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$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 tra