Alba County

Romania is in the EU but not fully in Schengen. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with a passport or ID card. Many other nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia) can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements.

The Romanian Leu (RON). Cash is useful in rural areas, but cards are widely accepted in Alba Iulia. ATMs are plentiful.

English is common among younger people and in tourist areas. French and German are also spoken. Learning a few Romanian words is appreciated.

Tap water is safe in Alba Iulia and most towns, but bottled water is cheap and recommended if you have a sensitive stomach.

The nearest airports are Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) and Sibiu (SBZ). From there, trains, buses, or rental cars are available; the drive to Alba Iulia takes about 1.5 hours from Cluj and 1 hour from Sibiu.

The Alba Carolina Citadel, the Coronation Cathedral, the National Museum of the Union, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Alba Iulia. In the county: Rimetea village, Turda Gorge, Apuseni Natural Park, and the Târnave vineyards.

Yes, with proper preparation. Trails are marked, but weather can change quickly. Carry water, a map, and a charged phone. Inform your guesthouse of your route. Bears are present but avoid encounters by making noise.

Hearty Transylvanian cuisine: ciorbă (sour soup), sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and papanasi (fried dough with sour cream and jam). Local wines and ţuica (plum brandy) are popular.

Some tourist-oriented businesses might accept euros, but change will be in lei. It’s best to use local currency.

Dial 112 for all emergency services – police, ambulance, and fire brigade.

The citadel and major museums in Alba Iulia are accessible, but many historic sites have cobblestones and stairs. Rural areas and mountain trails are challenging.

Yes, prepaid SIMs from Orange, Vodafone, or Telekom are available at airports and city shops for as little as 5 EUR, with generous data packages.

Varies by nationality. EU citizens need only an ID; others may need a visa for stays over 90 days. Check with the Romanian embassy.

In tourist areas and among younger people, yes. In villages, Romanian or Hungarian is more common.

Tap water in Alba Iulia is safe, but in rural areas, it's better to drink bottled water.

Hearty and meat-based, with dishes like mici (grilled sausages), sarmale (cabbage rolls), and polenta. Vegetarian options are limited.

Yes, in towns and cities. In remote villages, bring enough cash.

Fly into Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu airports, then take a train or bus to Alba Iulia (about 1-2 hours).

Generally yes, but trails can be poorly marked. Always inform someone of your route and carry a map.

Local wines, handmade ceramics, traditional embroidered blouses, and honey.

Yes, the Alba Iulia Medieval Festival in August is a highlight, with jousting and crafts.

Roaming works for EU citizens. Others can buy a local SIM for around $5.

10% is standard in restaurants. Round up for taxi drivers.