The electricity supplied to standard consumer connections in Romania is 220 V; 50 Hz AC current. Outlets take plugs with two round prongs. A plug & power adapter is necessary for most electronics requiring 110 V. Power adapters can be purchased at many electrical or electronics store or most airports. Often they come with plug adapters for anywhere in the world.

You can often tell if you need a power adapter by looking at the transformer or on the electronics itself to see what voltage it is rated for. If it says 220 or 240 volts you are probably all right. Sometimes it will say 110-240 volts. Many laptops are now rated for up to 220 but you should look on the power supply or in your owner's manual before plugging in. It takes just seconds to ruin a good piece of equipment if it cannot handle the higher voltage.

• For more information: http://international-electrical-supplies.com/romania-plug-adapters.html

International direct dialing service is available throughout Romania. Most public telephones require the use of a calling/ telephone card. It is very easy to rent or buy a cellular telephone in Romania.

Dialing within Romania:

• 0 + three-digit area code + six-digit telephone # (when dialing anywhere in the countryside) or

• 0 + 21 + seven-digit telephone # (when dialing a Bucharest number).

Three-digit telephone numbers are local toll-free numbers for emergencies or businesses.

International dialing from Romania:

• 00 + country code + area code + telephone #

Dialing from a foreign country directly to Bucharest:

• International Access Code +40 (country code) + 21 + seven-digit telephone #

Dialing from a foreign country directly to any other city in Romania:

• International Access Code + 40 (country code) + three-digit area code + six-digit phone #

Romania has several Internet access providers offering advanced services such as Internet messaging via mobile telephone, Internet paging, international roaming and more. A number of Internet retail outlets and cyber-cafes in almost every town offer convenient Internet access. An increasing number of hotels offer data ports with high-speed modem connections for guests to access the Internet and retrieve e-mail in the comfort of their rooms.

Tap water is safe to drink but if you are in doubt buy bottled water. Bottled water is available in many places. The locals have a preference for sparkling water over non-sparkling. If you like plain bottled spring water or distilled water, you may have to look a little harder.

Tipping is the norm. Romanian waiters are paid very low, as the owners expect them to get tipped. Try to tip the taxi drivers, the hair cutter, the valets at the hotel. Not much is necessary but any tip will make your stay far more pleasant. 10% might do, but only if the total is above 50 Lei (RON) or so.

No immunizations or unusual health precautions are necessary or required. Romania has no infectious risks and there are no poisonous insects. There is no malaria in Romania. During the summer months there are mosquitoes in the Danube Delta and some low-lying regions. For your comfort take some mosquito repellent when traveling during the summer season.

Emergency: 112 (available for ambulance, police, firefighters)

To report a stolen passport or to deal with a car accident call 112.