Other Romania

Main news sources:

 

Online portals and news websites:

Digi 24 – No. 1 in Romania.

Romania Insider: Offers English-language articles about business, politics, and society in Romania.

HotNews: One of the most popular Romanian news sites, publishing the latest news and analytical materials.

G4Media: Publishes current news and commentary on political and social events.

 

Television channels:

ProTV: One of the leading TV channels, offering news broadcasts, talk shows, and entertainment programs.

Digi24: A 24-hour news channel covering national and international events.

 

Social networks and mobile applications:

Facebook and Twitter: Many news organizations have official pages where they publish current news. Or, for example, on Telegram, if you subscribe to digi24, you will regularly see new information!

News aggregators: Applications like Feedly and Flipboard allow you to customize your news feed based on your interests.

 

News resources in foreign languages

English: Romania Insider, Nine O'Clock, The Diplomat – Bucharest, Business Review Romania, Bucharest Herald.

French: Le Courrier de Roumanie, RFI Roumanie (Radio France Internationale).

German: Allgemeine Deutsche Zeitung für Rumänien (ADZ).

Russian: Румыния Сегодня (Romania Today).

Italian: Gazeta Românească.

Spanish: El Rumano.

Romania is a country about which there are many stereotypes. Let's look at the most common ones and see how accurate they are.

 

Romanians are gypsies

False stereotype. Gypsies (Roma) make up about 3% of Romania's population. This stereotype is based on the confusion between Romanians and Roma. Although Romania does indeed have a significant Roma population, they are just one of the ethnic groups in the country.

 

Romania is a land of vampires

False stereotype. This myth is associated with the popularity of Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula." The historical figure Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, was a ruler of Wallachia but had nothing to do with vampires. Tourism in Transylvania often uses this myth for commercial purposes.

 

Romania is a dangerous country

False stereotype. Romania has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Of course, like in any other country, there are minor crimes, but overall, Romania is safe for travel and living.

 

Everything in Romania is cheap

Partially true. The cost of living in Romania can be lower than in Western Europe, especially when it comes to food and public transportation. However, this does not mean everything is cheap. Prices for electricity and other utilities can be comparable to those in other European countries.

 

Romania has dirty roads and stray dogs

Partially true. In the past, stray dogs were a serious problem in some cities, but the situation has significantly improved. Roads are also improving, although the number of highways is still low compared to other European countries.

 

Romania is a communist country

False stereotype. Romania became a democratic republic in 1989 after the overthrow of the communist regime. Today, the country is actively advancing towards democratic values and integration into the European Union.

 

Romanians speak Russian

False stereotype. The Romanian language belongs to the Romance group of languages and is closer to Italian, French, and Spanish. Some older generations may know little Russian due to mandatory studies during the Soviet period, but this is not widespread.

 

Romania is a Balkan country

Partially true. Geographically, Romania is located north of the Danube and is not part of the Balkan Peninsula. However, culturally, some aspects of Romanian life may resemble those of Balkan countries.

 

These stereotypes are often based on outdated or distorted perceptions. Romania is a modern country with a rich culture and history that deserves deeper understanding and respect.

Transport

Bolt, Uber, CleverTaxi: Popular taxi-hailing apps.

Waze and Google Maps: Perfect for navigation considering traffic and road conditions.

 

Food Shopping and Delivery

Glovo and Foodpanda: Convenient apps for ordering food delivery.

eMAG: The largest online retailer where you can find almost everything.

 

Finance and Payment

Revolut: For managing finances and international transfers.

BT Pay: An app from Banca Transilvania for mobile payments.

 

Communication and Social Media

WhatsApp and Telegram: For communication and messaging.

Facebook and Instagram: For keeping in touch with friends and news.

 

Local Services

OLX: A platform for buying and selling goods.

Digi24: One of the leading news apps in Romania; offers the latest news, weather forecasts, and current information.

Entertainment and Streaming Video:

Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+: For watching movies and series. However, AppleTV is unavailable in Romania as of 2024.

Music Festivals

Untold Festival, Cluj-Napoca: One of the largest music festivals in Europe, attracting top artists from around the world; covers various music genres, including EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock.

Electric Castle, Banffy Castle, Transylvania: A unique festival held on the grounds of an ancient castle; combines music, art, and technology, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Beach, Please! Festival, Costinesti, Constanta: A beach festival attracting many famous artists. In 2024, headliners included Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, Yeat, Don Toliver, Chief Keef, Ice Spice, 6ix9ine, and many others.

 

Cultural Events

 

Sibiu International Theatre Festival, Sibiu: One of Europe's most significant theater events, attracting well-known actors and directors from around the world.

 

Bucharest International Film Festival, Bucharest: A festival showing films that participated in the Cannes Film Festival.

 

Festival of Medieval Music and Culture, Sighisoara: An event that transports participants to the Middle Ages with knightly tournaments, music, and dance.

 

Traditional and Local Festivals

 

Grape Festival, Bucharest: A celebration for all wine lovers, offering the opportunity to taste the best wines of the country and enjoy cultural programs.

