There are no significant differences in etiquette between Romanians and other Europeans. So, using your good judgment should be sufficient to avoid unpleasant situations. However, here is a list of behaviours considered rude by Romanians, as well as taboos or other things not to do in Romania. Plus explanations.
4 things that are considered rude in Romania but might be acceptable in other countries
Of course, in Romania, as pretty much everywhere, it is impolite to yawn without covering your mouth or not taking out your hat (as a man) when entering a building. But let’s focus on things you might not know you should avoid doing. First, I want to add that Romanians are open-minded about foreigners and don’t mind if you do things your way. No one is offended by cultural differences.
Not taking your shoes off when entering someone’s house
Taking off your shoes when entering a home is a common practice across many parts of the world, but it’s not as common in some Western countries. In Romania, it is customary to remove shoes when entering a home, and guests are expected to follow suit. In return, they will be offered a pair of slippers to wear while indoors.
Taking the shoes off is the norm, but not all Romanians follow this rule. Usually, if the host doesn’t mind receiving guests with shoes on, they will mention it. If you visit someone for the first time, and you don’t know the house rules, it’s ok to ask.
Not offering food and drinks to your guests
Romanians love to share their food and drinks with their guests. If you visit a local and refuse to eat or drink, your host might become insistent and a little bit offended. Romanians can be insistent like this, but you don’t have to accept anything if you don’t want to. Just say you’re full or that you have some dietary restriction.
However, if you enjoy the food, don’t be ashamed to ask for seconds. Your host will love it!
In the same fashion, Romanians expect to receive food and drinks when visiting. Your Romanian guests may not say they’re hungry (we’re shy this way), but they will be a little disappointed. Of course, you don’t need to cook for your guests if you don’t want to. Sometimes, it’s enough to have some snacks on the table. If your guests are close friends and you have a more casual relationship, you can also consider ordering takeout and asking them to contribute.
Offering flowers in even numbers
This is actually a superstition. Romanians are going to the funerals with flowers in even numbers. When offering flowers to someone as a gift, ensure the bouquet has an odd number of flowers.
Not offering a substantial money gift at weddings and baptisms
Romanians offer a substantial amount of money as wedding gifts. Of course, a close relative of the newlyweds will give more money than a friend, while a coworker will offer less. As a rule, the amount of the “gift” should be at least double the menu price. Depending on the location, food and other factors, 200 euros per person can be a good starting point.
Usually, Romanians know this custom is uncommon for other people, so I don’t think someone will expect to receive money from their foreign friends. If you want to contribute, you can ask friends or other invites how much they offer and where to place the money envelope.
People invited to a baptism ceremony offer a monetary gift as well. This gift is typically smaller in amount than those given at weddings, as the scale of the event is also generally smaller.
What you should avoid doing in Romania for not getting into trouble
Even though Romania is a safe country for tourists, don’t let your guard down. Violent crimes are rare in Romania, but there are still dangers you should be aware of.
How safe is Romania? Read my article Is Romania safe to visit?
Don’t go to unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night, and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Keep your valuables out of sight in public, and always keep an eye on your luggage. Be aware of Romanian laws when entering the country, such as the documents needed to pass through customs, illegal items to bring, and driving laws.
Besides common-sense things, like don’t do anything illegal, here are some other advice about not-so-obvious actions you shouldn’t do in Romania.
Avoid using airport exchange services
Airports, railway stations, and touristy places have the worst rates for exchanging money. If you need cash, you’d better use banks to exchange it for a fair rate. Exchange offices are also good, just not the ones in the places mentioned before. Here’s an article with more advice about how to use money in Romania.
Avoid taxis or be very careful
This one is the first piece of advice you’ll receive from every local if you ask what things not to do in Romania.
The safest way to take a taxi is through an app. Never take a random taxi from the street, as too many drivers may take the opportunity to scam tourists. The less trustful taxi drivers are around airports and railway stations.
I recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, or BlackCab. The last one is more expensive and offers more luxurious cars. Unfortunately, they are only available in the major cities. In Bucharest, Speed Taxi and Taxi Meridian are taxi services with their own apps.
At Henry Coandă Airport, you can request a taxi through the touchscreen terminals. Note that a train to Bucharest North Railway and a bus to the city centre are available.
