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The City
Bucharest is the capital and at the same time, the economic, social and cultural center of Romania. It is one of the largest cities in Central and Eastern Europe representing an important industrial and commercial center. For more information about Bucharest click here...
Location
Situated in Southern Romania, on Baragan Plain, it is between the Danube and the chain of Southern Carpathians. Its Geographical location is 26.5 degrees Eastern longitude and 44.24 degrees Northern latitude. For more information click here...
Climate
The climate is relatively mild with a yearly average temperature of 11 Celsius ( 51 Fahrenheit). The coldest month is usually January with temperatures ranging from -6 Celsius (22 Fahrenheit) to 2 Celsius (35 Fahrenheit). The warmest month is usually August with temperatures ranging from 16 Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) to 29 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit).
Vegetation
Bucharest is crossed by the Dambovita and Colentina rivers and is surrounded by forests, which makes it a city with a lot of green and parks which are used for rest & entertainment.
Population
2,951,000 inhabitants
Religion
The majority (87%) is Christian Orthodox. Despite the communist era, Bucharest has a lot of churches, some of which are of great architectural value.
Police
Like all cities, Bucharest too has dangerous spots; however, it is considered a safe city in European terms. The city center is usually safe, but at night be careful in parks and peripheral areas. Emergency Police number: 955.
Health services
Dial 961 for an ambulance. Click here for a list of private clinics & hospitals..
Currency
The official currency is Leu (Lei). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and private offices. There can be major differences in rates, especially between banks and the private exchange offices. Changing money in the street is illegal and inadvisable. Click here for exchange rates...
Public transportation
Relatively safe and efficient, Bucharest public transit system covers the entire city with buses, tramways, trolleys, and metro (subway) service, operating from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tickets and magnetic cards can be bought at RATB kiosks , located on the main thoroughfares in the city, for ground transportation, and in every Metro station for the underground network.
Railway transportation
The railway transportation had to enter a new phase of development, in accordance with the new economic, political and social requirements of the country. For more information visit SNCFR's Official Website.
Taxi
Taxis can be found everywhere and they are considerably cheap (4,000-10,000 Lei / $0.14-30 per km). The authorized companies are the cheapest and safest way to go. A list of these companies can be found here..
Telephones
The payphones in the city are phone card operated. The orange ones are installed everywhere in the city and the green ones in hotels, restaurants and shops. The phone card can be use for local phone calls, long distance phone calls, international phone calls and phone calls to mobile network. The card phone can be bought at Romtelecom offices, post offices or in the shops.
Post offices
There are many post offices throughout the city. The main post office is located at 10, Matei Millo St. (near the phone company building on Calea Victoriei). Open 7:30-19:30. Closed Sunday.
Couriers and moving companies
Click here for a list of couriers and moving companies...
Visas
American citizens with a valid passport can travel for 30 days with no requirement for a Romanian visa. All others visitors will need a visa. The thirty-day visa is US $32 to 45 (depending on your nationality), and a six-month multiple entry visas US $64. To extend it, go to the passport office at , Nicolae Iorga St., near Piata Romana.
Embassies
Click here for a list of foreign Embassies in Bucharest..
Airports
Bucharest International Airport (Otopeni) for international flights only. Phone: (401) 230-0042 Switchboard: (401) 204-1000 Customs extension 1514 Lost luggage: ext. 1043 Airport police: 1523. Bucharest Airport ( Baneasa) for domestic and international flights. Phone (401) 232-0020.
Airlines
Click here for a list of the airlines based in Romania...
Transport from/to Otopeni Airport
RATB City bus 783, connecting Otopeni to the City center. Important station: Sofitel Hotel, Victoria Place, Romana Place, Unirii Place.Taxis are available outside the airport. You can also call a taxi by phoning 9411, 9451, 9531, 9561, 9631, 9641.
Shuttle bus. Six to 43 passenger shuttle bus transport possibilities. Prices vary from $1 to $6 for person.
Limousine. Private limousine for transport in Bucharest only. Prices vary according to the number of persons and distance. Bucharest tour of a minimum duration of 2 hours -$43.
Driving in Romania
According to the Romanian low , the legal speed limit is 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside the city and 120 km/h on the highway. Driving above these limits will cost you money, and even your license. No alcohol is allowed when driving, and talking on your cell phone while driving is also prohibited.
Books about Romania
Click here for a list of the most popular books for Romania...
Language
The native language is Romanian but the majority can also communicate in other languages (English, French, German, e.t.c). Click here for online translation...
Useful Phone Numbers
Telephone service - 921, 922
Telephone Customer Service - 930,931,932
Telephone Customer Service - 971
Railway reservation - 9521
Tarom reservation - 9361
Time - 958
Police - 955
Fire fighters - 981
Weather Report - 9591
Ambulance - 961
Dentist emergencies - 210-4190
