CAR AND MOTORCYCLE
You can go sightseeing in Romania by car only if, that the vehicle is fully operational and was recently under review. It is not difficult to find a repair shop, it's much harder to get parts, maybe except for older Renaults (Romanian dacia is a renault version 12) and Citroen (prototype of the oltcit brand).
On some of the more significant roads, a new surface is being laid, but, as a rule, even the most important expressways are in very bad condition. The main problems are leaky roadways and poor signage and… flocks of cows or sheep walking freely on them. On secondary roads, it is not uncommon to pile up garbage or piles of sand and dust, and mountain roads often become impassable after more severe rainfall. Concrete roads (such as the Bucharest ring road) more than once laid, without leaving gaps taking into account the work of the material and their surfaces were quickly destroyed. In provincial towns outside the main "artery"” no asphalt or cobblestones will be found. Great care should be taken at level crossings: are terribly uneven. On the streets of cities, especially Bucharest and Constanţa, manholes without lids are found. There are often no compressors at petrol stations, so it's better to check the pressure in the wheels before setting off on a journey. The vulcanizer is announced by a sign with the inscription vulcanizare.
The necessary warning signs are often missing on the roads, and cars sometimes stop suddenly while driving. Slow-moving tractors can be a nightmare, various types of overloaded vehicles and wagons harnessed in slow, poor horses or dignified oxen. Some trucks and bicycles don't have lights. Romanian drivers drive their cars with a truly southern fantasy, not respecting the rights of road co-users too much.
Failures
Members of the main foreign automobile clubs receive help directly from the Romanian Automobil Clubul Roman (ACR). This is not tantamount to exemption from the fee: roadside assistance costs 5-10 $, and towing 0,50 $ per kilometer. Round-the-clock ACR service is available to help (phone 927).
Fuel
Romania has already gone through the times of fuel rationing, also endless queues are a thing of the past. The situation was improved primarily by PECO (state monopolist) and Royal Dutch Shell, which from 1989 r. built 15 new stations and anticipate further investments (Shell announced the contribution of further 18 millions of dollars in construction 12 new stations in Bucharest alone).
Normal or regular petrol is available in Romania (88-90 octanes), lead-free (95), premium or super (96-98) and diesel. When this guide was being prepared, 1 l unleaded petrol (benzine fara plumb) Cost 0,35 $ (ok. 1,30 zloty). You pay in lees. Some PECO stations and most Shell points accept Visa and MasterCard.
Romanians always carry some supply of gasoline in the trunk. It is good to follow their example and bring an empty canister with you. (Imported fuel is subject to a 200% customs duty).
In each of the main cities there is at least one PECO station open around the clock.
Traffic regulations
The permissible maximum speed for cars is 80 km/h, in built-up areas 60 km/h. The speed limits for motorcycles are respectively 50 km/h and 40 km/h. The rules on intoxicated drivers are very strict in Romania.
If a Romanian policeman intends to issue a ticket to a motorized foreign driver for exceeding the traffic rules, you can request a bill, before you reach into your wallet. By agreeing to a written statement not mentioning the amount due, you can be sure, that the money will go directly into the officer's pocket.
Car rental
Renting a car is not a problem in Romania today. However, prices may be an obstacle: Mostly 45 $ per day with unlimited kilo-size or 22 $ per day plus 0,25 $ for each kilometer. The average weekly fare is 120-150 $ (no toll for the distance travelled). You have to pay for the daily dacia insurance 6-8 $, and better models – 9-12 $. Credit cards are not accepted, an additional fee is charged for them.
The four largest car rental companies are Touring ACR, Avis, Europcar (represented by ONT tourist offices) and Hertz. You can usually use Visa or MasterCard. Touring ACR addresses are included in other parts of the book. Here is the data for other companies:
Avis
Brasov – Aro-Palace hotel (tel.068/142840)
Bucharest – Otopeni Airport (tel.01/2120011)
Kluż-Napoka – grand hotel san francisco (tel.064/432071)
Constance – TAROM office (tel.041/662632)
Timijoara – TAROM office (tel.056/203233)
Europcar
Bucharest – Otopeni Airport (tel.01/31270780)
Constance – ONT Carpathians (tel.041/614800)
Timisoara – Republic Boulevard 6 (tel.056/190358)
Hertz
Bucharest – Otopeni Airport (tel.01/2106555)
Timisoara – Craiului street 3 (tel.056/190541)
HITCHHIKING
"Catching opportunities” is often the only way to travel in the area, where the bus runs once a day or not at all. No one is surprised by people standing by the exit roads of cities or by the paths in a complete remote area and fiercely waving at sneaking vehicles of all types. Drivers are quite eager to stop, but they almost always expect to be paid. So you need to have prepared small, an amount close to the price of a bus ticket, maybe a bit lower. Not all drivers earn extra money, taking the heads; especially those driving better cars count on a chat rather than a pair of lei (what does it mean "better"”, can be seen after the first day of stay in the country). It is best to hitchhike near the bus stop. In a group of natives waiting for an opportunity, a man who looks like a foreign tourist has a better chance, but when a car stops, should rush towards him with instant reflexes, so that others do not overtake him – there is no "seniority"” or queues. Naturally, you need to be very patient and not grimace: big truck with wood, a car with tools or an ambulance on potholes is an equally good opportunity, like the latest dacia model.
License plates can help you determine, where the vehicle is going: AB (Alba Iulia), ARE (Arad), BV (Brasov), B (Bucharest), CJ (Kluż-Napoka), GL (A gala), GR (Giurgiu), IS (Jassy), CT (Constanţa or Mangalia), Df (National), BH (Oradea city), PH (Ploe-szti), SB (Sybin), SV (Suceava), TM (Timisoara), TL (Tulcea).
SHIP
Every day, navrom runs passenger services on the Danube from the Sulina River on the Black Sea inland to Ttilcza and Gałacza. More on this topic in the article Tulcea.