Romania Travel Scams Guide - Stay Safe

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Pickpocketing in Tourist Hubs

Crowded Market and Transport Theft

common

Thieves in busy areas like Bucharest's Obor Market or train stations across Romania target tourists by creating distractions, such as bumping into them or using children as decoys, to steal wallets, phones, or passports; losses can exceed 500 RON per incident due to high-value items.

How to Avoid This Scam

Use money belts under clothing in markets and on trains.
Avoid displaying phones in crowded spots like Piata Unirii.
Travel in groups and stay vigilant during festivals, where crowds amplify opportunities for theft.

ATM Skimming at Banks

occasional

Skimming devices are placed on ATMs in urban areas like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, capturing card details; scammers later withdraw funds, with victims losing up to 2,000 RON before noticing fraudulent transactions.

How to Avoid This Scam

Inspect ATMs for unusual attachments, especially in less-monitored spots near supermarkets.
Cover the PIN entry with your hand and use bank ATMs in well-lit, indoor locations.
Monitor bank statements daily via apps, as Romanian banks like BCR offer real-time alerts in English.

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Currency Exchange Fraud

Shortchanging at Exchange Kiosks

occasional

In tourist areas nationwide, exchange booths give less currency than quoted, such as advertising 1 EUR = 4.9 RON but handing over only 4.5 RON per euro, often by miscounting bills quickly.

How to Avoid This Scam

Count money immediately after exchange and use official banks like Banca Transilvania for rates around 4.92 RON per EUR.
Avoid street vendors and opt for kiosks in airports or malls with posted rates.
Request transactions in writing and verify with a calculator using current rates from the National Bank of Romania website.

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Taxi and Ride Scams

Meter Manipulation from Airports

common

At Henri Coandă Airport, drivers from unofficial taxis tamper with meters or refuse to use them, charging up to 200 RON for a standard 50 RON ride to the city center by taking detours through traffic-heavy areas like Bulevardul Unirii.

How to Avoid This Scam

Book rides via apps like Uber or Bolt for fixed fares around 40-60 RON.
Only use licensed taxis with visible meters and company logos, and note the license plate before entering.
Avoid hailing cabs outside the airport; use the official taxi queue where rates are regulated.

Fake Police Bribe Demands

occasional

In areas around the Palace of Parliament, individuals posing as plainclothes police stop tourists, claiming document issues, and demand bribes of 100-300 RON on the spot, often using intimidation in poorly lit side streets.

How to Avoid This Scam

Ask to be taken to a real police station if approached, as genuine officers won't demand cash.
Carry copies of passports and keep originals secure in hotel safes in central Bucharest.
Familiarize yourself with Romanian phrases like 'Vreau să merg la poliție' (I want to go to the police) for de-escalation.

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Festival and Event Exploitation

Overpriced Vendor Goods at Events

occasional

During events like the TIFF Film Festival in Unirii Square, vendors sell souvenirs or food at inflated prices, such as charging 50 RON for a 20 RON meal, by claiming limited stock or using aggressive sales tactics.

How to Avoid This Scam

Compare prices at nearby supermarkets before events and avoid impulse buys in crowded festival areas.
Use card payments to track charges, as many vendors in Cluj accept them via apps like Revolut.
Stick to official festival stalls with listed prices and seek recommendations from locals via apps like TripAdvisor.

Fake Tour Guides in Historic Sites

occasional

Around St. Michael's Church, unlicensed guides offer 'free' tours but demand 100-200 RON at the end, often fabricating stories about Transylvanian history to lure tourists away from main paths.

How to Avoid This Scam

Book guided tours through official sites like the Cluj Tourism Office for 50-80 RON per person.
Verify guide credentials by asking for badges and sticking to group tours in popular areas.
Download free audio guides from museum apps to avoid unsolicited offers.

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Public Transport Overcharges

Bus and Tram Fare Extortion

occasional

On routes around Victory Square, drivers or conductors on public trams overcharge tourists by claiming ticket machines are broken, demanding 10-20 RON instead of the standard 5 RON fare.

How to Avoid This Scam

Buy tickets in advance from validated machines at stations for exactly 5 RON.
Use the STPT app for digital tickets and real-time routes, avoiding cash payments on board.
Travel during off-peak hours and observe local passengers to ensure you're following correct procedures.

Counterfeit Ticket Sales

occasional

Near the Opera House, street sellers offer fake event tickets for concerts or shows at prices like 100 RON for a 50 RON ticket, which are invalid upon entry.

How to Avoid This Scam

Purchase tickets only from official venues or websites like Eventim.ro to verify authenticity.
Check for security features on tickets, such as holograms, before buying.
Report suspicious sellers to nearby security and use bank cards for traceable purchases.