Conference Hotel Recommendations
31/07/2024Transportation options, Romanian currency, Internet connection & other info
TRANSPORTATION:
Bucharest’s main airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), located about 17 kilometers north of the city center. Google Maps is a useful tool for finding transportation options to the city, providing real-time information on available services.
There are several ways to reach the city from the airport:
- Bus:
Express Bus 100 – This is a direct connection between the airport and the city center. If your hotel is located near the conference venue, Bus 100 stops at Piata Romana (6 stops) or Piata 21 Decembrie 1989 (7 stops). The fare is 3 RON (around 0,60 EUR). Bus tickets across Bucharest are valid for 90 minutes, allowing transfers without needing a new ticket ticket within this time frame.
- Train + Subway or Bus:
The train service (TFC) connects the airport to Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord), from where you can take a bus or subway to various locations of the city. The combined fare is 5,5 RON for the train and 3 RON for a bus or subway ride, totalling around 1,70 EUR.
- Ride-Sharing Services
Uber and Bolt are widely used in Bucharest, with fares around 50-80 RON (10-16 EUR) for a trip to the city center.
- Recommendation: It’s best to avoid the yellow taxis, as they often overcharge both tourists (and locals).
ROMANIAN CURRENCY & PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Please note that Romania does not use the Euro. The official currency is the Romanian leu (plural: lei), abbreviated as RON. If you need cash, it’s recommended to exchange a small amount of money at the airport and the rest at any exchange offices along Magheru Blvd., near the conference venue.
Credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. Revolut is also a good option in Romania.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are available and commonly used. Most businesses accept mobile payments.
- Tipping in Romanian restaurants is customary, though not mandatory. A standard tip is usually around 10% of the total bill. If paying by card, the waiter may ask if you would like to leave a tip—this isn’t meant to be impolite. A recent law on tip taxation requires restaurants to include a section on the bill where customers can specify the tip amount. However, tipping is entirely optional, and you’re free to decline if you prefer.
INTERNET ACCESS:
There are several options for accessing an internet connection:
- Romania has good 4G coverage, and SIM cards can be easily purchased from various providers such as Orange, Vodafone, and Digi Mobil. Prepaid SIM cards are readily available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops. You will just need to activate your preferred option for your data plan after purchasing the prepaid SIM card.
- If you’re traveling from Europe, you can also use your mobile provider’s Roaming option for internet access.
- For travelers from outside Europe, activating an eSIM is a good alternative. Vodafone is a reliable option, and you can check their plans here:https://travel.vodafone.com/product-details However, it is recommended to check how the service works and ensure it’s activated before your trip to Romania. For most needs, 2 GB of data should be sufficient, especially since WiFi will be available at the conference venue.
ELECTRICITY IN ROMANIA
The electricity voltage in Romania is 230V, and the sockets are of this type: https://powerplugsocket.com/romania-plug-power-outlet/. If you are traveling from outside Europe, you will need a converter or adapter for your electronic devices. Make sure to bring one with you to avoid any issues.
WEATHER
In Bucharest, October is typically a month with variable weather, including rain. It’s best to prepare for a mix of sunny and rainy conditions, so bringing an umbrella is a good idea.