Romania 101

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). €1 is currently roughly 5 RON, but exchange rates move — check a currency converter shortly before you travel.

Romania is not part of the Eurozone, so euros are not widely accepted. It is worth exchanging some cash on arrival or withdrawing from an ATM.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept card payments, but smaller guesthouses and rural businesses may prefer cash.

The official language is Romanian. While it is a Romance language — closer to Italian and Spanish than you might expect — it is quite different from Irish or English.

In cities and tourist areas, English is widely spoken, particularly among younger people. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is less common, but people are invariably warm and helpful.

Don't be afraid to try — Romanians appreciate any attempt to speak the language.

Under EU roaming rules, Irish mobile customers can use their data, calls, and texts in Romania at no extra charge on most plans. Check with your provider before travelling.

If you plan to use a lot of data for maps and navigation, it may be worth downloading offline maps before you arrive — particularly for rural areas where signal can be limited.

Romania uses the same standard European plug sockets (Type F, two round pins). If you are used to travelling in Europe, your adaptors will work fine.

Summer in Transylvania is warm and often sunny, with average temperatures in July of around 25–28°C. Evenings can be cooler, particularly in the hills, so it is worth packing a light layer for evening events.

Occasional summer thunderstorms are not unusual — pack a light rain jacket just in case.

Romania has a growing motorway network, and the main routes between Cluj, Alba Iulia, Orăștie, and Deva are comfortable and well-signposted. Hiring a car is the most practical way to explore the region.

Fuel is widely available and prices are generally lower than in Ireland. Roads in rural areas can be narrow and sometimes bumpy — drive at a relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

Ride-hailing apps like Bolt operate in Romanian cities and are an affordable option for short journeys in Deva or Cluj.