Saving Tips
Romania is already inexpensive, but with a few tricks, you can save even more:
- Pensiuni instead of hotels: Rural guesthouses (Pensiune) are the best type of accommodation in Romania: 25–45€ for a double room with breakfast (often huge and homemade). Many also offer dinner (Cina) for an extra 8–12€ — better than any restaurant.
- Take advantage of the meniu zilei: The daily menu is available in almost every restaurant at lunchtime for 4–7€. Just ask: “Aveți meniu zilei?" (Do you have a daily menu?).
- Regional trains instead of express trains: IR trains are cheaper than Regio-Express. CFR (Romanian Railways) offers tickets online with discounts. Buses (FlixBus, Autogări) are often faster and cheaper than trains.
- Cash in rural areas: In villages and small towns, many guesthouses and restaurants only accept cash. ATMs (Bancomat) are everywhere — but avoid private exchange offices (Schimburi) at the airport, as the rates are poor.
- Bring a student ID: In Romania, students often get a 50% discount at museums and attractions.
- Cook for yourself: Romanian supermarkets (Kaufland, Lidl, Mega Image) are extremely cheap. Local cheese, fresh bread, tomatoes, and fruit cost a fraction of Western European prices.
- Free experiences: Enter fortified churches (many have free entry), stroll through medieval old towns, hike in the Carpathians (no park fees), and enjoy the landscape in villages — the best experiences in Romania cost nothing.
