13 - 16 June, 2023
Bucharest | Romania
13 - 16 June, 2023
Bucharest | Romania
About Bucharest (București)
Bucharest (București, pronunciation [Buku’reʃti]) is the largest capital in Romania and is the main cultural, industrial and university center, built along Dâmbovița river , about 60km north of the Danube river. Firstly mentioned historically in 1459, Bucharest becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Romania in 1862. One may experience a mix of historical eras, from neoclassical and Art Nouveau to the socialist and modern style. Bucharest benefits from the largest cultural and architectural development between the two World Wars, when it is called the Little Paris of the East. Buildings such as the Atheneum, the Royal Palace ( now home to the National Art Museum), The (old) National Library, the Athene Palace Hotel, Telephones Company Building (Palatul Telefoanelor – the first “skyscraper”), the Building of the National Bank, etc. stand out. In 50 years of Socialist ruling, buildings such as the House of the People (House of the Parliament), the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, were built, becoming one of the main tourist attractions, today. The construction of such a megalomaniac building, meant the enforced replacement or displacement of old buildings and cultural monuments, e.g., the church of Monastery Mihai Vodă, moved on rails 285 metres east and hidden in its present location, behind residential buildings. Other sightseeing attractions include the National Museum of the Village “Dimitrie Gusti” (Muzeul Național al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti”) an open-air ethnographic museum located in the King Michael I Park (Bucharest, Romania), showcasing traditional Romanian village life. The museum contains the most impressive collection of traditional houses collected from all rural regions of Romania. Last but not least, one should relax in beautiful park of Bucharest, away from the bustling life of the city: Cișmigiu Gardens, King Carol I Park, Young People’s Park (Parcul Tineretului), King Michael I (Herăstrău) Park.
A visiting stay in Bucharest is an invigorating experience. In a city that never sleeps, the bustling day life and nightlife is famous for the affordable eating, drinking and partying.
Tourist Information
The official Tourist information website can be found here.
Language
Romanian is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, Italian, Spanish and German are also spoken.
Climate
Typical Romanian summers are dry and hot. However, the beginning of June is sunny, with temperatures rising up to 27- 28 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The nights are cool and breezy, with temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius. To be aware that rain showers may occur. Note that all information is subject to climate changes.
Currency, Banking Hours, Credit Cards
Romanian currency is RON (Romanian New Leu). The National Bank exchange rates can be seen here.
Typical banking hours for the public: Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30.
Two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are within the university’s campus in Rectorate, AN and BN buildings.
Hotels, large shops, restaurants and public transportation normally accept credit cards.
Public Transportations
Cash is not accepted on Bucharest public transport. You can use your Debit/Credit card contactless or smartphone pay systems, or you can buy an e-wallet card for overground transportation or a magnetic card for the metro. More information on ticket fares and payment methods can be found on the STB website, for overground and Metrorex website for underground transportation.
Moving around Bucharest using public transportation with Metrorex, STB or ride sharing is cheap and fast.
Check the InfoTB app notification for the latest information on travelling safely and changes to services.
For more detailed traveller information on which stations to use and suggestions for the best route to reach your destination, or to plan ahead and get around Bucharest safely use InfoTB app.
Use the e-wallet or 24pay online for the easiest and cheapest way to travel around Bucharest.
Commuting between Conference Venue and Palace of Parliament
Bus
The House of Parliament can be reached from the UPB Campus, by STB bus service 136 to Pod Izvor from bus stop Universitatea Politehnica, reachable 15 min on foot from the conference venue.
Underground Metro
The House of Parliament can be reached from the UPB Campus, by yellow line M1 to Republica/Pantelimon from station Grozavesti, alighting at station Izvor and then walking 15 min south.
On foot
The Palace of Parliament is within a 40-60 min walk to south east from the UPB Campus along Splaiul Independentei.
Taxi
Information about authorize taxies can be found at this link. Although traveling by taxi in Bucharest is cheap, we advise hiring only authorized vehicles with logo, fares and contact numbers displayed on the vehicles. Hiring independent taxis should be avoided.
General Shopping Hours
Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open at 9 AM and close at 6 PM. However, there are many supermarkets open 24 hours.
Chemist Pharmacies/Drug Stores
Pharmacists and drugstores stay open during shopping hours. Late night chemists can be found online.
Tipping
Because of the 10% service charge levied in hotels and restaurants, a tip is not mandatory, but it is always welcome and is bound by the law to be printed on the charging bill.
Insurance
It is recommended that participants arrange insurance for medical expenses, loss and accidents occurring during the conference. European Health Insurance card can be used in the public hospitals in Romania.
Electric Current/Voltage
Electricity in Romania conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins. Many hotels in Bucharest have adapter plugs that can be loaned to guests; you could also purchase adapters in the supermarkets and shopping centers.
Romania Country Code
The telephone country code of Romania is +40.
Emergency Numbers
In case of any emergency call the emergency number 112, available on any mobile device or by installing the official app Apel 112 by the Romanian Special Telecommunications Service (STS).
COVID-19 Information
Please note that currently Romania has no restrictions due to COVID-19. Masks are not compulsory anywhere and testing is no longer advised.
COVID-19 self-tests are available in pharmacies. There are two pharmacies close to campus of the University Politehnica of Bucharest, located within Orhideea Shopping Centre, Splaiul Independenţei 210-210B, 060025 Bucharest.