Getting Around
Metro (underground)
The metro is the best way to navigate the city centre. Metro trains operate between 5:00 and 23:00. A single check-in is valid for the entire metro network. The recommended tickets would be the “Daily Pass” for 6 RON or “10 trips” for 15 RON. It is also possible to enter directly by using the contactless payment feature of modern bank cards.
Taxi
The easiest way to order a taxi is by using the StarTaxi or the CleverTaxi applications.
Taxis can also be hailed on the street or found at ranks on main street corners. A number of reliable companies to call (they also provide individual mobile apps and the possibility of ordering through their websites):
Speed Taxi: +40 740 109 477
Taxi Meridian: +40 751 339 444
Taxi Mondial: +40 740 434 385
Cristaxi: +40 744 449 466
We advise to use only the official taxi companies and avoid cars with unmarked company names and tariffs. It can be difficult to recognize official taxis on the street, so when in doubt look for the companies listed above. Always double-check that the fare price is 1.39 RON/km and that the taxi metre is running.
Tourist Information
Bucharest Tourist Information Office
Piața Universității underpass
Telephone: +40 21 305 5500 extension 1003
Email: turism [at] bucuresti-primaria [dot] ro
Visa Information
We will provide you with an invitation letter upon request after you have registered. We will include details on how to apply for the invitation letter in your registration confirmation email.
Health and Safety
Pharmacies in the capital are well stocked and pharmacists may be able to suggest a medication for certain complaints. There are several pharmacies (farmacie) open 24 hours a day in the city, such as this one close to the meeting venue.
Emergency Clinic Hospital (Spitalul Clinic de Urgență Floreasca)
Address: Calea Floreasca, nr. 8, Bucharest
Telephone: +40 21 599 2300 or +40 21 599 2308
Useful Telephone Numbers
Romania uses the universal European emergency number 112 for Police/Fire/Ambulance. An operator will redirect the call to the appropriate service. For specific cases, use the following numbers:
Ambulance: 9505 or 9733
Police: 955 or 9545
Fire Department: 981
The telephone prefix for Romania is +40.
Currency and Banking
Currency
Romania’s currency is Leu (plural “Lei” – pronunciation: lay).
Abbreviation: RON
Exchange rates for foreign currencies, valid on 16 June 2015:
1 EUR = 4.48 RON
ATM
ATM machines are available at main banks and at airports and shopping centres.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards including American Express, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in large hotels, car rental companies and stores in the main cities.
Business Hours
Specialty stores (handicraft / gift / souvenir) in the city centre are usually open from 9:00 to 18:00.
Malls and superstores are open until 21:00 or later.
Banks are usually open from 9:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday.
Some banks are also open on Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30.
Time Zone
In November, Romania operates on UTC+2.
Electricity
EU standard: 230V 50 Hz — round two-pin plugs, Type C and Type F.
Weather
In November, the average temperature is around 6-7 degrees Celsius and the weather is rainy with overcast skies.
