Brasov Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Brasov.
Healthcare System
Romania operates a mixed healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Brașov has several hospitals and clinics, with private facilities generally offering faster service and English-speaking staff. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare, though private care often provides better experience for tourists.
Hospitals
County Emergency Hospital Brașov (Spitalul Clinic Județean de Urgență) is the main public facility. Private options include MedLife Brașov, Regina Maria, and Sanador clinics, which offer consultations with English-speaking doctors. The Brașov Polyclinic provides various specialist services. Mountain rescue medical posts operate at ski resorts during winter season.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacii) are abundant throughout Brașov, including 24-hour locations like Farmacia Catena and Farmacia Helpnet. Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries require prescriptions in Romania. Pharmacists often speak basic English and can recommend over-the-counter alternatives. Prices are generally lower than Western Europe.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for all non-EU travelers and advisable even for EU citizens. Ensure coverage includes mountain sports if hiking or skiing. Medical evacuation coverage is recommended given the distance from major medical centers.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications as specific brands may not be available; carry prescriptions in generic drug names
- Private clinics require upfront payment; keep all receipts for insurance claims
- Download offline translation apps for medical terms if you don't speak Romanian
- EU citizens should carry their EHIC card, though private care may still be preferable
- For mountain activities, verify your insurance covers rescue operations and helicopter evacuation
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in crowded tourist areas, on public transportation, and at popular attractions. Incidents increase during peak tourist season (June-September) and around major holidays.
Hiking and skiing accidents are the most serious safety concern in Brașov due to its proximity to the Carpathians. Risks include getting lost on unmarked trails, sudden weather changes, encounters with wildlife (bears), avalanches in winter, and inadequate equipment.
Romanian driving standards can be unpredictable with aggressive driving, poor road maintenance in some areas, and limited street lighting outside city centers. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected by drivers.
The Carpathian Mountains around Brașov have significant brown bear and wild boar populations. While attacks are rare, encounters occur when hiking, particularly near dusk or dawn, or when bears are attracted to improperly stored food.
Isolated incidents of drink spiking have been reported in nightlife areas, primarily affecting solo travelers in bars and clubs.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers at the train station, airport, or tourist sites charge inflated rates, take unnecessarily long routes, or claim meters are broken. Some use rigged meters that run fast.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants add items you didn't order, charge inflated prices for bread/water that appeared complimentary, or apply unexpected service charges. Menus may lack prices or show different prices than the bill.
Exchange offices in tourist areas offer attractive rates but have hidden fees, unfavorable terms in fine print, or use sleight of hand when counting money. Some street exchangers operate illegally with counterfeit notes.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to check wallets for counterfeit money or illegal substances, then steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'
Vendors around Bran Castle and in tourist markets charge highly inflated prices for mass-produced souvenirs marketed as authentic or handmade Romanian crafts.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions with a map, or staging an argument) while an accomplice pickpockets the victim or grabs bags.
