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Few scams

Southeast Europe

Tourist scams in Romania

Romania is generally safe for visitors, and violence against tourists is rare. The main concerns are petty theft, taxi overcharging and money-exchange tricks, especially around transport hubs.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi touts and inflated faresDrivers approach visitors, quote inflated fixed fares or refuse to start the meter. Some cars lack proper company or licence markings. In Cluj-Napoca, these drivers are called “shark” drivers and may display only TAXI on the car.Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Iași 3Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPickpocketing and wallet theftThieves take wallets or other valuables from pockets and bags. A stolen wallet may later turn up without its cash and cards.Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța 3Read
  3. 3 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates and misleading rate boardsAn exchange office offers a poor rate or draws attention to a rate that does not apply to your cash transaction. In Mamaia, offices may show separate rates for travellers' cheques and cash.Bucharest, Brașov, Constanța 2Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyOccasionalHidden exchange commissionAn office deducts commission that is easy to miss, sometimes printed in small letters. The final payout is lower than the headline rate suggests.Constanța 1Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalMisleading taxi tariff markingsA taxi displays an expensive rate in a way that visitors may misread. In Bucharest, a posted 7.4 lei rate may look like 1.4 lei at a glance.Bucharest, Constanța 2Read
  6. 6 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter manipulationSome drivers use a remote control hidden in a pocket to increase the meter tariff in small steps. The extra charge may be hard to notice until the ride ends.Taxis in Romania. 1Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalTaxi detoursA driver takes a longer route because the passenger does not know the city. The meter keeps running, increasing the fare.Cluj-Napoca 1Read
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalTaxi driver keeps too much changeA driver rounds up the meter fare and keeps the difference. Small rounding is customary but optional; a much larger amount may be withheld.Cluj-NapocaRead
  9. 9 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money-exchange currency switchA stranger offers to exchange money, then gives you a bundle containing Polish złoty instead of the Romanian lei you expected.Street exchanges with strangers.Read
  10. 10 Fake officialsOccasionalMaradonist fake-police conA street money changer keeps you talking until partners arrive pretending to be police. They try to make you hand over your wallet and identity papers.Street money-exchange encounters. 3Read
  11. 11 On the streetOccasionalPersistent begging with misleading claimsSome people press visitors for money. Claims of poverty or disability may be misleading, though begging alone does not prove dishonesty.Iași 1Read
  12. 12 On the streetOccasionalPalm-reading and fortune-telling pressureSomeone approaches offering to read your palm or tell your fortune, including using a shell. The encounter may become hostile.Iași 2Read
  13. 13 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice bribe demandsAn officer may threaten a fine or arrest over minor behaviour and ask for a bribe. A legitimate fine should come with official written documentation.Iași 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport, BucharestTaxi touts approach arrivals, and exchange offices offer poor rates. Use the official taxi-order kiosks.
  • Gara de Nord, BucharestIndependent taxis outside can overcharge. Exchange rates inside the station are very poor.
  • Brașov railway stationOvercharging taxis wait outside, especially in the first row on the right as you exit. Nearby exchange offices offer poor rates.
  • Brașov city centreCrowded tourist areas are places to guard against pickpockets.
  • Cluj-Napoca railway station“Shark” taxi drivers wait for visitors and may offer rides directly.
  • Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport, Cluj-NapocaOvercharging “shark” taxi drivers operate around the airport.
  • Constanța railway stationTaxis beside the station may take advantage of tourists. Red tariff markings are a warning sign.
  • Mamaia, ConstanțaExchange offices may hide commission in small print or advertise separate rates for cash and travellers' cheques.
  • Iași International AirportSome taxi drivers avoid using the meter and ask for inflated fares.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Order through an established company, an app, your hotel or an official airport kiosk.
  • Check the company name, local licence markings and door tariff.
  • Make sure the meter starts and matches the posted rate.
  • Follow the route on your phone.
  • Carry small notes and check your change.

Money

  • Never exchange money with a stranger in the street.
  • Compare rates and confirm the exact payout before handing over cash.
  • Look for a clear commission sign, including “Comision 0%”.
  • Check whether an advertised rate applies to cash.
  • Use a major bank when exchange terms are unclear.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer an ATM at a bank, ideally during opening hours.
  • Note the ATM support number before entering your PIN.
  • Shield your PIN and put your cash away before leaving.
  • Lock a missing card as soon as you notice it is gone.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and close to your body in crowds.
  • Keep valuables secure on buses and in restaurants.
  • Avoid carrying your wallet or phone in a back pocket.
  • Keep a separate copy of important document details.

Nights out

  • Avoid arguments and leave if a situation becomes tense.
  • Keep enough awareness to find your way home safely.
  • Arrange your return ride through a trusted booking method.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm and courteous during police encounters.
  • Ask for official written documentation for a fine.
  • Do not offer or pay bribes.
  • Keep your embassy's contact details available.

What travellers say about Romania

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Romania safe for a first visit?

Generally, yes. The main visitor concerns are petty theft and common scams. Pay particular attention to taxis, cash exchanges and belongings in crowds.

How should I get a taxi at Bucharest airport?

Use the official taxi-order kiosks inside Arrivals. They show the per-kilometre tariff and print the assigned car details. Decline rides offered by people inside the terminal.

What should I check before entering a taxi?

Look for clear company details, local licence markings and a readable door tariff. Make sure the driver starts the meter and that its rate matches the posted rate.

Can a taxi overcharge even with the meter running?

Yes. Meter manipulation and longer routes are described. Watch for unexplained tariff changes and follow your route on a map.

Where should I exchange cash?

A major bank is a practical choice. At an exchange office, compare rates, read commission terms and confirm the final payout. Airport and station exchanges can offer poor value.

What is the maradonist scam?

A street money changer keeps you talking while partners arrive pretending to be police. They try to get your wallet and papers. Avoid street currency exchanges.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Keep valuables secure in crowded tourist areas, on public transport and in restaurants. Specific warnings cover Brașov and Constanța, and wallet theft is also mentioned in Cluj-Napoca.

How should I handle street fortune-tellers or persistent beggars?

Give a brief refusal and keep walking. In Iași, unsolicited palm-reading and fortune-telling approaches may become hostile. Avoid a long argument and keep your wallet put away.

What if a police officer asks for cash without paperwork?

Ask calmly for official written documentation. Politely refuse a bribe request. If pressure continues, ask to speak to your embassy.

What should I do first if my wallet is stolen?

Move somewhere safe and lock your cards immediately. Then report the theft at the nearest police station. Contact your embassy if travel documents are missing; call 112 for an immediate emergency.

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