Romania
10 scams
The country of Dracula, Romania also offers centuries of folk culture and a uniquely diverse set of landscapes that is unspoiled by mass tourism.
The country is also very safe to visit for tourists, though there are a number of issues to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Emergency: 112
Travel guide

Taxi scams in Romania
2 1How it works: Situation: like anywhere in the world, there are both good and bad drivers, and the following are the common tricks shady drivers use in Romania. You may…
Read more…Unlicensed taxis in Romania
2 0How it works: Opening: someone comes up to you and offers to help you with directions claiming that the place is not safe. Eventually, you will be directed to an…
Read more…Charity donation scams in Romania
2 0How it works: Situation: like how you may encounter fake petition/charity touts in other parts of Europe (e.g. France, Italy, Spain), you may encounter such charity touts at train stations…
Read more…Drink spiking in Romania
2 0How it works: Although not that common, there have been cases of drink spiking in the Old Town of Bucharest. However, it is difficult to tell as such cases can…
Read more…Fake police in Romania
2 0How it works: Situation: this is more of a problem in the 1990s than today (rare/isolated cases today), though one still has to know how to react when faced with…
Read more…Money exchange scams in Romania
2 0How it works: Situation: like in other parts of Central/Eastern Europe (e.g. Czech Republic, Turkey), you may encounter shady money exchanges. Set-up: these money changers tend to advertise great rates,…
Read more…Parking scams in Romania
2 0How it works: Unofficial attendants stake out spots in busy areas with scarce free parking. When they see you, they will beckon you to the spot and then charge you…
Read more…Pickpockets in Romania
2 1How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
Read more…Restaurant scams in Romania
2 1How it works: Situation: most food places are fine and there is no need to be paranoid. Generally, it’s just a few shady places or opportunists which dabble in such…
Read more…Snatch thefts in Romania
2 1How it works: Two versions: Strike and run, distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Hotel: theft from hotel rooms. Train: impersonating other passengers or simply breaking into a sleeping booth to…
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