Local Info

Romanian is the official language of Romania. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism industry.   Climate Romania has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. Summer is dry with rare showers and sometimes hot. In Bucharest, the average high temperature in November doesn't go beyond 10 °C (50 °F), while the average low is 2 °C (35 °F).

Letter of Invitation
(http://www.romaniatourism.com/info.html)

Delegates requiring a letter of invitation in order to attend the Symposium may write to the Local Organizing Committee specifying the necessary details.  Please note this procedure aims to assist delegates who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Symposium.  It is not an official invitation covering fees and other expenses and does not imply any financial support from the organizers.

Currency / Banking Hours

Please pay attention to the fact that you will have to pay for everything in national currency only. The Romanian currency is named "leu" (RON) and the plural is "lei". One "leu" has 100 "bani". The Romanian National Bank site is http://www.bnr.ro, where you can see the daily exchange rates of the Romanian leu against all the major traded foreign currencies. A useful site is alsohttp://coinmill.com. For almost all the banks, the hours for the public services are (www.orar.info): Monday-Friday 09:00 - 16:00 and Saturday 09:00 - 12:00. There are many Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside most branches of banks. Hotels, large shops and restaurants normally accept credit cards.

Travel
(http://www.romaniatourism.com/bucharest.html#transportation)

Romania can be reached by several major international airlines from European gateway cities.  Bucharest has two international airports, situated in its north region, on DN1: at 16.5km from Bucharest down-town is Henri Coanda (Otopeni) airport (http://www.otp-airport.ro) and at 8.5km from Bucharest down-town is Baneasa airport (http://www.baneasa-airport.ro).
The airport connection with the city down-town is made only by bus (line 783) or taxi. The 783 Express line connects Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport with the city center in about 60 minutes (Schedule: Monday-Friday: 05:30-20:00 (every 15 minutes) and 20:30-23:00 (every 30 minutes), Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays : 05:30-23:00 (every 30 minutes)). The magnetic card valid for two travels costs 5 RON (Card desk is open daily: 06:00-21:00, in front of the Domestic Flights Terminal).
FLY taxi cars are available in front of the International Arrivals Terminal. FLY Taxi phone: 9441 Tariff: 5 RON/km. For any information do not hesitate to contact the FLY Taxi Dispatch located in the International Arrivals Terminal waiting hall. For any reclamations about the taxi services, you are kindly required to write down the car's registration number and contact Otopeni Air Transportation Police, telephone: 201 3242.
Bucharest's main station Gara de Nord (North Railway Station), is located three km from University POLITEHNICA (direct connection by trolleybus 62) and is a major rail center with daily connections from/to cities throughout Europe and main cities in Romania. If you need assistance with itineraries, please contact the Local Organizing Committee, who will be happy to offer their help.

 

You can reach Symposium venue (Politehnica University Main Administrative Building):

• by subway (metro): "Politehnica" station, trunk III (you have to follow "Industriilor" direction) for more information: http://www.metrorex.ro
  
  
• by bus no. 136, 236, 336: "Universitatea Politehnica" station (http://www.ratb.ro/download/harti/autobuze.pdf)
  
  
• by troleybus no. 61, 62: "Universitatea Politehnica" station (http://www.ratb.ro/download/harti/troleibuze.pdf)

Cost of living

The level of the prices in Romania is very acceptable comparing to other countries of the European Community. No problem with the inflation or price wave.

 

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance.

Electricity supply / Rating Voltage

The supply in Romania is 220 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 6 A, 4 mm cylindrical pins and Schuko contacts, in all buildings. It is wise to bring an adaptor with you.

 

Tipping

For restaurants and taxis the service charge is included in the price. You may add a tip at your own discretion to indicate appreciation of exceptionally good service.

 

Shopping Hours
(www.orar.info)

Most of the shops: Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 18:00 and Saturday morning 09:00 - 12:00. Malls and Supermarkets (Auchan, Carrefour, Cora): Monday - Sunday, all day long: 08:00 - 22:00. "Metro" shops, located outside cities are open day and night.