Visiting Romania in 1984

I just found a copy of The Travelers’ Guide to European Customs & Manners by Nancy L. Braganti and Elizabeth Devine, published in 1984. Romania at that time was, of course, still under the rule of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu. At that time the freedom of the Romanian people was greatly limited, contact with foreigners was controlled, and the (secret) police was greatly feared. Below are a few suggestions for American travelers to communist Romania in 1984.

Note that none of the following remain true today. I post this as a reminder of the great strides Romania has made in the last 20 years since the fall of communism.

Conversation

• Topics to avoid: politics, the U.S.S.R. or Communism. Skirt controversial topics and never mention any negative aspects of Romania, such as the lines to buy food.
• When you first meet someone, don’t ask questions about anything to do with the person’s family, job or money.
• Be aware that every conversation with a foreigner is likely to be reported.
  

Hotels

• When you check in, expect the hotel clerk to ask for your passport and keep it overnight, so that everything can be copied into special forms for the police.

Private Homes

• Don’t plan a spontaneous visit to a private home, whether it’s just for a drink or for a stay of several days. Your potential hosts must report to the local police that they would like to have you as a visitor. The police will then decide whether or not the visit will be permitted.
• Don’t be surprised if your hosts offer to buy your clothes. You can sell them or give them as gifts. However, if you’re approached on the street by someone wanting to buy your clothes, don’t agree to sell them, as it could be an undercover agent.
• Check with your hosts about taking baths. Sometimes water can be heated for daily baths, but in many apartments, hot water is available only twice a week.
  

Holidays and Special Occasions

• Holidays: New Year’s (January 1 and 2), Labor Days (May 1 and 2), Romanian National Days (August 23 and 24).
• Note that Christmas and Easter are not legal holidays and businesses and shops may be open.
  

Driving

• Keep your passport handy in case you encounter a roadblock where police stop people for security checks.

Legal Matters and Safety

• Never argue with the police.
• Don’t bring any Romanian currency into or out of the country, as this is illegal.
• Don’t tip anyone with foreign currency. It’s illegal.
• Someone may approach you in a public place and suggest that you exchange money at a rate favorable to you. Don’t do it. The practice is illegal, and the person could be an undercover police officer.

Photo: Communist Romania's flag