Need info about riding in Romania
 

I plan to ride in Romania this summer, and I am hoping someone out there has experience do that. I would like to know if there are any problems getting the bike in and out, or any special requirements at the border. I already know that rental car companies will not allow a renter to take their car into Romania. I would also like to know what you did about insurance for your bike while you were there. Thanks.:scooter:

Romania is in the EU, so there are no problems with any bike EU registered.

There is a rovignette thing (road tax) you have to buy as soon as you cross the border but its cheap. Not sure what it is for bikes.

Ron,
(You don't say whether...) Are you riding a/ your own US-registered bike?
Assuming it's US-registered, there are no issues/ problems entering or
leaving RO.
For a US (or any non-EU) bike, you will need Euro 'Green Card' vehicle insurance, available from
TourInsure - the specialist for international automobile insurance, or
Green Card, or
Mototouring - GreenCard insurance for non european vehicles

If you're using an EU-registered [U]rental[U] bike from a company/ country based outside RO, then it will depend on the 'rules'/ policy of the
rental company whether you can take the bike into RO. If a rental co allows it, the bike will already be insured

Ron,

I Rode a Canadian registered bike through Romania last year and had no problems at all. You will need a valid Green Card insurance as the guys mentioned above. You will also be asked to pre-pay your Vignette (or Roviniete) at the border too. This shouldn't cost you more than about $20 though and will be valid for your stay there.
One word of advice :- don't expect to get anywhere fast there. The roads are beautiful riding but also can be quite congested with slow moving trucks etc. It's a good excuse to sit back, relax and soak up a wonderful Country :)

Regards (and envy)
Nevil
Round the World 2013 on motorbikes
MotoExped - Home
Nevil | Nevil Stow | Travel Blog

Romania - easy!
 

Hi,
EU registered bike - no problems at all - on the HU/RO border they will not even ask for the bike docs. You need to have valid insurance - and if not registered in your name a doc allowing you to ride it. Same for non eu reg - but lots of info about getting insurance in other threads.

Rovineta - the road tax - NOT NEEDED FOR MOTORCYLCES!!! But the kiosks on the border will happily sell it to u!! If coming in by car I recommend buying at a petrol station after the border as some of the kiosks hype the price or do not register it!!

Romania is a wonderful country to explore by bike. If you are coming through Brasov - I have a self contained guest room (and secure parking) that is always available for sound two wheeled travelers.

If you have the insurance cover (if nonEU) , you are automatically covered if EU, consider adding Serbia to your trip - biking is part of the national culture and its a wonderful country. The Serbs are great people - friendly and welcoming.

All the best from Transylvania!!

Gavin

is the Roviniete for use of any road or particular highways i.e. is it non negotiable?

It is required for using all the major roads in Romania - so not negotiable - you can not avoid those roads . And you may get checked on the road or when leaving the country. It is not expensive - I pay about 28€ for a full year for my 4x4. I think 7 days is about 3 euro!

BUT it is not needed for a motorcycle - only cars and above.

Hey Gavin
Sent you a PM. Drink a beer in Brasov next week?

Best
Chris

Thanks for the info. I plan to ride from the UK down to Romania this summer (July/August) Might see you on the road Ron?? Gavin can I take you up on the offer perhaps??

I would be interested in your plans George, as I intend to take a trip in that direction around july time.

Have a look at this post that I wrote about a trip I made through Romania a few years ago, it might answer some of your questions.

Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece

It's generally a pleasant country. Just keep your wits about you in the larger cities, that's all.

Thanks for the information
 

Heavy rains forced me off the Mississippi part of the Trans-American Trail, so I just got home and checked my messages. I was so happy to see all the information about my question on riding in Romania. Thanks a lot, everyone. I am eager to get there.:D

My VStrom is stored at Stefan Knopf's place in Heidelberg. He always makes sure I have the insurance and proper identification when I ride in Europe. So I think there will be no problem taking the bike into Romania.

I plan to ride with my daughter on the back of my bike (she and her husband are living and going to school in Prague until June). Is there any advice on safety of our gear when we get off the bike to explore castles and the like? I have not run into any problems so far, but Romania might be a different story.

Ron

some good advice here.
 

No need for vignette for bikes.
See our recent trip
Two Wheels move the Soul: Transylvania Romania

For places experience s etc. For security on the road read this blog entry.

http://vstromadventures.blogspot.ca/...e-on-road.html

I've been in Romania a few times and basically don't believe the hype.

Like everywhere out of Western Europe, the USA and certain other '1st world' destinations, there is less crime not more. Its beyond me why people think the western world is safe??

Like anywhere in the world, with a little bit of common sense your personal and property safety is pretty much guaranteed. Like everywhere, there is more petty crime in more populated areas (big cities) and more touristy areas. I've never had a bad experience there, and I've never been 'extra cautious'.

Romania gets a very bad press, and like Albania its unjustified. People are friendly and helpful. Like all of Eastern Europe, customer service is of a rather Russian vein, but personally I prefer that to the constant smiling and vomit inducing fake niceness of the American type that is now marching through the West. If you want something, ask for it and you'll get it, its not difficult.

My only warning is that the driving can be pretty scary coming from the west, and the roads can be busy (only the main routes) but just go with the traffic flow and you won't cause an accident by being overcautious. After doing a fair few miles in Romania and Ukraine last year I now find the way people DON'T overtake in the West frustrating, rather that the alternative scary!

You'll love the Carpathians, so many lovely mountain roads, lovely villages and beautiful nature (all slowly being destroyed by the EU).

Great info. in your report, Michael
 

I read your 2011 report a few minutes ago, Michael. It was chock full of good information. I sure do thank you for posting it. :clap:
Ron