|
Romania is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Picturesque
castles and citadels are scattered across the forested Transylvanian
landscape, where wolves and bears roam in the majestic Carpathian
mountains. Historic monasteries, churches and villages
contain some of the best medieval sites anywhere in the world;
where folk traditions are still strong and seem unchanged
for centuries. The capital Bucharest makes for a sobering
introduction to Romania's recent history and a great place
to begin exploring the wilds. Romania has struggled to shake
of the past and tourism has been slow to develop; getting
about the country can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Much of Romania is unexplored and if you want to get off the
beaten track in Europe - this is about as wild as it gets.
Cash
Hungarian currency is the Forint (1 Forint = 100 filler)
1EUR = approx. 250 Forint
1US$ =220 Forint
1 £ = 370 Forint.
Romanian currency is the Leu (plural lei, 1 Leu=100
bani)
1EUR = approx. 36,000 Leu
1US$ =33,000 Leu
1£ = 50,000 Leu
Currency rates fluxtuate from day to day and month to month
- be sure to check with your regional exchange bureau for
up to date information.
Generally speaking you will have no problems with credit
cards, exchanging cash, and finding ATM's except in remote
areas - especially in Romania. Its always a good idea to carry
some US dollars; they are accepted just about everywhere.
Avoid exchanging money on the streets, you'll only get ripped
off. Tipping in Hungary is the norm (usually about 10%). Hungary
offers excellent value for travellers with Pounds, Euros or
Dollars. If you eat in average restaurants and stay in average
accomodation you could probably budget for under $25 US a
day. Hostels and campsites are even cheaper, and gives your
wallet room for a little luxury now and again. Although Romania
may seem a less touristy place in which to part with your
cash, it isn't always cheaper. Lots of places are geared to
the tourists, so prices may be surprising. Bucharest
is more expensive than anywhere else for food and accomodation
- but in the rural areas you can find lodgings for well under
£10. Accomodation in Bucharest may be around the $25
mark and restaurants are pricey too. Transport is very cheap
here, and tipping is not expected.
People
Hungary 11 million strong population are mainly native
Hungarians with a 10% ethnic minority composed of Roma, German,
Serbs, Slovak and Romanians. There are also large Turkish
and Jewish communities.
The much larger country of Romania has double Hungary's
population with a majority of native Romanians, but with a
large Hungarian population that went with the land annexed
from Hungary after the first world war (7%) as well as Roma,
German and Ukrainian ethnic minorities.
Travel
Public transport in Budapest is excellent with trams, buses
and a Metro and a rail network linking the suburbs with the
city centre. Taxis are cheap by Western standards. Trains
are the easiest way to get around Hungary and services run
to all the major towns and cities. Flights within Hungary
are relatively expensive. In Bucharest there is a also
a metro system, and rail network. Travelling anywhere outside
of the city, and especially in rural Romania can be a challenge,
but trains run to all the major towns. Hitchhiking
is always an option and the usual safety measures apply as
with anywhere else.
Health
Hungary does not pose any particular health risks for the
traveller. If you are heading for remote parts of Romania
Hep A, Typhoid and Polio boosters may be an idea. There have
also been reports of Cholera and be careful around dogs and
foxes as there is a risk of rabies. Drinking water is safe,
except in some of the more out of the way spots - bottled
water is readilty avaliable if you are not sure. Always seek
medical advice before you go.
Language
Hungarians speak Magyar, a language related to Finnish
and Estonian, part of the Finno-Ugaric group of Languages.
Its notoriously difficult to learn, but English and German
are spoken in some areas, as well as a little Russian.
Romanian is closely related to the other Romance languages
- Spanish, Italian and French - which are derived from Latin.
English is spoken in some of the cities, but in rural Romania
you will need some basics. French is spoken in some areas.
Russian is not spoken widely in Romania.
Climate
Hungary has very cold winters and very hot summers - around
Pecs in the South is warmest. Average January temperatures
-2C/28F, and 23C/73F in June. The plains are famous for spectacular
thunderstorms and lightening displays. Romania has a similar
climate although its winters are spectacularly cold, especially
in the mountains were snowfall is heavy throughout December-April.
Average temperature in the coastal regions is 11C, and 2C
in the mountains. The spring and autumn (around April/May
and September/October) are good times to visit for those not
used to more extreme weather temperatures.
Food
Hungarian diets consist of large amounts of meaty soups and
stews, especially Gulyas (Goulash), often flavoured
with Hungarian Paprika - reputed to be the worlds best. Pork,
Lamb and steak, and hungarian sausages are all popular - Vegetarians
won't find much to tempt them on traditional menus, except
in the larger cities and towns. Bulls Blood is Hungary's
famous red wine from the Eger region, and Palinka is
the national spirit distilled from Apricots and other fruits.
There are many Turkish influences on Hungarian cuisine as
you may expect. The Romanian national dish is Ciorba de burta
(tripe soup), and here too, soups and stews, invariably
with some form of meat, dominate any menu. Stuffed vine leaves,
peppers and cabbages are also traditional Romanian dishes.
Romania isn't particularly famous for its beer or wine - although
it's cheap. Tuica (plum brandy) is the preferred spirit.
Visas
Citizens from US and most EU countries do not require a Visa
to enter Hungary, NZ and Australian Citizens however
are required to obtain Visas.
Citizens from US and EU do not need Visas to enter Romania,
but will need to fill in the appropriate paperwork on arrival.
Citizens from New Zealand and Australia are required to purchase
Visas before entering the country; either transit visa (3
days) or tourist Visa (30 days). Visas can be extended. Canadian
citizens can purchase the appropriate Visa upon arrival.
|
