Welcome to Romania!
Your Guide as an ESC Volunteer

We’re thrilled to welcome you to Romania as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)! Whether this is your first time in the country or you've visited before, this guide is designed to help you settle in smoothly, stay safe, and make the most of your volunteering journey.

Basic Info
Capital: Bucharest

Language: Romanian

Population: ~19 million

Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET) UTC+2 / UTC+3 in summer

Currency: RON (Romanian Leu), plural lei

€1 ≈ 4.95 RON (check daily rate)

Electricity: 230V, type C & F plugs (European standard)

Emergency number: 112 (police, fire, ambulance)

Entering & Staying in Romania
EU/EEA/Swiss Volunteers:
No visa needed.

If staying over 90 days, your hosting organization will assist you in obtaining a residence certificate from the Immigration Office.

Non-EU Volunteers:
You’ll need a long-stay visa for volunteering purposes (type D/VS).

Apply at the Romanian embassy/consulate in your country of residence.

Your hosting organization will guide you and provide necessary documents.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Health & Insurance
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is required for EU volunteers. Get it from your national authority.

If you’re not eligible for EHIC, ask your health authority for a proof of denial – this allows your organization to request full coverage from Cigna.

Always carry a copy of your insurance documents and EHIC.

For emergencies, call 112.

Money & Banking
Currency: RON (Romanian Leu). Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 bani. Notes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 lei.

Cash is still common, especially in small towns.

Most places accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Revolut etc.).

ATMs are widely available – check withdrawal fees with your bank.

Currency exchange offices offer better rates than airports.

Local Transportation
Cities:
Buses, trams, trolleys, and subways (only in Bucharest).

Use contactless cards or travel cards.

Popular transport apps: Moovit, 24pay, or city-specific apps.

Trains:
Connect major cities – operated by CFR Călători.

Tickets online: www.cfrcalatori.ro

Rideshare & Taxis:
Use apps like Bolt, Uber (available in big cities).

Avoid taking taxis directly from the street without a visible fare list.

Legal & Everyday Rules
Smoking:
Banned in all indoor public spaces (bars, clubs, restaurants, transport stations, hospitals).

Alcohol:
Legal at 18+.

Drinking in public spaces (parks, streets) is not allowed.

During elections or certain events, alcohol sales may be restricted locally.

Drugs:
All drugs are illegal, including cannabis. Possession or use leads to criminal charges and imprisonment.

Driving:
Must be 18+ and hold a valid driving license.

No phone use while driving (unless hands-free).

Seatbelts mandatory.

Must buy a "rovinietă" (road toll) for national roads – available online or at gas stations.

Living in Romania
Cost of living is lower than Western Europe:

Coffee: ~2–3 EUR

Meal out: 5–10 EUR

Monthly public transport: ~10–15 EUR

Cultural life is diverse: museums, festivals, concerts, traditional fairs.

Romanians are warm, helpful, and curious about foreigners.

Language & Communication
Official language: Romanian – a Latin language, similar to Italian, Spanish, French.

Many young people (and adults as well) speak English, especially in urban areas.

Your ESC project may offer online language courses.

Language apps can help you get started.

Safety & Support
Romania is generally a safe country.

Use common sense: watch your belongings, avoid walking alone late in unknown areas.

In case of issues, contact your hosting organization immediately.

For serious emergencies: call 112 (multilingual operators available).

Final Tips
Keep in touch regularly with your hosting and sending organization – they’re here to support you.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore new places, and make friends.

Respect cultural differences and try to understand the local way of life.

Take part in workshops, events, and social activities – they’ll enrich your experience.

Have a look at this publication as well.

✨ Eenjoy your Romanian adventure!
Your ESC journey is not just about helping others, but also about discovering yourself. 

Should you want to contact the ESC team in the Romanian National Agency, you can do so by using the contact details available here.