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The City
Bucharest is the
capital and at the same time, the economic, social and cultural
center of Romania. It is one of the largest cities in Central and
Eastern Europe representing an important industrial and commercial
center.
Location
Situated in Southern
Romania, on Baragan Plain, it is between the Danube and the chain
of Southern Carpathians. Its Geographical location is 26.5 degrees
Eastern longitude and 44.24 degrees Northern latitude.
Climate
The climate is
relatively mild with a yearly average temperature of 11 Celsius (
51 Fahrenheit). The coldest month is usually January with
temperatures ranging from -6 Celsius (22 Fahrenheit) to 2 Celsius
(35 Fahrenheit). The warmest month is usually August with
temperatures ranging from 16 Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) to 29 Celsius
(84 Fahrenheit).
Vegetation
Bucharest is crossed
by the Dambovita and Colentina rivers and is surrounded by
forests, which makes it a city with a lot of green and parks which
are used for rest & entertainment.
Population
2,951,000 inhabitants
Religion
The majority (87%) is
Christian Orthodox. Despite the communist era, Bucharest has a lot
of churches, some of which are of great architectural value.
Police
Like all cities,
Bucharest too has dangerous spots; however, it is considered a
safe city in European terms. The city center is usually safe, but
at night be careful in parks and peripheral areas. Emergency
Police number: 955.
Health services
Dial 961 for an
ambulance.
Currency
The official currency
is Leu (Lei). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and private
offices. There can be major differences in rates, especially
between banks and the private exchange offices. Changing money in
the street is illegal and inadvisable.
Click here for exchange rates...
Public transportation
Relatively safe and
efficient, Bucharest public transit system covers the entire city
with buses, tramways, trolleys, and metro (subway) service,
operating from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tickets and magnetic cards can
be bought at RATB kiosks , located on the main thoroughfares in
the city, for ground transportation, and in every Metro station
for the underground network.
Railway transportation
The railway
transportation had to enter a new phase of development, in
accordance with the new economic, political and social
requirements of the country.
For more information visit
SNCFR's Official Website.
Taxi
Taxis can be found
everywhere and they are considerably cheap (4,000-10,000 Lei /
$0.14-30 per km). The authorized companies are the cheapest and
safest way to go.
Telephones
The payphones in the
city are phone card operated. The orange ones are installed
everywhere in the city and the green ones in hotels, restaurants
and shops. The phone card can be use for local phone calls, long
distance phone calls, international phone calls and phone calls to
mobile network. The card phone can be bought at Romtelecom
offices, post offices or in the shops.
Post offices
There are many post
offices throughout the city. The main post office is located at
10, Matei Millo St. (near the phone company building on Calea
Victoriei). Open 7:30-19:30. Closed Sunday.
Couriers and moving
companies
Click here for a list
of couriers and moving companies...
Visas
American citizens with
a valid passport can travel for 30 days with no requirement for a
Romanian visa. All others visitors will need a visa. The
thirty-day visa is US $32 to 45 (depending on your nationality),
and a six-month multiple entry visas US $64. To extend it, go to
the passport office at , Nicolae Iorga St., near Piata Romana.
Embassies
Click here for a list
of foreign Embassies in Bucharest..
Airports
Bucharest
International Airport (Otopeni) for international flights only.
Phone: (401) 230-0042 Switchboard: (401) 204-1000 Customs
extension 1514 Lost luggage: ext. 1043 Airport police: 1523.
Bucharest Airport ( Baneasa) for domestic and international
flights. Phone (401) 232-0020.
Airlines
Click here for a list of the airlines based
in Romania...
Transport from/to
Otopeni Airport
RATB City bus 783,
connecting Otopeni to the City center. Important station: Sofitel
Hotel, Victoria Place, Romana Place, Unirii Place.Taxis are
available outside the airport. You can also call a taxi by phoning
9411, 9451, 9531, 9561, 9631, 9641.
Shuttle bus. Six to 43 passenger shuttle bus transport
possibilities. Prices vary from $1 to $6 for person.
Limousine. Private limousine for transport in Bucharest
only. Prices vary according to the number of persons and distance.
Bucharest tour of a minimum duration of 2 hours -$43.
Driving in Romania
According to the
Romanian low , the legal speed limit is 50 km/h in the city, 90
km/h outside the city and 120 km/h on the highway. Driving above
these limits will cost you money, and even your license. No
alcohol is allowed when driving, and talking on your cell phone
while driving is also prohibited.
Books about Romania
Click here for a list of the most popular
books for Romania...
Language
The native language is
Romanian but the majority can also communicate in other languages
(English, French, German, e.t.c).
Click here for online translation...
Maps of Bucharest
Click here to see maps of Bucharest Romania
Useful Phone Numbers
Telephone service -
921, 922
Telephone Customer
Service - 930,931,932
Telephone Customer
Service - 971
Railway reservation -
9521
Tarom reservation -
9361
Time - 958
Police - 955
Fire fighters - 981
Weather Report - 9591
Ambulance - 961
Dentist emergencies -
210-4190 |
