How safe is Romania for travelers?

Bears

• Romania has the largest brown bear population in Europe outside Russia, and encounters near mountain towns are not rare.
• Never leave food in a car or a tent, and do not stop to photograph a bear by the roadside - this is how people are hurt here every year.
• Bears raid bins in Brasov county and there are official warnings in the affected towns. Take them seriously.

The mountains

• Salvamont is the mountain rescue service and the emergency number is 0725 826 668, alongside 112.
• The Carpathians turn violent quickly and the marked trails close in winter.
• Check your insurance covers mountain rescue if you are walking above the tree line.

Crime

• Violent crime against visitors is rare and Romania is a low-crime country by European standards.
• Pickpocketing happens in Bucharest's crowds, on the metro and at Gara de Nord.
• Taxi overcharging is the classic Bucharest problem - see the airport section, and read the rate on the door.
• Card skimming has been reported at independent ATMs; use bank machines.

Roads

• Romania has one of the worst road safety records in the EU.
• Overtaking on two-lane roads is the specific danger.
• Do not drive at night on rural roads if you can avoid it - unlit carts, pedestrians and animals are all normal.