Properties advertised online show different rooms than what's provided, or hosts claim the booked room is unavailable and offer inferior alternatives at the same price.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals and in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy if staying extended periods
- Learn basic Romanian phrases for emergencies ('Ajutor!' = Help, 'Poliție!' = Police)
- Download offline maps of Brașov as mobile coverage can be spotty in mountains
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone with country code
- Share your itinerary with someone back home, especially for mountain activities
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extras in hotel safe
- Romanian currency is the Leu (RON); credit cards widely accepted in city but carry cash for rural areas
- Split money between different locations (wallet, bag, hotel safe)
- Be discreet when accessing money; don't count large amounts in public
Transportation Safety
- Use official ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) which are reliable and inexpensive in Brașov
- If taking taxis, use reputable companies like Taxi Ro, Martax, or Diesel Taxi
- Avoid unmarked taxis and those without meters
- Buses to Poiana Brașov and surrounding areas are safe but watch belongings during crowded times
- If renting a car, purchase full insurance and inspect vehicle thoroughly before accepting
- Train station area requires extra vigilance with belongings
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in central areas like near Council Square for first-time visitors
- Verify accommodation legitimacy through multiple sources and recent reviews
- Check that rooms have working locks and secure windows
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra money, and valuables
- Know emergency exits and have a flashlight in case of power outages
- Popular safe neighborhoods include Old Town, Schei district, and areas near Tâmpa base
Mountain and Outdoor Safety
- Never hike alone on remote trails; join organized groups if solo traveling
- Inform hotel staff or leave a note about hiking plans and expected return time
- Carry fully charged phone with emergency numbers, power bank, whistle, and first aid kit
- Download offline trail maps; GPS can be unreliable in some areas
- Check Salvamont website for trail conditions and closures before hiking
- Start hikes early to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure daylight return
- Proper footwear is essential; trails can be steep and rocky
- Cable car to Tâmpa summit is safer option than hiking for those unprepared for mountain terrain
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Brașov but some prefer bottled water due to taste
- Choose busy restaurants with good reviews; avoid empty establishments in tourist areas
- Street food is generally safe from established vendors
- Be cautious with wild mushrooms sold at markets unless you're an expert
- Food hygiene standards are good in licensed establishments
- Try traditional Romanian food at local restaurants rather than tourist traps for better quality and prices
Cultural Awareness
- Romanians appreciate attempts to speak their language; learn basic greetings
- Respect religious sites; cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries
- Photography may be prohibited inside some churches; always ask permission
- Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if service charge not included
- Roma communities exist in some areas; treat all people with respect regardless of ethnicity
- Avoid sensitive topics about Romanian history unless invited to discuss
- Public drinking is legal but drunken behavior is frowned upon
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Brașov is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Romanian culture is relatively conservative, and women travelers report feeling comfortable walking around the city center during day and evening hours. Harassment is uncommon but can occur, typically limited to catcalling or unwanted attention in nightlife areas. The city has good lighting in tourist zones and a visible police presence. Solo women travelers are common and unremarkable in Brașov.
- Solo female travelers report Brașov as one of Romania's safest cities; trust your instincts but don't be overly concerned
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries; otherwise, casual Western clothing is completely acceptable
- Avoid walking alone on unlit streets or parks after dark; stick to main tourist areas and well-lit routes
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Catcalling may occur but is generally not aggressive; ignore and keep walking
- Solo dining is common and acceptable; women alone in restaurants won't attract unusual attention
- Hiking alone on popular marked trails during daylight is generally safe but joining groups is recommended for remote areas
- Accommodation in central areas (Old Town, near Council Square) is safest for solo women
- Romanian women are independent and professional; you'll see many local women out alone
- Keep drinks in sight at bars and clubs; stick to reputable establishments
- Share your location with friends/family when going on dates or meeting new people
- Local women are generally helpful if you need assistance; don't hesitate to ask
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Romania (decriminalized in 2001), and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The legal age of consent is equal for same-sex and opposite-sex relationships (15 years). Romania has anti-discrimination laws but enforcement can be inconsistent.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; while unlikely to cause serious problems, they may attract stares or comments
- Brașov has no dedicated LGBTQ+ venues; Bucharest (2.5 hours away) has a more developed scene
- Major hotels and international chains are generally LGBTQ+-friendly and professional
- Research accommodation reviews from LGBTQ+ travelers before booking smaller guesthouses
- The annual Bucharest Pride occurs in summer; Brașov has no equivalent event
- Younger staff in tourist areas are generally more open-minded than older generations
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics with strangers or in conservative settings
- Online dating apps are used but exercise caution when meeting people
- Transgender travelers may face more challenges; legal gender recognition is difficult in Romania
- Romanian Orthodox Church influence contributes to conservative social attitudes
- International LGBTQ+ travel forums and apps can help connect with local community
- Safety is generally not a major concern but social comfort may be limited compared to Western Europe
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Brașov, particularly given the mountain activities many visitors pursue. While EU citizens have some coverage through EHIC, private medical care (which offers better service) requires upfront payment. Mountain rescue operations, helicopter evacuations, and serious medical emergencies can be extremely expensive without coverage. Romania's distance from many travelers' home countries makes evacuation coverage particularly important. Winter sports carry additional risks requiring specific coverage.
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