 

Cabbage Festival, Lazarea, Harghita: An event dedicated to this popular vegetable, with plenty of dishes and fun competitions.

 

Brides’ Fair on Mount Gaina: A traditional fair where you can see folklore performances, dances, and colorful costumes.

 

Traditional Events

Easter and New Year Celebrations: In Romania, Easter and New Year are widely celebrated with traditional rituals, fairs, and folk festivities.

Christmas Markets: Bucharest, Sibiu, Brasov; offer unique gifts, traditional treats, and a festive atmosphere with music and performances.

Romania offers numerous opportunities for cultural and entertainment activities, allowing everyone to find something to their liking. No matter the time of year, you will always find interesting events and festivals to help you better understand Romanian culture and traditions.

In Romania, access to public toilets varies depending on the city and area you are in.

Bucharest: The capital of Romania has about 108 mobile eco-friendly toilets located in parks and other public places. However, the number of toilets is limited, and their condition is not always satisfactory. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve infrastructure, including the installation of automated toilets.

Cluj-Napoca: There is a shortage of public toilets, but city authorities are working to address this issue by installing new toilets in parks and tourist areas. Here, automated toilets with self-cleaning systems are also used.

Brasov: Several automated toilets have been installed in parks and public places. These toilets are equipped with modern systems to maintain cleanliness and safety, including automatic lighting, ventilation, and multi-language audio instructions.

Oradea: Innovative automated toilets have been installed in the city as part of a pilot project to implement "smart" city solutions. These toilets are equipped with anti-vandal systems, automatic lighting, and ventilation.

Accessibility: It is recommended to use toilets in shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, where they are free and maintained clean; toilets at train stations are also available, but a small fee may be charged, and hygiene conditions may vary.

Tourists and residents are advised to use apps to locate the nearest toilets and plan routes considering the availability of these services.

Online courses and apps

Duolingo: A popular language learning app including Romanian; offers interactive lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

LinGo Play: An app designed for learning Romanian through games and interactive tasks; includes exercises for all aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Mondly: A mobile app offering Romanian language lessons using augmented reality and speech recognition technologies; interactive lessons that help improve conversational skills and pronunciation.

Courses and schools

Romanian Cultural Institute: Offers Romanian language courses for foreigners in various formats: in-person and online; an opportunity to learn with native speakers and cultural immersion.

Universities and language schools: Many universities and private language schools in Romania offer Romanian language courses for foreigners.

Self-study

Books and study materials: Learning Romanian through textbooks, dictionaries, and grammar guides.

Movies and series: Watching Romanian movies and series with or without subtitles improves listening skills and introduces the culture.

Communication and practice

Language exchanges: Communicating with native speakers through language exchanges or participating in conversation clubs (resources: language exchange platforms like Tandem and ConversationExchange).

Social networks and online communities: Participating in online forums, social media groups, and messengers for practicing Romanian; an opportunity to ask questions, receive tips, and communicate with other learners.

Learning language with AI

ChatGPT from OpenAI: Using ChatGPT for practicing Romanian through text dialogues; the ability to hold conversations on various topics, receive corrections and recommendations in real-time.

Romania celebrates numerous national holidays and traditions that reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. Here are the main holidays and corresponding traditions:

New Year’s Day (January 1-2): Celebrated with parties, fireworks, and family gatherings.

Baptism of the Lord (January 6): A religious holiday celebrated with church services and traditional rituals.

Saint John the Baptist (January 7): Honored with liturgies and family gatherings.

Unification of the Romanian Principalities (January 24): A historical holiday celebrating the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859.

Easter (May 5-6): The main Orthodox holiday celebrated with liturgies, red eggs, and Easter bread (cozonac).

Labor Day (May 1): A holiday often celebrated with picnics and public events.

Children’s Day (June 1): A holiday for children with various activities and entertainment.

Trinity (June 23-24): A religious holiday celebrated with liturgies and family gatherings.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15): One of the major Orthodox holidays, celebrated with liturgies.

Saint Andrew’s Day (November 30): A holiday associated with traditions and rituals for protection against evil spirits.

National Day of Romania (December 1): Celebrated with parades, fireworks, and state events in honor of the unification of Transylvania with Romania in 1918.

Christmas (December 25-26): A holiday with family gatherings, gifts, and Christmas markets.

Official holidays

During these holidays, many government institutions, banks, and companies are closed. It's an ideal time for leisure and participating in festive events with family and friends.

Romania offers many amazing places and attractions that reflect its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Bran Castle: Known as "Dracula's Castle," Bran Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Romania. It is located in the picturesque region of Transylvania and attracts tourists with its Gothic architecture and legends.

Sinaia and Peles Castle: Sinaia is a scenic mountain resort known for its magnificent Peles Castle, which served as the summer residence of the royal family. The castle is famous for its eclectic architectural style and luxurious interiors.

