Bună ziua! Suvival travel phrases in Bucharest

Are you planning a trip to Bucharest but worried about getting by without speaking the local language? Fear not, as we have put together a list of survival travel phrases that will help you navigate through the bustling streets and make your Romanian adventure unforgettable. Whether it's greeting locals, ordering food at restaurants or bargaining for souvenirs at markets – our comprehensive guide has got you covered. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of Europe's most vibrant cities with confidence!

Greetings

Romanians are generally friendly and hospitable, so it's common to exchange greetings with strangers in Bucharest. When meeting someone new, a simple "Bună ziua" (pronounced boo-nah zee-wa) meaning "Good day" is the most appropriate greeting. It's considered polite to use formal language when addressing older or unfamiliar people.

If you're planning on exploring the nightlife scene, you might want to learn some informal greetings like "Salut!" (pronounced sah-loot) which means "Hi!" or "Ce faci?" (pronounced cheh fah-ch) which means "How are you?". These phrases will help break the ice and make locals feel more comfortable around you.

It's important to note that Romanians often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks, even when meeting for the first time. So don't be surprised if your new acquaintance leans in for a smooch! If this makes you uncomfortable, a simple handshake will do.

Showing respect through proper introductions and using appropriate language can go a long way in making connections while traveling in Bucharest.

Getting around

Getting around in Bucharest is a breeze if you know the right phrases. To start, it's important to know how to ask for directions. "Unde este?" means "Where is?" and can be followed by a variety of locations such as "gara" (train station), "aeroport" (airport) or any other destination.

Another important travel phrase when getting around in Bucharest is "Cât costă un bilet?" which means "How much does a ticket cost?". This will come in handy when using public transportation like the metro or bus. It's also helpful to learn numbers so you can understand prices.

If you're planning on taking a taxi, make sure to use only licensed taxis with meters. You can ask them to turn on the meter by saying “Porniți aparatul”. Always confirm with the driver about their fee before starting your journey.

Alternatively, consider renting bicycles through companies like Green Revolution or Bicicleta Verde for an eco-friendly way of travelling around Bucharest city center.

Having these survival travel phrases under your belt will make getting around in Bucharest much easier and more enjoyable!

Shopping

Shopping in Bucharest can be an exciting experience, but it's important to know some survival phrases before you embark on your shopping spree. First and foremost, it's essential to know how to ask for the price of something. You can say "Cât costă?" which means "How much does it cost?" or "Care este prețul?" which means "What is the price?"

You may also want to inquire about discounts if you are buying multiple items or if there is a sale going on. In this case, you could ask: "Există vreun discount pentru mai multe produse?" which translates to "Is there a discount for multiple products?"

It's also helpful to know how to describe what you're looking for. For example, if you're searching for a specific color or size, try saying: "Caut o pereche de pantofi maro în mărimea 38" ("I'm looking for a pair of brown shoes in size 38").

If you need assistance from a salesperson, don't hesitate to ask them: “Aveți mărimea mea?” (“Do you have my size?”) or “Puteți să-mi ajutați cu ceva?” (“Can you help me with something?”).

Always remember your manners when shopping – say “mulțumesc” (thank you) after making a purchase!

At the restaurant

At the restaurant, knowing some basic survival phrases in Bucharest will come in handy. Whether you're trying to order food or ask for recommendations, here are a few key phrases to remember.

Firstly, it's important to know how to greet your waiter or waitress. A simple "Bună ziua" (pronounced boo-nuh zee-wah) meaning "good day" is a polite way to start any conversation.

If you're looking for a specific dish on the menu, try asking "Aveți...?" (ah-veh-tzee), which means "Do you have...?" followed by the name of the dish.

When ordering drinks, don't forget that tap water is not usually served at restaurants in Romania. Instead, ask for still or sparkling bottled water by saying "Apă plată / minerală" (ah-puh pluh-tuh / mee-nuh-rah-luh).

When it comes time for the bill, simply ask for it with "Notul de plată vă rog" (noh-tool de pluhtz vah rohg), which translates roughly as “The bill please.”

By using these basic survival phrases while dining out in Bucharest you'll be able to communicate more effectively and make your dining experience much smoother!

Basic phrases

Basic phrases are an essential part of any traveler's language arsenal, and knowing a few key words in the local language can make all the difference when communicating with locals. If you're planning a trip to Bucharest, Romania, then it's important to have some basic Romanian phrases under your belt.

Firstly, greetings are always important when traveling to a new country. Knowing how to say "hello" (bună) and "goodbye" (la revedere) can help establish friendly communication from the get-go. Additionally, saying "please" (vă rog) and "thank you" (mulțumesc) is always appreciated.

Next up are phrases for getting around - something that will come in handy if you plan on exploring Bucharest by foot or using public transport. Asking for directions like "where is the train station?" (unde este gara?) or stating where you want to go like "I would like to go to Old Town."(aș dori să merg la Centrul Vechi.) will be helpful.

Another useful category is shopping phrases; these can help in markets or shops around town. Phrases such as “how much does this cost?”(cât costă acest lucru?), “do you accept credit cards?”(acceptați carduri de credit?) and “can I try this on?”(pot încerca asta?) might prove valuable during your trip.

Having some basic restaurant-related phrases may come in handy too! For example: ordering food with “I would like…”(as dori..), asking for recommendations by saying “what do you recommend?”(ce recomandați?), or even compliments with“this meal is delicious”/“aceasta masa este delicioasa.”

In summary, learning some basic Romanian travel phases before visiting Bucharest will not only improve your experience but also make communicating with locals much easier.

Tips for a great trip

1. Plan ahead: Before leaving for your trip, do some research on the places you want to visit and make an itinerary. This will help you save time and money.

2. Pack light: Only bring what you need so that it doesn't become a burden to carry around with you during your travels.

3. Learn basic phrases: Learning some basic phrases in Romanian such as "hello", "thank you" and "excuse me" can go a long way in making connections with locals.

4. Try local cuisine: Bucharest is known for its delicious traditional dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled minced meat rolls). Don't be afraid to try something new!

5. Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded areas, and keep important documents like your passport in a secure place.

6. Be respectful of the culture: In Romania, shaking hands is the typical greeting when meeting someone new while hugging or kissing on the cheek may be seen as too familiar.

By following these tips, you'll have an unforgettable experience exploring all that Bucharest has to offer!

Visiting Bucharest can be an incredible experience for those who enjoy adventure and new cultures. While it may seem intimidating to travel to a foreign country where you don't speak the language, knowing some basic survival phrases can make all the difference.

From greetings to shopping and getting around, these survival travel phrases will not only help you navigate your way through Bucharest but also impress locals with your effort to learn their language. Remember that when in doubt, always approach situations with patience and kindness.

With these tips for a great trip in mind, you're sure to have an unforgettable time exploring this vibrant city. So pack your bags and don't forget your phrasebook - Romania is waiting for you!