$Unique_ID{COW03022} $Pretitle{360} $Title{Romania Chapter 8. Visiting Romania} $Subtitle{} $Author{Donald E. deKieffer} $Affiliation{Embassy of Romania, Washington DC} $Subject{romania bucharest romanian hotels foreign black business tourist major cards} $Date{1990} $Log{} Country: Romania Book: Doing Business with the New Romania Author: Donald E. deKieffer Affiliation: Embassy of Romania, Washington DC Date: 1990 Chapter 8. Visiting Romania SIGHTSEEING Although correspondence can go far towards introducing products and technology and perhaps soliciting inquiries, it is not a very effective sales method in Romania. Initial correspondence and catalogues should be followed up by direct visits. These visits, however, must be organized in advance for maximum effectiveness. An unplanned two or three day visit could be wasted waiting in a hotel lobby. Including a day or two for sightseeing could be worthwhile, especially if a visitor is accompanied by his or her spouse. Romania's many tourist attractions include fine natural settings, historical sites and folklore, and attract an average of seven million visitors a year, mostly from other Eastern European countries. Prices are reasonable. The Romanian Black Sea coast is frequented by millions, as are the Romanian spas. The Transylvanian Alps and Carpathians offer some of the best skiing in Europe at very reasonable prices, and the Danube Delta is the refuge for thousands of animals and hundreds of endangered species. Most of the Delta is currently a nature reserve and is open to the public. Romania's major tourist areas include the following: Burcharest-The capital city and major tourist center with many opportunities for sightseeing and entertainment. Bucharest is surrounded by parks and lakes and is the first stop for most foreign tourists entering the country. Mountain Resorts-The most popular are located along the Prahova and Timis Valleys cutting through the Carpathians. In recent years, numerous resorts have been built in the areas around Brasov, emphasizing both summer and winter sports and including a major European equestrian center. This region is also known as "Dracula country" and tourists can visit the haunts of both the historical and fictional characters. Romania has not, however, adequately developed the ghoul market. The Black Sea Coast-The country's principal summer tourist zone. Sun and water sports are the main attractions. The city of Constantza, an important economic center and the largest harbor on the Black Sea, stands on the ancient site of the former Greek colony of Tomi. A chain of resorts stretches about 70 miles along the coast from north to south (Mamaia, Constantza, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Costinesti, Neptun, Jupter, Cap Aurora, Venus, Saturn, and Mangalia) with good hotels and villas and ancillary combinations for tourists: bowling alleys, miniature golf courses and rental boats. Several of the facilities in this region are known for their spas for the treatment of rheumatism. The Danube Delta-The largest in Europe, has a unique landscape and a rich variety of wildlife, including large colonies of pelicans and worldclass fishing opportunities. Northern Moldavia-In the northeastern part of Romania, is famous for its ancient traditions and native architecture. The City of Suceava, the former capital of Moldavia in the 14th-16th centuries, preserves many historic and architectural monuments, including the Fortress of Suceava and Scheia. Central Moldavia-Covers the area around the city of Piatra Neamt crossed by the Bistrita and Bicaz Rivers. Major tourist attractions include the Bicaz Gorges, Lacul Rosu (Red Lake), and the historic lake of Bicaz with water sport centers, hotels and camping sites. Northern Oltenia-Well-known for spas and health resorts such as Govora, Calimanesti, Olanesti, Caciulata and Ocnele Mari. USEFUL TIPS Business Hours The normal business hours for foreign trade companies and other government offices are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. In Bucharest some office hours are scheduled half an hour later. Most staff members take a short lunch break around 11:30 a.m. or noon. Department stores are open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Food stores are generally open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Official Holidays Commercial and government holidays are observed January 1 (New Year's), May 1 (International Workers' Day) and December 1 (National Holiday). The day following each of these holidays is also a public holiday. Several more holidays will be announced by the government in 1992, so be sure to check. Clothing Bucharest has a temperate climate. Like other East European capitals, Bucharest is not well-known for haute couture. Further, most Romanians-even businessmen-dress rather casually. In summer one can go to Bucharest's best restaurants in the evenings and be able to count the ties on one hand. In the upper levels of the government and bureaucracy, the directors tend to be slightly more formal (they generally wear a jacket and slacks). Significantly, women tend to pay more attention to their appearance than do men. The vast majority of working women wear smart, if not stylish, dresses while their male counterparts may come to work in jeans and a tee-shirt. Language Romanians rarely expect foreign businessmen to speak their language. Negotiations may generally be conducted in English. Romanians will generally supply their own interpreters, if necessary. Interpreters can also be secured through the National Travel Office (ONT) in Bucharest or the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania. Tipping Although tips are officially discouraged, they are still appreciated. Romania is, however, a tipper's delight. Tips are only expected for extraordinary service. Even then, 10 percent is generally