Hints and Tips

We want you to be totally prepared for your visit and aware of any problems that you might encounter.

You are visiting one of Europe’s great wildlife areas - but not all the wildlife will be to your liking! You should take mosquito repellent and use it daily (plug-in anti-mosquito repellants should be provided in your accommodation). The mosquito’s are not a serious health threat but bites can be unpleasant.

Do not underestimate the power of the sun during the summer months. Good quality protective cream is essential. If you want to visit between December and February (the season for hunting and fishing of a few species) sub zero temperatures are likely. During this period we recommend travelling to Bucharest the day before your return trip in case of weather delays on roads or railways.

Stories of food shortages in Romania are years out of date. Romanians like to eat meat which is plentiful. Generally they prefer salad with meals rather than cooked vegetables. For a good selection of vegetables visit an urban supermarket or a street market. Our local store at Somova sells rice, pasta and bread but may not have potatoes, due to local tatses and the fact that most locals grow their own. There is no shortage of potato crisps though! Cows milk may not always be available there.

Alcohol is very cheap including the local spirit which may be called Palinka or Twieca. It may be at similar strengths to spirits that you are used to (40% alcohol) but could be much stronger especially if home brewed.

Be aware that side streets in Somova are unpaved and poorly lit.

We have improved our bathroom and kitchen at Somova to western European standards. However toilets in Romania are often poor and it is advisable to carry some toilet paper with you.

Railway stations and the Tulcea boat terminal can be confusing for those who don’t speak Romanian. They can also be time consuming. If you have not sought assistance, arrive well before departure times. If you are travelling by train it is worth considering buying tickets the day before.

The valley side that is part of our garden is steep. The path to the water front is unpaved at present.

Many tour operators claim that the problem of stray dogs in Romania is a thing of the past. We wouldn’t go that far; you are likely to see them in the cities or at Railway stations. However we haven’t heard of anyone being attacked by a stray dog. Leave them alone and you will be OK.

Street crime is rare in Romania. In common with other countries, pick pockets may operate at airports and railway stations. We are told that there have been instances of bogus police officers in Bucharest demanding to see passports or demanding ‘fines’. A suggestion of a visit to the police station is, we are told, likely to encourage them to leave quickly.

It is not possible to obtain Romanian Lei before your visit.

Shops are unlikely to take credit cards. Cash machines are common in urban areas and likely to take Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. If you are taking cash to change in Romania ask your bank for new notes. If notes are damaged or written on there is a possibility that a bank might refuse to change them or charge a premium of up to 7%. Only Thomas Cook and American Express travellers cheques are likely to be accepted and this cannot be guaranteed at Tulcea.

Mobile cellphones should operate without problems in Romania, if you have activated roaming, apart from predictable problems because of the topography in the mountain areas.

Car rental is available in Romania. Roads are variable and there may be unlit carts on the roads at night in rural areas. The alcohol limit for driving is nil.

No inoculations are required at present but we suggest that you consult your own doctor for advice.

Museums and tourist attractions usually close on Mondays. Some, especially in Bucharest, may also be closed on Tuesdays.