Where we will stay at:

HOTEL VICTORIA

LOCATION: Bulevardul 22 Decembrie 54-56, 3400,
Cluj Napoca, Cluj

General Information

CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The national currency is the LEU (plural LEI). Coins come with denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 lei. Notes in denominations of 1,000 ; 2,000 ; 5,000 ; 10,000 ; 50,000 ; 100,000 and 500,000 lei.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices. As rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Keep the exchange vouchers as they may be required when you, pay for things in lei.
Dollar bills are the most readily negotiated currency in Romania and it is a good idea to take some with you, preferably in small denominations.
Getting to Romania by air
Regular and charter flights of Romanian air carriers (notably TAROM the national airline) or the foreign airlines with offices in Bucharest (Air France, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Swissair …) connect Bucharest and the world's major airports.
Some of Romania's international airports are: Bucharest - Otopeni, Baneasa, Constanta - Mihail Kogalniceanu and Timisoara.
Otopeni International Airport in Bucharest is 18 km from the city center. Transfers can be made by airport coach or by taxi.
In the latter case it is wise to agree the price with the driver before beginning the journey. Check with your travel agents. Tour operators can often supply transfers at very competitive rates. You can also contact travel agencies from Romania.

GETTING TO ROMANIA BY RAIL
International express trains connect the main central European capitals with Bucharest, the Black Sea coast and main cities. Romania is a member of the International Railway Tariff System RIT and Inter Rail.
GETTING TO ROMANIA BY ROAD
The principal access points into Romania are: Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest-Petea E 81; Vienna, Prague, Budapest-Bors E 60 or Nadlac E 64 or Varsaud E 671; Trieste, Belgrade-Moravita E 70 or Portile de Fier E 70; Athens, Tirana, Sofia-Giurgiu E 85; Istambul, Sofia-Vama Veche E 87; Moscow, Kiev, Chernovitz-Siret E 85. All roads are marked in accordance with international regulations. Driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left.
If you come by car to Romania, bring your driving licence, car papers and green card.
The Romanian Automobile Club - ACR - and insurance company CAROM are at your disposal for technical and any other assistance for your car. Call ACR at 927 in Bucharest.


GASTRONOMY
Although international cuisine is available in better quality restaurants, make sure that you savour the local Romanian dishes. Romanian cooking is rich, tasty and substantial, as befits a country were all food is still naturally grown, where fruits and vegetables follow their normal season, and when the winter is cold.
Pork is a special favorite, but you will find good beef, veal, and chicken too. They are delicious simply grilled. Typical Romanian specialties include a range of soup - " ciorba ", a sour soup made from fermented bran , bacon, potatoes and beef or chicken. Hearty stews such as " Tachitura Moldoveneasca " are accompanied like many Romanian meat, and " Mititei " is small grill sausages perfumed with aromatic herbs. Among Fish dishes sample carp on the spit, a local specialty in the Danube Delta.
A range of excellent white and red Romanian wines of the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealu Mare, Odobesti, Valea Calugareasca, accompany local and international dishes to perfection, while " Tuica " the local plum brandy is often drunk as a digestive. But beware, it carries a sting in its tail! The local Romanian beers are excellent.