Originally Posted by PanEuropean

I'm smiling as I read this conversation, because I can empathize with both Daniel and Liam, even though they have expressed quite opposite opinions.

I've visited Romania several times on my moto, and plan to go back again sometime in the not too distant future. It's a fascinating country, it's generally not very expensive, and the people are - for the most part - pretty nice.

All that notwithstanding, I fully appreciate Daniel's frustration. It's not at all uncommon - in fact, it is almost to be expected - that people and businesses will "try you on for size", and if they can get away with charging you a higher rate than what they might charge their next-door neighbor, they will. On top of that, a couple of people tried to rob me (with violence) in Romania last time I was there, and that is something I have never experienced before (and hope I won't have to experience again).

Sometimes, the 'small rip-offs' aren't even worth protesting. If it is a 10% overcharge on a small purchase, it's not worth getting stressed about. For larger purchases (hotels, etc.), one just has to be mentally prepared to challenge and negotiate. For personal safety, I guess we have to be more alert and more judicious than we would normally be in our home country.

I wrote a fairly lengthy trip report about my visit to Romania (and neighboring countries), if anyone wants to look it over, it is here: Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece.

Michael

Originally Posted by seouljoe

I've enjoyed all of the Balkan countries, on individual merit
Loved Romania ,, loved the animation of the people ,, especially the middle ages looking sector,, with carts, goats and babushikas with warm smiles.
Had a great hotel for 57 euros, in Bucaresti ,, best erotic massage, in a long while,, just around the hotel. Food was excellent,,
You have to learn to deal with such mentalities ,, all a part of travelling.
Will I go back? Yes in a heart beat.
This is what I wrote in the Romania section of my travelogue,,, going over from Moldova to Romania
.
"Went to bed last night at 8 ,, took a snooze to wake up for the Olympic opening ceremony,, at 11PM ,, it looked like it will be an all night thing ,, turned the tube off and went back to bed, Woke at 4 AM ,,,last night's wedding party has moved to the pool.
Had reception brew me an espresso ,, took M1 out of Chisinau to west then south. Contrary to my feelings , Moldova is quite beautiful and well organized. The road was fantastic as well. 80 KM away was the border to Romania,, took 20 minutes from Moldova ,,, Romanians are having a meeting . Waited 45 minutes then another 20 minutes to clear the border ,, I feared bad road,, to my surprise ,, great road ,, with sporadic road work congestion. Romanians are very animate people ,, use lot of hands for gestures,, instantly friendly ,, and while I was having lunch ,, a very normal looking guy points to my bike and tells me to come ,, wondering I walked over ,, he says I must pay parking fee of 3 bucks ,, young people in the restaurant,, shaking their heads and fingers saying no ,, I yelled at SOB and he quietly went away ,, and when I was about to take off after the lunch ,, a bum showed up ,, hitting me for money. I just took off. I would face such beggars and scammers in Albania. Durres, by the ferry port.
If Moldova is Taiwan ,, Romania is Viet Nam ,, Surprising that Romanian GDP is bigger ,, earlier Euro zone entry. Romanian country side is like the Sunday Farmer's Market ,, horses ,, goats ,, sheeps ,, cows ,, people ,, carts are all out on the street. It's the Latin blood vs northern Slavic blood. Whew ,,
found a cute boutique hotel on Booking.com for 57 euros ,,nicely put together,, big bed. Hotel Christina Rezervare hotel Bucharest 4 stele: Hotel Christina | inchiriere camera hotel Bucharest
quiet street and no traffic noise. The owner is a very warm guy,, who understands bikers. Best erotic massage, in a long while,, just around the hotel. (Ask the owner of the hotel)
Tomorrow to Sofia, Bulgaria."