places

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Romania’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government