Sighisoara: Sighisoara is one of the few remaining inhabited medieval towns in Europe and is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula). The town is famous for its narrow streets, towers, and houses with tiled roofs.

Salina Turda: This is a unique salt mine turned tourist complex. Here you can find an underground lake, a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, and other entertainment. Salina Turda is also known for its therapeutic properties.

Danube Delta: The Danube Delta is one of the largest and best-preserved deltas in Europe. It is home to many species of birds and fish and offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism and nature observation.

Corvin Castle: This Gothic castle in Hunedoara is one of the most impressive in Europe. The castle was built in the 14th century and attracts tourists with its massive towers and bridges.

Danube Kazan: The Danube Kazan is a picturesque segment of the Danube River, where the river carves its way through the Carpathian Mountains. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views and exciting river trips.

Curtea de Arges Monastery: One of the most famous monasteries in Romania, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Members of the Romanian royal family are buried here.

Transfagarasan Highway: One of the most beautiful and scenic roads in the world, stretching through the Carpathians. The road offers breathtaking views and is a popular route for car enthusiasts.

These attractions offer unique opportunities to explore the culture, history, and nature of Romania, making it an unforgettable destination for travel.

Moreover, the capital of Romania, Bucharest, offers many interesting places to visit.

Palace of the Parliament: The Parliament building in Bucharest is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. This impressive building in neoclassical style is a symbol of Romania's communist era.

Cismigiu Gardens: The oldest park in Bucharest, which is an ideal place for walks and relaxation. The park was opened in 1847 and features several lakes, fountains, and sculptures.

Old Town: The historic center of Bucharest, known for its narrow streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Tip: visit Caru' cu Bere, a famous restaurant in a 19th-century building with traditional cuisine and live music.

Museum of the Romanian Peasant: One of the best ethnographic museums in Europe, showcasing a collection of Romanian peasant culture items, including clothing, ceramics, tools, and religious artifacts.

Arc de Triomphe: Built in 1922 in honor of Romanian soldiers who died in World War I; the arch resembles the Parisian Arc de Triomphe and is an important symbol of the city.

Cotroceni Palace: The official residence of the President of Romania and a museum where you can learn about Romanian history and culture. Tip: Tours need to be booked in advance as access to the palace is limited; don’t forget to bring your passport.

Romanian Athenaeum: A historic concert hall and architectural masterpiece, built in 1888. This is the main concert hall of Bucharest, hosting classical concerts and cultural events.

University of Bucharest Library: A majestic building constructed in the late 19th century, housing one of the largest libraries in Romania.

Greetings and Addressing: Upon meeting, it is customary to shake hands, especially in business environments. Women sometimes have their hand kissed, but this is mostly common among the older generation. Friends and close acquaintances may hug and kiss on the cheek twice (starting with the left). Addressing with a title and last name, such as "Domnul" (Mr.) and "Doamna" (Mrs.), is standard in official situations.

Gifts: If you are invited to someone's home, bring flowers, chocolates, or imported alcoholic drinks. Flowers should be in odd numbers, as even numbers are associated with funerals. Gifts are usually opened upon receipt.

Rules of Conduct: It is important to maintain eye contact when speaking, as it demonstrates respect and attention. Taking off hats before entering buildings and not chewing gum during conversations, especially with older individuals or those of high status, is considered good manners. Never keep your hands in your pockets while speaking.

Etiquette at Home: Upon entering a home, it's customary to remove your shoes. Do not bring food or drinks to home gatherings; the hosts will provide refreshments. Guests are expected to try all dishes offered by the hosts and express gratitude for the hospitality.

At the Table: Expect to be offered several servings of food, and politely decline if you no longer wish to eat. Keep your hands visible above the table, do not place elbows on the table. Begin eating only after the host says "pofta buna" (enjoy your meal).

Communication and Social Norms: Romanians value honesty and straightforwardness, but it's important to express your opinions politely. Avoid discussing communism and other sensitive political topics unless you are sure of the other person's views.

Respect for local customs and norms of behavior will help you establish good relationships with Romanians and avoid misunderstandings. Knowing and following these rules will demonstrate your respect for the culture and help you adapt more easily to the new environment.

Structure of Local Government

Administrative Division: Romania is divided into 41 counties and the municipality of Bucharest, which has the status of a county. Within the counties, there are communes, towns, and municipalities, each with their own local government bodies.

Governing Bodies

County Council: The highest local government body at the county level, responsible for strategic planning and coordination of local policies. The council is elected by the population for a term of 4 years.

President of the County Council: The executive head of the county, elected by direct vote. He is responsible for implementing council decisions and managing the county's budget.

Local Council: Elected in communes, towns, and municipalities. It passes local regulations and oversees local administration.

Mayor: The head of the executive branch in a commune, town, or municipality, elected by direct vote. The mayor manages the local administration and is responsible for implementing the local council's decisions.

Interaction with Central Authority

While local government has significant autonomy, it closely interacts with the central government. Central authorities, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Development, oversee legal compliance and the distribution of financial resources.