The transport network in Romania is fairly developed, albeit not always as fast as in some of its European peers. A large rail and bus network exists, quality roads connect most of the country, and distant cities are connected by domestic flights. The biggest cities also have extensive public transport systems, while alternatives such as Uber, Bolt or electric scooters are also available.

Urban transportation includes buses, trolleybuses and trams. To benefit from the 50 % discount that applies to students under 26, you will require your stamped student identity card, a passport or residence card, marriage certificate (if the case). While almost every station has a tickets booth where you can obtain and recharge your e-wallet, some of them may not issue your discounted travel cards. Personnel will however guide you to the nearest booth that provides such services.

Alternatively, you can pay the cost of your trip by SMS, app or contactless bank card, however options may differ based on the city.

For updated travel information in Bucharest please visit www.stbsa.ro

For updated travel information in Iasi, please visit www.sctpiasi.ro

For updated travel information in Cluj-Napoca, please visit www.ctpcj.ro

For updated travel information in Timisoara, please visit www.stpt.ro

Traveling by car

To drive a car in Romania you will require a valid driver’s license. Romanian authorities recognize all licenses issued in the EU. Car maintenance costs in Romania can be quite high, since the gas is expensive (1.16 Euro/l), you will need a car insurance (the price ranges between 200 to 300 Euros), the registration forms will cost around 100 Euro, not to mention your service plan and other maintenance expenses.

Taxi

Taxis are very accessible in Romania, the price is 0.3 - 0.5 Euro/km. In order to avoid being charged excessively, always use official taxi companies; also, always ask the taxi driver to run the meter and ask for a receipt at the end of your trip. Note that taxi apps are now a popular way of ordering quality taxis.

Alternatively, services such as Uber or Bolt are available in major Romanian cities, all you have to do is install the app and get moving!

Subway

Is only available for Bucharest, and the national company is called Metrorex. In order to have your discounted student card issued, you will need your student ID card and identity card / passport. There are two options: monthly travel cards with unlimited trips for 35 lei. Travel cards can be purchased from the special points of sales all year long. They can be used for one month from the first validation.

Go green!

You can also opt for a healthier approach to city transportation, and bike rental services are available in different points of cities. In order to find out specific details about bike rental options, you should check for your preferred city. And if electrical scooters are more your thing, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! A number of scooter rental services are available, also varying between various Romanian cities.

Train

As a student you will also get 50% discount for domestic travel by train, 2nd class, and monthly passes.

To obtain the discount, students must present the student card for discount transport validated for the current academic year, which must contain the photo of the holder and the personal numerical code, respectively the series and the passport number. Travel tickets for can be purchased only from ticket offices equipped with an electronic system for issuing travel tickets from railway stations and CFR Călători travel agencies.

The basic unit of Romanian currency is the Romanian LEU (LEI, plural) also kwon as RON. For the rate exchange, please visit the National Bank of Romania official website.

There are numerous banks operating in Romania, with multiple offices and we advise you to open a bank account upon arrival. Specific documents required include passport, proof of accommodation, the letter of enrollment at university etc., but it’s best to inquire directly with your bank of choice. 

Banks also have a widespread network of ATMs throughout the country, so withdrawing cash is usually very easy, although some perceive specific fees for this operation. 

Of course, internet banking is also common and most banks have developed specific apps, easy to use when making payments.

A list of banks currently operating in Romania is available here: www.hebanks.eu.

Romania has a wide range of mobile and internet services available.

Upon arrival, it is advisable to purchase a SIM card with a Romanian mobile, since using your national phone number may incur high costs. There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from: prepaid or contract. A prepaid service gives you flexibility because you control how much you spend and can stop using the service any time. Nonetheless, you can also find good options if you chose a one or 2 year contract and signing a contract is very easy – it can be done instantly in most branch offices. To choose your desired provider and monthly plan, check out the four network operators available: Orange, Vodafone, Telekom Romania and Digi Mobil (by RCS-RDS).

As we’ve mentioned before, the internet connectivity places Romania in the tops. There are numerous national and local providers available, for you to choose from, so be prepared to stream or download a lot of films, music and games in your spare time. And if you’re out in the city, you can rely on either your mobile data – all providers offer generous packages – or Wifi connections all over the city. Even some of the busses are now equipped with free wifi, to help you be constantly connected!

Breakfast is usually salty and comprised of eggs and sandwiches with butter and meat, only sometimes pastry or jam accompanied by coffee or tea. Many kinds of meat are consumed in the country: veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit, fish and pork. The largest meal is eaten in the early afternoon – two main courses and usually the first one is soup. ‘Mititei’, grilled sausage seasoned with garlic, is a common appetizer. Borsch, cabbage soup with bran, or ciorba, a soup of lamb, mushrooms, and other meats and vegetables, is often served as a first course. Main dishes are usually meat-based, such as tocana, a pork stew flavoured with garlic and onions. Other popular dishes include sarmale-cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and meat, and mamaliga (polenta), a cornmeal dish often served with poached eggs. Vegetables are served as side dishes, except for Christian lent when a variety of vegetable - based dishes are usually served in every restaurant or household.

Typical desserts include “plăcinte”, a kind of pie using either salty or sweet ingredients or ‘Papanasi’ – a kind of donut accompanied with jam and sour cream – simply delicious!

We also have a variety of local drinks. For example, a particularly delicious and refreshing juice is prepared from elderberry flowers. It is also common to drink grape juice (or must) during the autumn harvest. Local wines are widely consumed and deemed very good, with a lot of small vineyards starting to gain international notoriety in recent years. Romania is the 9th largest wine producer in the world with very good quality wine. Țuica and pălinca, a strong plum brandy, are also popular, as are beer and soft drinks.

For grocery shopping, big chain supermarkets are available in Romania, however for fresh and tasty veggies, the farmers markets are advisable.