How to Avoid Overpaying on Your First Romania Vacation

Planning your first Romania vacation?

Then listen carefully — because if you’re not smart about it,
you’re going to spend way more than you need to.

Flights.
Cars.
Accommodations.
Souvenirs.
Surprise fees that appear out of nowhere.

It adds up fast.
Especially with kids.

But it doesn’t have to.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how families overpay on their first Romania vacation —
and how you can avoid every single trap.

No fluff.
No gimmicks.
Just real tips from real travelers that actually save you money —
without cutting out the fun.

1: How to Book Flights for Your First Romania Vacation (Without Overpaying)

If you’re planning your first Romania vacation, the biggest mistake most families make happens right at the start:

Booking flights the wrong way.

Let’s clear something up right away:
There is no secret travel hack.
No special day.
No incognito mode magic.

All those myths about booking on a Tuesday, at midnight, during a thunderstorm? They don’t work.

What does work is being realistic, prepared, and strategic.

Use Google Flights — Then Book Direct with the Airline

Start with Google Flights to explore options.
It’s fast, accurate, and gives you a clear picture of what’s normal — and what’s not.

Here’s how to use it:

Enter your departure city and type “Romania” as the destination
(It will automatically show you multiple airports: Bucharest, Cluj, Brașov, Sibiu, Timișoara)
Click the calendar to open flexible date view
Scan the prices by day — the cheapest dates are marked in green
Click a date range that looks good, then explore flight options
Turn on the “Track prices” toggle
Google will email you when prices drop or when you’re close to the best time to buy

That’s your edge.

You’ll never guess. You’ll know.

Book Direct When the Price Is Right

Once you’ve found something that fits your family’s needs and budget?

Book directly with the airline.

This gives you:

The lowest available price (in most cases)
Easier flight changes or cancellations
Better support if something goes wrong

For families taking their first Romania vacation, this one decision can prevent a major headache later.

Compare Other Platforms, But Be Picky

You can also try:

Kayak for fast comparisons
Skyscanner to explore flexible dates or nearby airports
Expedia or Momondo if you want to bundle with hotels or cars

However, once you know the average price, don’t chase unrealistic deals.
If fares are hovering around €500, don’t expect them to suddenly drop to €100.
Set a budget, stay flexible, and book when it lands near your target.

That’s it.

No gimmicks.
No tricks.
Just common sense.

2: How to Find Affordable Accommodation on Your First Romania Vacation

Next to plane tickets, accommodation is where families overspend the most—often without realizing it.

The problem isn’t just the price.
It’s booking through the wrong platform, at the wrong time, or without doing a little research.

Here’s how to avoid all three.

Start on Booking.com or Airbnb, But Don’t Stop There

These sites are a great place to start.
Use them to filter for:

Family-friendly options
Good Wi-Fi
Kitchen and laundry access
Free parking
Flexible cancellation

But once you find a place you like?

Don’t book it yet.

Instead, take the cover photo from the listing, open Google Chrome, and right-click the image.
Select Google Lens.

This will scan the photo across the internet to help you find:

The property’s official website
Direct booking pages
A lower price without third-party fees

Just like with flights, booking direct is usually cheaper — and easier if something goes wrong.

Verify the Property Before You Pay

It only takes five minutes to confirm a rental is real.

Check the location on Booking or Airbnb
Cross-reference it on Google Maps
Look up the host’s name and contact details
Check if they own other reviewed properties under the same account

If the host has multiple listings with consistent reviews, they’re probably legitimate — even if you’re seeing a brand-new apartment listed with a big discount.

Combine Your Booking With Another Family

This next move can cut your housing costs by 30–50%.

Join a Romania travel Facebook group.
Look for other families who are traveling just before or after your dates.
Message them and ask if they’d like to make a joint booking for 2–4 weeks total.

You stay one week.
They stay the next.
But the calendar is booked as one long reservation.

Most hosts offer long-stay or monthly discounts of 30% to 50%.
You both save — and everyone wins.

