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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Bucharest, Romania: how to avoid them
Photo made by Uiliam Nörnberg on Pexels.com
Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, and most visitors enjoy it without problems, but petty scams around transport and currency exchange are common. The biggest things to watch are unlicensed airport taxi drivers and exchange booths offering poor rates in busy tourist areas.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Bucharest, Romania and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport taxi drivers
How it works: Drivers approach tourists inside or just outside the arrivals terminal offering fixed high fares or claiming the meter is broken. They can charge several times the fair rate.
How to avoid it: Use only the official taxi rank outside the terminal or book through a ride app like Bolt, Uber or Yango before exiting.
2. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange offices in tourist areas advertise eye-catching rates but apply hidden commissions or bad spreads, leaving you with far less than the bank rate.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs and withdraw in local currency. If exchanging cash, compare the displayed rate with the official mid-market rate first.
3. Overpriced Old Town menus
How it works: Some restaurants near Lipscani serve tourists with inflated prices or add unexpected service charges to the bill.
How to avoid it: Check the menu has printed prices before sitting down and review the bill carefully before paying.
4. Fake charity and petition scams
How it works: People approach you with clipboards for fake charities or petitions, then demand money or pick your pocket while you are distracted.
How to avoid it: Keep walking and avoid engaging. Keep valuables in front pockets.
5. Ticket inspector confusion
How it works: Sometimes people sell or transfer used tickets near stations, or tourists board without validating and face fines from inspectors.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets from official machines or the STB app and validate every ride. Keep the ticket until you leave the system.
6. Dynamic currency conversion at ATMs
How it works: ATMs offer to charge your card in your home currency at a poor rate instead of RON, adding a hidden markup of several percent.
How to avoid it: Always decline the conversion and choose to be charged in RON. Use bank-attached ATMs.
Official tickets for the top sights in Bucharest, Romania
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 80 lei - 120 lei (€15 - €23). Use only the official taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal and check the meter starts from zero. Prefer booking through a ride app (Bolt, Uber, Yango) for a transparent price.
Best alternative: Express bus 783 (operated by STB) to central Bucharest, arriving near Piața Unirii and other central stops (3 lei (€0.56), about 60 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 3 lei (€0.56) (Single 90-minute ticket valid on metro, bus, tram and trolleybus)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket in the yellow validator machine on the vehicle or at metro station entry. Failure to validate is treated as travelling without a ticket. Metro requires validation before entering the platform.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 150 lei (€28.20). On-the-spot fine for travelling without a validated ticket, roughly in this range depending on the inspector and payment timing.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards work on metro gates and some buses. The official STB app also sells tickets. Check current card acceptance on each route.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants is common but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill for good service is normal. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, and tour guides appreciate small tips.
Cover and service charges: Check menus for prices before ordering, especially in the Old Town. Some places add a service fee to the bill; ask if one is included before paying.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in RON and decline dynamic currency conversion. Use bank-attached ATMs over independent ones, which may carry higher fees. Avoid street exchange booths in tourist-heavy areas with poor rates; bank ATMs generally give fair mid-market rates.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Gara de Nord area late at night: Keep bags closed and be alert around the main train station late at night, as petty theft has been reported in this area.
- Old Town club district late at night: In the packed Old Town club area late at night, watch your wallet and phone in crowds and keep drinks attended.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bucharest, Romania
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.