Bucharest Tourist Fines & Rules
Romania
Bucharest introduces a new tourist tax of ~€2/night in 2026. Watch out for notorious taxi scams, exchange rate traps, and strict drug laws in Romania's capital.
NEW Tourist Tax (2026)
10 Romanian Leu (~€2) per person per night. All accommodation types. Non-compliance fines: up to 1,500 Leu (€294) for individuals, 4,000 Leu (€785) for businesses.
Collected automatically by hotel or booking platform. Budget ~€2/night per person.
Taxi Scams — Use Apps Only
Bucharest taxis notorious for scams: rigged meters, inflated prices, long routes. Legal rate: 1.60-3.50 Lei/km. Airport and station taxis worst offenders.
Use Bolt or Uber EXCLUSIVELY. Never take a street taxi. Use official airport taxi ordering system.
Drug Laws — Strict
Cannabis fully illegal. Possession can lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment. No distinction between personal use and trafficking amounts.
Do not bring, buy, or use any drugs. Penalties severe, legal system slow.
Indoor Smoking Ban
All indoor public spaces smoke-free since 2016. Well-enforced and respected.
Smoke outdoors only. Most bars have outdoor terraces.
Public Transport Fare Evasion
Metro/buses/trams require valid tickets. Metro has turnstiles; surface transport has validators and inspectors.
Buy tickets at metro stations or use the 24pay app. Validate before boarding.
Pickpocketing Hotspots
Common in Old Town (Centru Vechi), on public transport, at Gara de Nord.
Use a cross-body bag. Be alert in Old Town at night and on crowded transport.
Exchange Rate Scams
Tourist-area exchange offices offer terrible rates or hidden commissions. Street money changers illegal and will scam you.
Use ATMs from major banks (BRD, BCR, Raiffeisen). Decline ATM currency conversion — choose local currency.
Carry ID
Police can request ID during routine checks. Carry passport or national ID card.
Carry passport or photocopy. Keep original in hotel safe.
Public Drinking — Generally Tolerated
Tolerated in Old Town bar district and parks. Being drunk and disorderly can lead to fines.
Enjoy Bucharest's affordable nightlife — but stay in control.
Noise Regulations
Quiet hours enforced in residential areas, especially near Old Town party district.
Keep noise down in residential areas. If near Old Town, bring earplugs.
Tipping Culture
10% at restaurants is standard and appreciated. Round up taxi fares. Romanian service workers earn relatively low wages.
Tip 10% at restaurants. Round up taxi fares. Check if service already included in tourist bars.
Currency — RON, Not Euro
Romanian Leu (RON), NOT Euro. In the EU but no Euro. ATMs widely available. Some smaller shops prefer cash.
Use major bank ATMs (BRD, BCR, Raiffeisen). Choose 'local currency' at ATMs. Carry some Lei for smaller purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bucharest
Generally yes. Main risks: taxi scams and pickpocketing. Use Bolt/Uber. Watch belongings in Old Town and on transport.
10 RON (~€2) per person per night. All accommodation. Collected automatically.
Use Bolt or Uber exclusively. Never take street taxis. If you must, confirm rate (1.60-3.50 Lei/km) is displayed.
No. Strict penalties. Cannabis fully illegal. Possession can mean prison.
Some tourist places at bad rates. Use RON. Withdraw from major bank ATMs, decline currency conversion.
Very affordable. Beer €2-3, restaurant meal €8-15, accommodation €40-100/night.
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