Second Christmas Day

📣 Traveler notes

Romania is characterized by rich cultural heritage and natural diversity, featuring scenic mountain landscapes, unspoiled rural areas, and historic cities. Having undergone significant development since joining the EU in 2007, it retains a unique character that may differ from that of Western Europe. The country boasts one natural and six cultural UNESCO world heritage sites.

• Use the local greetings: "Bună ziua" (Good day) and "Bună dimineața" (Good morning) or "Bună seara" (Good evening).
• Treat the elderly and show general respect, as this is highly valued in Romanian culture.
• Be mindful of ethnic sensitivities; avoid making assumptions about Romania's history (e.g., linking it solely to the Russian Empire).
• When in a home, always remove your shoes.
• Exercise caution in political discussions regarding historical figures or ethnic relations.
• Public behavior should remain calm and respectful, even when intoxicated.
• Upon greeting, it is common to shake hands, and kissing both cheeks is customary. Always remember to remove shoes when entering a home. Courtesy is highly expected, particularly toward women, including giving up seats on public transport and letting women enter a space first. Hosts may insist multiple times when offering something; a polite refusal is often met with repeated insistence.