Even better?
If you find three families and book for a full month, you might unlock a 50%+ monthly rate, meaning you only pay for two weeks and stay for four.

Watch for New Listings From Experienced Hosts

If a host with multiple 5-star properties just posted a new apartment?

That listing will often have an automatic 20–30% discount to attract early reviews.

It’s one of the best ways to get a brand-new place at a low price — especially if you’re booking through Booking.com or Airbnb and want the security of a known host.

All it takes is a little digging, a little patience, and the right timing.

The result?

You’ll sleep better — in more ways than one.

3: How to Rent a Car Without Overpaying on Your First Romania Vacation

Renting a car in Romania sounds simple.

But if it’s your first Romania vacation?

There’s a good chance you’ll overpay — or get hit with charges you didn’t see coming.

Let’s fix that.

Start With Kayak, Then Wait

Begin your search with Kayak about 6 to 10 weeks before your trip.
You’ll see a full range of cars, companies, and prices.
Look for something that’s:

Cancelable
Not prepaid
Within your budget

If you see a decent deal, book it now — but don’t stop there.
Keep checking prices right up to pickup day.
They change all the time.

If the rate drops?
Cancel and rebook at the better price.

It’s that simple.

Book Direct When You Can

If the price is the same on the rental company’s site?
Always book direct.

You’ll get better customer service if something goes wrong.
It’s also easier to change or cancel if your plans shift.

Know the Game at the Counter

Picking up the car is where most families lose money.

Agents are trained to upsell.
Insurance. Upgrades. Extras you probably don’t need.

Be ready.

Before you go, make sure you:

Know if your credit card covers rental insurance
Know if your travel insurance already includes it
Decide ahead of time if you want to buy extra coverage (tip: buying it online ahead of time is cheaper than at the counter)

If they try to upgrade you for a fee?
There’s a good chance they don’t have the car you booked.
You’ll get the upgrade anyway — for free — if you stay patient.

Before You Drive Away

This part matters.

Take your time before leaving the lot:

Walk around the car
Take photos of every scratch, dent, and chip
Check the odometer and fuel level
Set up your seat, mirrors, and phone holder
Know how to get back to the same lot when you return

Most pickup zones lead straight into traffic.
Be calm. Be ready.

Save Money at the Pump

Want to save even more?

Use peco-online.ro to find the cheapest fuel on your route.

This free tool shows real-time gas prices across Romania.
Compare Petrom, Rompetrol, MOL, and more — and skip the overpriced highway stops.

A few minutes of planning could save you hundreds of RON over the trip.

That’s money better spent on something fun.

4: How to Pack Smart for Your First Romania Vacation

You’re almost there.

Flights booked.
Car rented.
Accommodation sorted.

Now it’s time to pack.
And if you’ve got kids?
That’s when the real chaos begins.

The truth is, packing can either save you money — or cost you a lot of it.

Let’s make sure it saves you.

Pack for Reality, Not Fantasy

Romania has four distinct seasons.
It can be sunny, cold, windy, and rainy in the same week.

So before you open a suitcase, check the weather for your exact travel dates.
Not just the season — the forecast.

Pack layers.
Bring shoes that can handle hills, mud, and cobblestones.
And always include one set of warm clothes — even in summer.

Essentials That Will Save You Money

Here’s what you should pack from home to avoid overpriced tourist shops:

Children’s medicine (fever, pain, allergies)
Travel-size laundry detergent
EU plug adapters (Romania uses Type C/F, 220V)
Compact stroller or baby carrier
Lightweight picnic blanket
Entertainment for long car rides and flights

One more thing:
Bring a foldable bag for dirty clothes or last-minute souvenirs.
It’ll keep your main luggage light and organized.

What NOT to Pack

You don’t need to bring everything.

Romania has plenty of big supermarkets — Carrefour, Lidl, Kaufland, Mega Image — where you can buy:

Diapers and wipes
Toiletries
Bottled water
Snacks and drinks

These items take up space and trigger baggage fees.
Buy them here instead.

