Romania business travel information

Doing business in Romania

After the Communist regime was overthrown in the end of 1989, the country experienced a decade of economic instability and decline, led partially by a superannuated industrial base and a privation of structural reform. As of 2000 onwards, however, the Romanian economy was transformed into one of relative macroeconomic stability, characterised by high growth, low unemployment and declining inflation.

The entrance of Romania into the European Union in 2007 was preceded by a series of government reforms in order to apply to the conditions of EU membership. Nowadays the requirements of membership make up one of the driving forces in Romania’s program of reform, modernization and investment in infrastructure. More importantly, these directives are accompanied by financings from the European Union in the form of Structural Adjustment Funds and other programs to enable the new members to align their economies with the rest of the EU.

At the same time, Romania’s membership in NATO has fostered the demand for defense and security products, and foreign vendors are well-regarded and active in this market.

Private demands have been large and provided a market for a wide variety of products, and Romanian businesses regularly express interest in oversees suppliers as alternatives to European competitors. The effects of the slowing world economy arrived late to Romania, but are now beginning to announce themselves in the form of rising unemployment, a drop in demand from Romania’s export markets, and a growing budget deficit.

Romania has not yet entered the “Eurozone,” but has set 2014 as the target year to adopt the Euro. In the meantime, many Romanian companies with debts denominated in Euros but income in the local currency, the Leu, are exposed to huge exchange rates losses as the value of the Leu has fallen against both the Dollar and Euro. As a result, both the consumer and the corporate purchasing power have fallen, and investment plans are being reconsidered.

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In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Romania you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

Romania uses 112 for all emergency calls for police, ambulance and the fire department.

In case of a medical emergency you can contact the Floreasca Hospital.
Address:
Calea Floreasca nr . 8
Sector 1, Bucuresti
Telefon:(021) 599.23.00, (021) 599.23.08
Emergency number:(021) 962

Medical and dental services for international personnel are also available at the Polyclinic for the Diplomatic Corps in Bucharest: Polyclinic of Interdepartmental Hospital (for the Diplomatic Corps), tel.: +40 21 211 3430 (8:00 - 20:00); tel.: +40 321 66 61 (20:00 to 8:00).

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Romania it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Romania. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Romania to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles. Hierarchy is very important.
  Romanians are not direct, they avoid confrontation.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Expect to be kept waiting when dealing with state-run companies.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Quit some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  The napkin stays folded next to the plate, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Romanian

Romanian or Daco-Romanian is a Romance language spoken by around 24 to 28 million people, primarily in Romania and Moldova. It has official status in Romania, Republic of Moldova, and the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in Serbia. In the Republic of Moldova, the language is officially called limba moldovenească ("Moldovan") for political reasons.

English and French are common second languages spoken; German is more prevalent in the Transylvanian region. French used to be the second well-known language in Romania; however, it has been mostly displaced by English. A well-educated Romanian who graduated from an average university can usually speak English and another European language, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish (about 8%) or Russian.

Although in business you will probably speak English, a few Romanian phrases can also come in hand...

Welcome	Bun venit / Bine ai venit
How are you?	Ce mai faceţi?
I’m fine, thanks. And you?	Bine, mulţumesc. Şi dumneavoastră?
My name is ...	Mă numesc ...
Pleased to meet you	Îmi pare bine de cunoştinţă
Good morning	Bună dimineaţa
Good afternoon	Bună ziua
Good evening	Bună seara
Good night	Noapte bună
Goodbye	La revedere
Have a nice day	Îţi doresc / Vă doresc o zi plăcută!
Bon appetit	Poftă bună!
I don’t understand	Nu înţeleg
Please write it down	Puteţi să-l scrieţi, vă rog?
How do you say ... in Romanian?	Cum se spune...în limba română?
Excuse me	Scuzaţi-mă!
How much is this?	Cât costă?
Sorry	Pardon!
Thank you	Mersi / Mulţumesc / Mulţumesc foarte mulţ