Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
Need info about riding in Romania

I plan to ride in Romania this summer, and I am hoping someone out there has experience do that. I would like to know if there are any problems getting the bike in and out, or any special requirements at the border. I already know that rental car companies will not allow a renter to take their car into Romania. I would also like to know what you did about insurance for your bike while you were there. Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Romania is in the EU, so there are no problems with any bike EU registered.

There is a rovignette thing (road tax) you have to buy as soon as you cross the border but its cheap. Not sure what it is for bikes.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Mar 2014
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Ron,
(You don't say whether...) Are you riding a/ your own US-registered bike?
Assuming it's US-registered, there are no issues/ problems entering or
leaving RO.
For a US (or any non-EU) bike, you will need Euro 'Green Card' vehicle insurance, available from
TourInsure - the specialist for international automobile insurance, or
Green Card, or
Mototouring - GreenCard insurance for non european vehicles

If you're using an EU-registered [U]rental[U] bike from a company/ country based outside RO, then it will depend on the 'rules'/ policy of the
rental company whether you can take the bike into RO. If a rental co allows it, the bike will already be insured
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 53
Ron,

I Rode a Canadian registered bike through Romania last year and had no problems at all. You will need a valid Green Card insurance as the guys mentioned above. You will also be asked to pre-pay your Vignette (or Roviniete) at the border too. This shouldn't cost you more than about $20 though and will be valid for your stay there.
One word of advice :- don't expect to get anywhere fast there. The roads are beautiful riding but also can be quite congested with slow moving trucks etc. It's a good excuse to sit back, relax and soak up a wonderful Country

Regards (and envy)
Nevil
Round the World 2013 on motorbikes
MotoExped - Home
Nevil | Nevil Stow | Travel Blog
Attached Thumbnails
Need info about riding in Romania-dsc05382.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brasov - Romania
Posts: 35
Romania - easy!

Hi,
EU registered bike - no problems at all - on the HU/RO border they will not even ask for the bike docs. You need to have valid insurance - and if not registered in your name a doc allowing you to ride it. Same for non eu reg - but lots of info about getting insurance in other threads.

Rovineta - the road tax - NOT NEEDED FOR MOTORCYLCES!!! But the kiosks on the border will happily sell it to u!! If coming in by car I recommend buying at a petrol station after the border as some of the kiosks hype the price or do not register it!!

Romania is a wonderful country to explore by bike. If you are coming through Brasov - I have a self contained guest room (and secure parking) that is always available for sound two wheeled travelers.

If you have the insurance cover (if nonEU) , you are automatically covered if EU, consider adding Serbia to your trip - biking is part of the national culture and its a wonderful country. The Serbs are great people - friendly and welcoming.

All the best from Transylvania!!

Gavin
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
is the Roviniete for use of any road or particular highways i.e. is it non negotiable?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Brasov - Romania
Posts: 35
It is required for using all the major roads in Romania - so not negotiable - you can not avoid those roads . And you may get checked on the road or when leaving the country. It is not expensive - I pay about 28€ for a full year for my 4x4. I think 7 days is about 3 euro!

BUT it is not needed for a motorcycle - only cars and above.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Apr 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Quote:
Originally Posted by gavinbell View Post
It is required for using all the major roads in Romania - so not negotiable - you can not avoid those roads . And you may get checked on the road or when leaving the country. It is not expensive - I pay about 28€ for a full year for my 4x4. I think 7 days is about 3 euro!

BUT it is not needed for a motorcycle - only cars and above.

Hey Gavin
Sent you a PM. Drink a in Brasov next week?

Best
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks for the info. I plan to ride from the UK down to Romania this summer (July/August) Might see you on the road Ron?? Gavin can I take you up on the offer perhaps??
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Essex UK
Posts: 186
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
Thanks for the info. I plan to ride from the UK down to Romania this summer (July/August) Might see you on the road Ron?? Gavin can I take you up on the offer perhaps??
I would be interested in your plans George, as I intend to take a trip in that direction around july time.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Apr 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Have a look at this post that I wrote about a trip I made through Romania a few years ago, it might answer some of your questions.

Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece

It's generally a pleasant country. Just keep your wits about you in the larger cities, that's all.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
Thanks for the information

Heavy rains forced me off the Mississippi part of the Trans-American Trail, so I just got home and checked my messages. I was so happy to see all the information about my question on riding in Romania. Thanks a lot, everyone. I am eager to get there.

My VStrom is stored at Stefan Knopf's place in Heidelberg. He always makes sure I have the insurance and proper identification when I ride in Europe. So I think there will be no problem taking the bike into Romania.

I plan to ride with my daughter on the back of my bike (she and her husband are living and going to school in Prague until June). Is there any advice on safety of our gear when we get off the bike to explore castles and the like? I have not run into any problems so far, but Romania might be a different story.

Ron
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ladysmith BC Canada
Posts: 41
some good advice here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Youngs View Post
I plan to ride in Romania this summer, and I am hoping someone out there has experience do that. I would like to know if there are any problems getting the bike in and out, or any special requirements at the border. I already know that rental car companies will not allow a renter to take their car into Romania. I would also like to know what you did about insurance for your bike while you were there. Thanks.
No need for vignette for bikes.
See our recent trip
Two Wheels move the Soul: Transylvania Romania

For places experience s etc. For security on the road read this blog entry.

http://vstromadventures.blogspot.ca/...e-on-road.html
__________________
Brian & Sandra Smith
Visit us at:http://vstromadventures.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Youngs View Post
Heavy rains forced me off the Mississippi part of the Trans-American Trail, so I just got home and checked my messages. I was so happy to see all the information about my question on riding in Romania. Thanks a lot, everyone. I am eager to get there.

My VStrom is stored at Stefan Knopf's place in Heidelberg. He always makes sure I have the insurance and proper identification when I ride in Europe. So I think there will be no problem taking the bike into Romania.

I plan to ride with my daughter on the back of my bike (she and her husband are living and going to school in Prague until June). Is there any advice on safety of our gear when we get off the bike to explore castles and the like? I have not run into any problems so far, but Romania might be a different story.

Ron
I've been in Romania a few times and basically don't believe the hype.

Like everywhere out of Western Europe, the USA and certain other '1st world' destinations, there is less crime not more. Its beyond me why people think the western world is safe??

Like anywhere in the world, with a little bit of common sense your personal and property safety is pretty much guaranteed. Like everywhere, there is more petty crime in more populated areas (big cities) and more touristy areas. I've never had a bad experience there, and I've never been 'extra cautious'.

Romania gets a very bad press, and like Albania its unjustified. People are friendly and helpful. Like all of Eastern Europe, customer service is of a rather Russian vein, but personally I prefer that to the constant smiling and vomit inducing fake niceness of the American type that is now marching through the West. If you want something, ask for it and you'll get it, its not difficult.

My only warning is that the driving can be pretty scary coming from the west, and the roads can be busy (only the main routes) but just go with the traffic flow and you won't cause an accident by being overcautious. After doing a fair few miles in Romania and Ukraine last year I now find the way people DON'T overtake in the West frustrating, rather that the alternative scary!

You'll love the Carpathians, so many lovely mountain roads, lovely villages and beautiful nature (all slowly being destroyed by the EU).
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Apr 2014
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Southeastern Illinois
Posts: 48
Great info. in your report, Michael

Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
Have a look at this post that I wrote about a trip I made through Romania a few years ago, it might answer some of your questions.

Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece

It's generally a pleasant country. Just keep your wits about you in the larger cities, that's all.
I read your 2011 report a few minutes ago, Michael. It was chock full of good information. I sure do thank you for posting it.
Ron
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
PAKISTAN: an update + new info re visas at Sost luckro SE Asia 25 2 Jan 2016 07:39
Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece PanEuropean Europe 35 3 Jul 2015 14:28
Romania tour May 2013 DenArnold Ride Tales 1 19 Jul 2013 09:32
Country info in West Africa, mechanics, borders & roads! mahsita sub-Saharan Africa 1 19 Apr 2012 16:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:13.