Watch Your Baggage Limits

Checked bags can cost you €50–€100 if you’re not careful.

Here’s how to avoid that:

Weigh your luggage before you leave
Roll, don’t fold
Share items between bags
Wear your bulkiest clothes on the flight
Use packing cubes if you need extra space

If you’re flying low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair, read their baggage rules twice.
They’re strict, and they charge for everything.

Packing Smart Isn’t Just About Saving Money

It’s about arriving calm.
It’s about not digging through six bags to find your kid’s toothbrush.
It’s about not dragging a suitcase through Old Town’s cobblestones while someone cries.

Less stuff.
More breathing room.

That’s how you want to start your first Romania vacation.

5: How to Handle Money on Your First Romania Vacation (Without Getting Ripped Off)

Romania doesn’t use the euro.
The local currency is the leu (RON).

And if you land without a plan?
You’re probably going to waste money on bad exchange rates, surprise ATM fees, or overpriced conversions.

Here’s how to avoid all of it.

Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport

It’s convenient.
It’s also expensive.

Airport exchange counters offer some of the worst rates in the country.
And your home bank isn’t much better.

Instead, wait until you arrive in the city and look for:

Local exchange offices with clearly posted rates
Offices that don’t charge commission
Trusted chains near the city center (ask your host for a recommendation)

If you want to get cash from an ATM, make sure it’s attached to a real bank.
Use Banca Transilvania, ING, or BRD.

Never use Euronet ATMs — they look official, but their fees and rates are terrible.

Use a Money App Instead:

Download Revolut.
This apps let you:

Pay directly from your phone or card
Convert money at real market rates
Avoid hidden exchange fees
Withdraw local currency from most ATMs with lower costs

They also help you track your spending and avoid currency confusion.

For families on their first Romania vacation, this can mean big savings — and fewer headaches.

Bring a Bit of Cash — But Use Cards for Most Things

Romania is increasingly cashless.

You can use your card or phone almost everywhere:

Grocery stores
Gas stations
Restaurants
Attractions
Local shops

Still, it’s smart to carry 500–600 RON in cash for:

Small-town kiosks
Open-air markets
Public parking
Taxis (if you don’t use Bolt)

Cash is helpful.
But it shouldn’t be your plan A.

Use a card.
Use an app.
And keep your money where it belongs — in your budget.

6: How to Avoid Overpaying for Mobile Data on Your First Romania Vacation

Roaming fees can ruin your trip before it even starts.

One wrong setting…
One quick check of Google Maps…
And your phone bill hits €100 before the plane even lands.

But there’s a better way.

And in Romania? It’s easy, fast, and incredibly cheap.

Your First Option: Get a Romanian SIM Card

You can buy a prepaid SIM card right after you land.
Just bring your passport — it’s legally required.

Here are the best options for tourists:

Digi – Cheapest overall, great coverage in most cities
Vodafone – Reliable, easy to find, and often includes a welcome bundle
Orange – Fast data speeds, good national coverage

Most prepaid SIMs cost 20–30 RON (€4–6) and include 50–100GB of data.

That’s more than enough for maps, photos, translation apps, video calls, and all the kid-friendly YouTube you can handle.

Top-up cards are available at any supermarket, gas station, or newsstand.

Have an Unlocked Phone? Use an eSIM

If your phone supports eSIMs, this gets even easier.

Just download the provider app before your trip (Vodafone or Orange), select the prepaid eSIM plan, and activate it on arrival.

No need to swap SIMs.
No need to find a store.
No plastic at all.

Skip the Tourist SIM Desks at the Airport

They’re convenient.
But most of them charge double the price for the same plan you could get at a regular store or kiosk.

If you’re traveling with kids, stop at a Carrefour or Mega Image near your accommodation.
They’ll usually have a counter or self-service machine right inside.

Five minutes. No stress.

Don’t Use Your Home Carrier Unless You Have To

Unless you have a global travel plan or unlimited EU roaming, don’t risk it.
One accidental app update or TikTok scroll could trigger an international charge.

