Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Romania: A Guide for Erasmus Students
Source: Pexels
Arriving in a new country is always exciting, especially when that country is as vibrant, welcoming, and culturally rich as Romania. As an Erasmus student, your time here will be filled with discovery - from scenic mountains and lively cities to delicious food and deep-rooted traditions.
To help you adjust smoothly and make meaningful connections, I’ve put together a practical guide to Romanian cultural etiquette. These do’s and don’ts will help you feel more confident, avoid misunderstandings, and get the most out of your experience.
DO: Greet People Respectfully
In Romania, greetings are important and often quite formal, especially with people you don’t know well. Use:
Bună ziua (Good day) – polite and neutral
Salut (Hi) – casual, for friends or peers
Ce faci? (How are you?) – informal
When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is customary. Among friends, a cheek kiss (usually one on each side) is common - but let your Romanian friends take the lead on that!
Tip: In small towns or older communities, greeting everyone when entering a room or small store is polite.
DON’T: Expect Everyone to Speak English
While many young Romanians, especially in university cities, speak English quite well, don’t assume everyone does, especially in smaller towns or among older generations.
Learning a few Romanian phrases will help you navigate daily life more easily and be seen as a sign of respect and openness. Luckily, you have all the tools to learn Romanian right here, on OLS!
Start with:
Mulțumesc (Thank you)
Te rog (Please)
Scuzați-mă (Excuse me)
Unde este...? (Where is...?)
Even if your accent is far from perfect, the effort is always appreciated. For more tips, check out the discussion topics on the “Practice Your Romanian” forum.
DO: Dress Neatly in Public
Romanians tend to take pride in their appearance. Whether they’re heading to class, to a café, or even to the market, people generally dress with intention. You don’t need to be formal, but looking tidy and put-together is the norm.
In social situations, particularly at restaurants, clubs, or cultural events, it’s common to dress up. Athleisure and very casual clothes are mostly reserved for home or sports.
DON’T: Mix Up Romanian Identity
It’s a surprisingly common mistake: confusing Romania with nearby countries or referencing vampires when talking about Romanian culture. While Bran Castle is fun to visit, Romania is much more than the Dracula myth.
Romanians are proud of their national identity, which includes unique traditions, music, language (a Romance language, not Slavic - all explained in this blog post), and a complex history. If you’re curious, ask locals about:
Dacia (the ancient civilization)
Traditional music, dances and food
Romanian Orthodox holidays
Local legends (there are many beyond vampires!)
Being respectful and curious will take you far.
DO: Embrace Food Culture
Romanian meals are rich in flavor and often shared among family and friends. If you’re invited to a local’s home for lunch or dinner, you’re in for a real treat and probably a full stomach.
Expect multiple courses and generous portions, often including:
Ciorbă (sour soup)
Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls)
Mămăligă (polenta)
Papanasi (fried or boiled doughnuts with sour cream and jam)
Tip: Bring a small gift (wine, sweets, or flowers) when visiting someone’s home, and be sure to say “Mulțumesc” or “Sarutmana pentru masă” (Thank you for the meal) when you’re done.
DON’T: Be Too Familiar Too Soon
Building trust in relationships can take time. Don’t be surprised if people are initially a little reserved. It’s best to start conversations with neutral, friendly topics such as food, travel, or music. Avoid diving into personal or controversial subjects too early, such as politics, religion, or salaries.
Once friendships are formed, you’ll find Romanians warm, generous, and genuinely interested in sharing their culture with you.
DO: Understand Formal vs. Informal Language
Romanian has two forms of “you”:
Tu – informal (used among friends or people your age)
Dumneavoastră – formal (used with professors, strangers, or elders)
When in doubt, start formally. You can always switch to informal once invited to do so.
Example:
Formal: “Bună ziua! Ce faceți?”
Informal: “Salut! Ce faci?”
Using the appropriate level of speech shows awareness and respect.
DON’T: Forget Your Indoor Manners
If you’re invited to someone’s home, take off your shoes at the entrance—it’s a common practice. Many households offer papuci (slippers) for guests.
Also, punctuality matters in formal settings like university classes or appointments, but for social gatherings, arriving 5-15 minutes late is usually acceptable.
In shared Erasmus apartments, be mindful of noise, shared chores, and personal space, as respecting your flatmates’ habits will make life smoother for everyone.
DO: Explore Romania Beyond the Major Cities
Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara offer a vibrant student life, but Romania’s magic really comes alive in its countryside, castles, and quiet towns.
Some must-visit places include:
Sibiu – for medieval charm
Brașov – for hiking, old streets, and castles
Maramureș – for wooden churches and local traditions
Constanța – for sun, sea, and summer vibes
Check these blog posts for some recommendations on what to visit around Romania:
Living in Romania as an Erasmus student is an incredible chance to learn, not just through classes but through connections, customs, and culture. By understanding these basic do’s and don’ts, you’ll be better prepared to make friends, experience the richness of Romanian life, and feel truly at home during your stay.
Be curious. Be respectful. And don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself when you get things wrong, because that’s part of the adventure.
Mulțumim că ai citit! (Thanks for reading!)
Roxana, OLS Community Manager - Romanian
Source: Pexels