If you need to hail a taxi from the street, ask the driver about the cost beforehand to avoid any confusion later on. An experienced taxi driver will be able to estimate the cost. If the driver is trying to negotiate the price, it’s clearly a scammer, and you should look for another. Also, when entering the taxi, ensure the driver starts the taxi meter. If the driver doesn’t initiate the meter or change the cost of the ride, it’s a scam. Usually, they give up if you tell them you’ll call the police. All the licensed taxi drivers have their badges exposed in the car.
Depending on your destination, the cost of a ride will rarely go above 100 lei. You should receive a receipt at the end of the ride. Make sure you have cash in small denominations of Romanian currency on hand. Many taxi drivers like to pretend they don’t have change in order to keep it.
Don’t try to bribe the police or other authorities
Romania has the reputation of a corrupt country, and I’m not trying to deny this. But things are getting better, and petty corruption has substantially reduced. If a policeperson, medic, or public worker asks for a bribe, you can report them to the authorities. Also, offering bribes is illegal and might create more problems for you.
Many people think they can do whatever they want in Romania because of the country’s high corruption rate. I’ve read some articles (not written by Romanians) that portray bribing as a cultural quirk. No, it’s not normal to tip our doctors and other professionals. The situation is more complex, and it is advisable not to engage in this practice.
Don’t assume everything will happen on schedule
Expect delays when using public transportation in Romania, especially during extreme weather conditions. Trains are often not on time in the summer due to heatwaves and in the winter due to snowstorms.
Also, if you want to use the bus, expect the schedule not to be fully respected.
Don’t underestimate the power of nature
If you venture into the Carpathians, be fully prepared. Before hiking, research the trail and check the weather to get familiar with the route. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment before setting out on your hike. Never leave the marked trail during your hike.
Too often, people are wandering into the mountains with casual shoes, no equipment and no idea where they are going. There are many areas in the mountains where you won’t get a mobile signal, so it’s important to know what to do in these situations.
Don’t pet the strays!
Here’s a thing you can’t do in most of the European countries, just because it doesn’t exist. And yet it’s on the list of things not to do in Romania as many tourists don’t know how to react in front of a pack of dogs.
Although the situation with stray dogs in Romania has improved, it is still a problem. Most dogs are friendly because they are used to living among people, but not all of them. It’s best to avoid taking risks and ignore the dogs, no matter how cute they seem.
What is taboo in Romania?
Although Romanians are typically warm and friendly, they may appear reserved when interacting with strangers. It is best to avoid sensitive topics when interacting with Romanians unless they initiate the conversation themselves. Asking questions is not an issue, as Romanians will love to tell you about their history or culture. But avoid starting the conversation with your own negative opinions about Romania.
Politics and especially communism
Most Romanians are disappointed in how things are going in the country. Even so, there are many opposing opinions about what should change. Discussing these topics can sometimes lead to intense emotions and disagreement. It is better not to touch this subject.
Similarly, one of the things not to do in Romania is talking about communism and Ceaușescu. There are still many people who love him and also many who hate him. Understand that living in Romania before 1989 was a painful experience for many people and is still a source of collective trauma. It may be difficult for people from other countries to comprehend the full extent of this history.
Complaining about the current state of Romania
This one might seem a little unfair. Romanians love to complain about their country, but they don’t accept others to do it too. Their favourite subjects to complain about are related to corruption, high prices, low salaries, garbage, the health system, the education system, traffic and so on.
Even if you don’t like Romania, it is better to avoid talking about this without being asked. Of course, if you must express your dissatisfaction with the country, try doing it respectfully.
Confusion of Romanians with Romani minority
The Romani people, also known as Roma, are a significant minority group in Romania, comprising around 5% of the population. The terms ‘Romanian’ and ‘Romani’ are distinct, yet the similarity in their names can lead to confusion, which some Romanians find frustrating.
Regrettably, the Romani community faces discrimination across Europe, with the situation appearing more pronounced in Romania. Sensitivity is crucial when discussing this topic due to its complexity and the challenges the Romani people encounter.
Despite these issues, it’s essential to recognize that Romania, in general, is a welcoming and safe place for individuals of all races and ethnicities.