Turn off roaming.
Use Wi-Fi where you can.
And if you do nothing else — get a Romanian SIM or eSIM on day one.

It’s one of the easiest ways to save money on your first Romania vacation.

7: How to Pay for Parking, Buses, and Trains on Your First Romania Vacation

Romania has great public transport.

But it’s not always obvious how to pay.

If this is your first Romania vacation, don’t wait until you’re standing at a parking meter or bus stop to figure it out.

Here’s how to avoid stress — and surprise fines.

Parking in Cities Like Brașov

Most Romanian cities use digital systems.
There are no paper tickets — and almost no grace if you get it wrong.

The safest way to pay for parking is by SMS or app.

In Brașov, send a text like this:

B123ABC 1 to 7420 → for 1 hour
B123ABC 2 → for 2 hours (etc.)

Replace B123ABC with your license plate number.

You can also use the TPARK app, which works in dozens of cities.
It lets you:

Set reminders
Extend time remotely
Avoid translation mistakes

Don’t forget to check the signs.
Each city has slightly different rules — and some zones are free during weekends or evenings.

How to Ride the Bus (and Not Get Fined)

In Brașov, public buses are clean, reliable, and kid-friendly.
But you must validate your ticket — or risk a fine, even if you paid.

Here’s how to ride like a local:

Buy tickets from a kiosk, vending machine, or the 24pay app
Scan the QR code when you board
Keep your ticket or phone ready — inspectors do random checks

A basic ticket costs around 4 RON and is valid for 50 minutes across most routes.

Kids under 5 ride free.
Many hosts (including us) offer multi-day passes for convenience.

Train Travel for Longer Trips

Want to visit Sinaia, Sighișoara, or Bucharest?

Romania’s national train system (CFR Călători) is affordable and scenic — but slow.
Use it if you’re not in a rush, and the kids are excited about the ride.

Buy tickets:

Online at cfrcalatori.ro
In-person at the station
On the CFR mobile app

Buy early for seat reservations.
Regional trains may not have assigned seats — but they do require tickets, even for short rides.

Trains can be great for relaxing, sketching, playing cards, or just staring out the window.
But don’t count on high-speed travel, nice bathrooms or working Wi-Fi.

Still, for your first Romania vacation, it’s a low-cost way to explore outside the city — without driving.

8: How to Save Money on Groceries During Your First Romania Vacation

Eating out for every meal?

It adds up fast — especially with kids.

Groceries are your secret weapon.

And in Romania, they’re way more affordable than restaurants…
If you know where to shop.

Big Supermarkets Are Everywhere

Skip the tiny tourist shops.
Go straight to the big chains:

Carrefour
Lidl
Kaufland
Mega Image
Penny

They all carry fresh produce, bakery items, baby products, and affordable snacks.
Most locations have long hours — and many are open 7 days a week.

Download the Apps and Scan at Checkout

This is where you start saving real money.

Each supermarket has its own free app:
Search for:

Kaufland Card
Lidl Plus
Carrefour App
Mega Image Connect

Create an account (takes 2 minutes), then scan your barcode at the register.
You’ll unlock weekly deals, instant discounts, and even free gifts.

These aren’t gimmicks — families in Romania use them every week.

Buy Like a Local

Want to stretch your budget?

Get fresh bread from the bakery counter (not the plastic-wrapped shelf)
Try store-brand yogurt, cheese, and snacks — they’re high quality
Pick up seasonal fruits from outdoor markets for even better prices
Bring your own bags — stores charge 1.50–4.40 RON per bag

If you’re staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, stock up on quick meals.
Romania has great ready-made soups, frozen vegetables, grilled chicken, and rice dishes.

Less time cooking.
More time exploring.

And a lot less money wasted on overpriced restaurant meals.

9: How to Eat Well Without Eating Out on Your First Romania Vacation

Restaurants are nice.
But after a few days of tipping, waiting, and keeping kids seated?

