Useful Information

Currency: The Romanian official currency is the leu (plural lei), abbreviated as RON. 1 leu is subdivided into 100 bani. The exchange rate is established by the National Bank. The current exchange rate is about 1 euro = ≈ 5 lei. It is advisable to exchange money at banks or at Exchange offices available all around the city.

ATMs: You can use your foreign debit card at ATMs and you will be issued the equivalent in lei of the amount of euro or US dollars indicated by you. Romanian ATMs only accept Visa, MasterCard and Maestro. Depending on your needs, there are several possibilities for money transfer: bank transfer or special transfer (such as Western Union), postal money order (“mandat poștal”).

Banks: Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 hrs. For further details while in Brașov please consult your hotel concierge.

Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted and there are plenty of businesses in urban areas that will accept American Express too.

Climate: The average temperature in Brașov in April is 8°C, while the average low is 3°C, and the average high rises to 14°C. Braşov in April usually receives moderate rainfall. Typically, around 14 days of rainfall is expected.

Disabled Persons: If you have any special need, please inform the Meeting Secretariat.

Emergencies: European Emergency Number: 112
When in Romania, International visitors may seek any help they might need (police, ambulance, fire brigade, coast guard) by ringing 112.

Electricity: Electricity is 230 V/50 Hz. Romania uses the European standard Type C and Type F plugs. Type C has two round pins and Type F has two round pins with two grounding clips on the side.

Healthcare: Emergency treatment is free for everyone in public hospitals. Public and private hospitals are available in major cities, while smaller towns have hospitals and health centers.

Language: Romanian is the official language. Romanians speak English as a foreign language.

Local time: The local time zone in Brașov is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2 hours) and 1 hour ahead of Central European Time (CET).

Restaurants: There are many restaurants in town that offer varied meals from a wide range of European, Asian, Italian or Mexican cuisines. Restaurants are normally open for lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 and for dinner from 18:00 to 23:00. Food markets and supermarkets are opened every day, located in practically all parts of the town.

Shops: Brașov, a charming city in Romania, offers a delightful shopping experience with a mix of local boutiques, international stores, and markets. Shops operate: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 19:00. On Sunday shops might open in tourist areas from 10:00 to 14:00.

Taxis: Taxis are a faster and more comfortable way to get around town than public transport. Taxis are also relatively cheap. All taxis must have meters and drivers are usually friendly. Taxis are usually parked in designated areas, which are in the proximity of bus stations or other busy spots. Do not take just any taxi you will find at the taxi station! The private drivers can charge very high prices!

Telecommunications: The international access code for Romania is +40. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the USA or Canada, 0044 for the United Kingdom). For information concerning mobile phone use in Romania (telephone transmissions are based on GSM technology), please ask your provider.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory but is quite usual in Romania.

Visa: Romania follows the Schengen Agreement provision and the subsequent acquis concerning short term visa issues stays of up to three (3) months in the Schengen area. The citizens of these countries are not subject to border controls within the common area (airlines or other carriers require identification – I.D. card or passport or any other piece of identification issued by a public authority). Citizens of the EU countries do not need a visa to enter Romania (and the Schengen area).
For more information regarding on whose citizens need or do not need a visa to enter Romania, please click here.
Participants to the meeting, are highly recommended to start the process for their visa application (if required) the soonest possible, as this might be a time consuming procedure. Find out more about getting an official invitation letter here.