adequate. For meals, however, a 12 percent gratuity may already be included in the bill and an additional tip is not necessary. Lighting Due to the high cost of electricity, Romanian offices, factories and homes are gloomy by Western standards. Energy conservation has gone on for along time in Romania. It is impolite to comment upon this, as it is a matter of longstanding custom as well as financial necessity. Black Market There is a black market in Romania not only for foreign currencies but for all Western goods. Due to strict enforcement and the inability of most Romanians to dispose of their hard currency, the black market offers no real economic opportunity and should be strenuously avoided. This is especially true now that legal "hard currency" stores are open to local residents. Western companies seeking to sell their goods need not rely on black markets, but can do so openly through approved channels. Punctuality Unlike many other Latin countries, Romanians in the business and government sectors tend to be rather punctual. It is considered bad form to be late for business appointments. Business Cards Romanians are fastidious about business cards. After introducing themselves, they will almost invariably hand you one of their cards. The visitor should be prepared to reciprocate. Shopping All the major deluxe hotels in Romania, as well as a dozen more locations scattered about Bucharest, have so-called "convertible currency stores." These stores stock goods not generally available to Romanians such as liquor, cigarettes, jewelry and portable tape recorders. Anyone with Western currency is welcome to shop at these stores. Romania also offers a variety of local products at extremely reasonable prices. Best bets are crystal, handicrafts, lambskin, sweaters, carvings and fox. Health Although no inoculations are required for travelers coming from the United States or Europe, it is advisable to be immunized against polio and hepatitis for travel outside urban areas. Health requirements change. Travelers should check most recent information. Time Zone Romania is in the East European time zone (GMT plus 2 hours); daylight savings time (GMT plus 3 hours) applies from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in September. Electricity Electricity in Romania is 220 volt, 50 cycle. Romania uses European (continental) style plus. Weights/Measures The metric system is used exclusively in Romania, having been adopted in 1866. Credit Cards The following credit cards are valid in Romania: Diner's Club, American Express, MasterCard, Access Card, Barclaycard, Carte Blanche, Eurocard, Visa and Interbank. Before assuming these cards are accepted in a given establishment, however, visitors are advised to observe signs posted at the establishment or inquire before ordering. Pharmaceuticals While Romanian drug stores (chemist's shops ) carry a wide range of pharmaceuticals, sometimes even the generic names of prescription drugs vary from their U.S. designations. Travelers should ordinarily bring with them sufficient prescription drugs for their stay. In an emergency, however, prescription drugs may be obtained 24 hours a day from Chemists #5,18, Magheru Blvd., Bucharest; telephone 14.61.16. News Unlike other Communist countries, Romania has permitted ownership of shortwave radios. In addition to the local Romanian stations, foreign businessmen may also listen to broadcasts of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. Romanian television is currently broadcast in black and white and in color. There are dozens of newspapers in Romania, several in English. Romanian news is available in most hotels in several foreign languages. Foreign newspapers and periodicals are not easily available in Romania. Weekends For the business traveler, ONT-CARPATI, National Tourist Office, offers a number of two- and three-day tours of the Bucharest area and outlying regions. These range from excursions to the Carpathians to two days on the Black Sea coast. There are also specialized tours emphasizing the wine country, monasteries, folklore, history and castles. In addition, ONT-CARPATI can arrange "customized" tours with drivers and interpreters. Hotels can also advise business travelers of events in Bucharest over weekends. These include sporting events, motion pictures, opera and symphony. Romanians play hard on the weekends. The parks and lakes around Bucharest are jammed with people during this period and numerous cultural events are scheduled at this time. Telephone/Telex/Fax Telephone, telex and fax facilities are available at most major hotels. As in other European countries, telephone and telex facilities are also available at post offices. As is the case with most European countries, however, it is almost always cheaper to receive telephone/telex/fax messages than to send them. In addition, many hotels add service charges to overseas calls which make such contacts prohibitive. Many businessman arrange to have their offices contact them at predetermined times, rather than initiating contacts themselves. Foreign companies which establish offices in Romania can obtain telephones, telexes and faxes by contacting the International Agency of the National Tourist Office (ONT). Housing Housing for foreign nationals temporarily (or permanently) resident in Romania can be obtained through the International Agency of the ONT Rental of apartments ranges from $10 to $100 per day depending upon location and size. Tourist Information The "Carpati-Bucharest" National Tourist Office offers the following services: reservations of rooms at hotels, motels, camping sites, etc.; currency exchange; sightseeing tours of Bucharest; booking for tickets for performance and sporting events; reservations in spas; rent-a-car; booking of train tickets; multilingual guides; and transfers to airports and railway stations. These services can also be arranged through most major hotels. Carpati-Bucharest National Tourist Office, 7, Magheru Blvd.; telephone 14.51.60; telex 11270 CarpatR. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Foreign citizens entering Romania are entitled to bring with them the following products duty free: liquor (2 liters), cigarettes (200) or tobacco (300 grams), wine or beer (4 liters), cameras (2), film (10 rolls), movie camera (1), movie film (10), gifts (up to 2000 lei). Personal belongings including a reasonable amount of jewelry, binoculars (1), radios (1), laptop computers (1), tape recorders (1), dictating machines (1), etc., can also be brought in without declaration. Purchases up to 1000 lei can be exported without declaration. Be sure to retain receipts for these. The Customs regulations are currently being reviewed. Be sure to check with the closest Romanian embassy for the latest modifications. Samples Samples and models without commercial value (cut, punched and stapled on cards) may be imported duty-free. Samples of commercial value may be temporarily imported on the basis of ATA carnets. Should these commercial value samples remain in Romania, they must be assigned to a Romanian foreign trade company. Such samples may also be assigned duty free to educational establishments, research centers or medical institutions. Businessmen may bring into Romania medicines for personal use proportionate to the duration of their stay. Medicine, clothes, food, cigarettes, up to 4000 lei per year for each person of age and 2000 lei for each child, are exempt from customs duties for the permanent staff of foreign offices in Romania. Literature Unlike former times, almost all restrictions on the importation of literature have been lifted. Books in commercial quantities for resale, however, may be subject to customs duties. Visas As of August, 1990, visas are still required for most visitors from the U.S. and the U.K. These may be obtained on arrival at an entry point. Delays can be avoided, however, by obtaining a visa prior to your visit at any Romanian embassy. Unlike prior years, multiple entry visas are now available. AIR TRAVEL TAROM and LAR provide local service from 16 airports. These Romanian companies also operate 36 overseas routes. Three international airports (Bucharest, Constantza and Timisoara) provide flight services. CAR, BUS AND RAIL Cars may be rented either with or without a driver at all major hotels. Rental, with driver (minimum 4 hours), is $5-6 per hour; without a driver, $19 per day plus 25 cents per kilometer. TAXIS Taxis in Bucharest may be ordered through the hotel doorman or by dialing 053. Unless you speak Romanian, however, it is better to have someone call for you as the taxi switchboard operators have a great deal of difficulty understanding English messages. All taxis are metered and are very reasonable. Gypsy Cabs In addition, it sometimes seems that every tenth Romanian with an automobile is prepared to take you anywhere you want to go at about double the rate of the official taxicabs. This is a booming business due to the relative scarcity of cabs in the city. Foreign businessmen are advised not to use the facilities of the "gypsy" cab system. Gypsy cabs are not only highly illegal (passengers may be subject to arrest as well as the drivers), but they are also expensive. Moreover, the drivers don't know Bucharest as well as official chauffeurs, and there can be significant insurance problems in the event of an accident. Public Transport Bucharest has many inexpensive, but often crowded buses and streetcars. A new subway system was inaugurated in 1979 and is currently undergoing expansion. Driving to Bucharest from December through February is not advised, as mountain passes can be hazardous. Otherwise, the main roads are reasonably good. Rail Rail facilities are available for domestic and international travel. The daily Wiener-Walzer Express from Vienna takes roughly 20 hours to reach Bucharest. Automobiles A foreigner stationed in Romania may opt to buy a Romanian DACIA 1300 automobile for local use through the COMTURIST agency (approximate price: $5,000). Importing Cars Alternatively, one can import a car. The current customs duty rate for permanently imported cars is 30 percent of their value. HOTELS Foreigners are usually expected to settle their hotel accounts in hard currency. All deluxe category hotels, however, accept major credit cards. At the hard currency rate, Romanian hotels in the deluxe category are reasonably priced compared to similar accommodations elsewhere in Europe. Hotel reservations may be guaranteed in the following manner: - By reservations made by a partner travel agency of the National Travel Office (ONT); - By the Intercontinental Hotel chain for guaranteed reservations at "Intercontinental" and "Continental" hotels in Bucharest. - By the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania. RESTAURANTS Romania has thousands of bars, brasseries, and beer gardens. There is a local custom, however, dating back many years, which dictates that only spirits are sold in bars while beer and wine are sold in brasseries. Except for the Black Sea coastal resorts where beer is sold in bars, you must order your lighter alcoholic beverages in brasseries, restaurants or beer gardens. As in most Eastern European countries, imported hard liquor sold in bars can be very expensive and one is generally better off buying a bottle for the room or sticking to the local offerings which, in the case of beer and wine, are exceptionally good. Night Life While Bucharest may not be Paris in terms of night life, there are still a few interesting places to visit after dark. Nightclubs include: Athenee Palace 1-3, Episcopiei Street Telephone: 14.09.88 Doina 4, Soseaua Kiseleff Telephone: 16.30.95 Melody 2, Pictor Verona Street Telephone: 12.92.00