Romania - Eastern Europe - page 480

Business Hours Standard business hours are not yet the norm in Romania,
although most shops open at 9 or 10am and close anywhere between 5 and
8pm during the week; in major cities, shops will be open Saturday mornings
until 1pm. Sundays are generally reserved for family and home life. Most mu-
seums close on Mondays (and sometimes also Tues).
Car Rentals All major international car-rental agencies are represented in
Romania; cars are relatively inexpensive, but you should consider a vehicle with
off-road capacity if you're going to drive here with your nerves intact.
Drugstores Pharmacies are found in all cities and towns; you'll often find an
outlet at city train stations.
Electricity Local current is 220 volts. Outlets take plugs with two round prongs,
typical to continental Europe. Plug and power adapters are necessary for appli-
ances requiring 110 volts.
Embassies & Consulates There is extensive foreign representation in Bucharest,
with embassies for the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia (contact details are
listed in the section on Bucharest, later in this chapter). New Zealanders should
contact the embassy in Vienna in case of emergencies ( & 0043/1/318-8505 ).
Emergencies Dial & 961 for general medical emergencies, including ambu-
lance services. In case of fire, contact & 981.
Etiquette & Customs When visiting churches, women especially should avoid
revealing clothing; shorts are generally not accepted in Orthodox churches.
When attending an Orthodox liturgy, you can follow the protocol of other wor-
shipers or observe from a distance; observe basic decorum.
Internet Access There are a few Internet cafes in cities and larger towns, but
your best bet is to use Internet facilities in hotels.
Liquor Laws You can buy alcohol practically anywhere in Romania; drinking is
legal in most public spaces, including trains and sidewalks. The legal age for
drinking is 18. It is illegal to drive a car after drinking any amount of alcohol.
Local Law You are legally required to carry some form of identification on you
at all times.
Mail Standard international postage is between .80 ($1.50),

and it will take up to 2 weeks or more for a letter to reach the U.S. Post offices
(look for signs that read PO @ TA ) are generally open weekdays 7am to 8pm, and
Saturdays 8am to 1pm. To save time buy stamps through your hotel and ask
reception to send your mail.
Maps You can access interactive maps at www.mapquest.com.
Newspapers & Magazines Practically every city and large town has one or two
publications advertising and promoting entertainment and social events in the
locality; these include 24-Fun , Zile si Nop$i, and !apte Serî. Locally produced
English newspapers are scant and are more interesting for their quaint use of
the language than for their coverage of local or international events; the best-
known example is Bucharest Daily News , also accessible at www.daily-news.ro.
Romania's first English daily is Nine O'Clock , now also with electronic access at
www.nineoclock.ro. If you're interested in media, design, or architecture, look

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