You’ll want a break.
And your wallet will, too.

Here’s the secret:

Romanian supermarkets don’t just sell groceries — they also cook fresh meals.

Supermarket Canteens: The Hidden Budget Hack

Big stores like Carrefour, Kaufland, and Auchan often have in-store canteens.

You’ll find:

Grilled meats
Local soups
Veggie sides
Baked goods
Fresh fruit
Cold drinks

It’s fast. It’s filling.
And most full meals cost just 15–30 RON (€3–6).

Everything is sold by weight — pick what you like, pay at the counter, and go.

No Reservation, No Stress

There’s no wait staff.
No long lines.
No menus to decode.

Just clean counters, hot food, and trays ready to go.

Take it back to your rental.
Bring it to the park.
Have a picnic in the mountains.

It’s a restaurant-quality meal — without the restaurant markup.

Perfect for Families

You get to skip:

Table tantrums
Overpriced kids’ menus
The 10% tip that adds up fast

And your kids get to eat what they actually want.
No pressure. No fuss.

For your first Romania vacation, this is one of the easiest ways to eat well, save money, and still feel like you’re treating yourself.

10: How to Avoid Tourist Traps on Your First Romania Vacation

Romania is full of magic.

But just like anywhere else, tourist traps are real — especially if it’s your first time here.

And they all have one thing in common:

They drain your wallet while giving you the worst version of the real experience.

Here’s how to spot them — and skip them.

Don’t Eat Near the Main Squares

Yes, the views are great.

But the prices?

Not worth it.

In cities like Brașov, restaurants around Piața Sfatului often charge double the normal rate for average food and slow service.

Walk 2–3 streets away and you’ll find:

Better food
Lower prices
Friendlier staff
Less stress

Ask your host where locals actually eat.
That one question can save you hundreds of RON over a week.

Skip the “Traditional” Souvenir Shops

The hand-painted mug.
The Dracula t-shirt.
The overpriced magnet made in China.

You’ll find them all over the Old Town.
But they’re not what locals buy — and they cost 3–4x more than they should.

Instead, try:

Local cooperatives or artisans at seasonal fairs
Souvenir corners inside museums
Handmade gift shops a few blocks off the tourist path

You’ll pay less and get something worth bringing home.

Be Careful with Taxis

Don’t hail taxis off the street — especially near airports, stations, or tourist hotspots.
They often charge scam prices to visitors who don’t speak the language.

Instead:

Use apps like Bolt (cheaper, safer, faster)
Ask your host to call a reputable company
If you must use a street taxi, ask the price before you get in

This applies to horse-drawn carts, private guides, and any activity that starts with “You pay now.”

If it feels like a trap, it probably is.

For your first Romania vacation, trust this:

The best things aren’t always in plain sight.
But they’re worth looking for.

So, How Do You Avoid Overpaying on Your First Romania Vacation?

Simple.

You plan with realistic expectations — and a few local strategies.

You don’t chase unicorn deals.
You stay alert.
You think like a guest — but spend like a local.

Let’s recap the smart moves:

Book your flights using Google Flights and buy direct
Use Google Lens to find your rental’s best price
Get car rental advice from real travelers, not flashy ads
Pack light and smart so you avoid airline fees and kid meltdowns
Exchange money in town, not at the airport
Use Revolut or Wise to track and stretch your budget
Buy a local SIM or eSIM to avoid data traps
Use apps for parking, bus tickets, and trains
Shop with supermarket loyalty apps for massive grocery savings
Eat from canteens, not cafés in tourist zones

And above all?

Don’t fall for the trap of thinking expensive equals better.
In Romania, it usually doesn’t.

When you know what to look for, you’ll spend less and experience more.

That’s the win.

That’s how your first Romania vacation becomes a smart, joyful, unforgettable one — without the financial hangover.

👉 Not sure when to book your trip?
Check out our ultimate month-by-month guide: Best Time to Visit Romania with Kids

It breaks down what each season feels like, what to pack, what’s open, and how to time your trip just right.