Romania is a country of dramatic natural beauty, ancient villages, intriguing museums and enthralling history. From the city of Bucharest, to the Black Sea resorts and medieval castles, it has something for everyone.
Locals are generally very talkative and love to chat, especially with foreign visitors. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your home country!
1. Ask around
Romania is a very sociable country so it is not unusual for locals to strike up conversations with travellers. If you are waiting for a train or bus, people may ask where you are from or where you are going – they might even ask what you do for work! This is normal, as it shows that they are interested in getting to know you.
Romanians also love to complain – it is part of their culture, and they will often talk about politics, government and the economic situation in their country. However, you should be careful because pickpockets are known to target tourists.
When travelling to Romania it is recommended that you bring some cash with you, especially if you plan on staying in smaller villages. The currency is the RON (Romanian Leu) and while most places will accept cards, it’s always good to have some 10 leu or 5 leu notes in case of emergencies.
2. Meet locals at restaurants
Many travelers come back from trips and say, “The place was great, but it was the people that made it really special.” Luckily, there are many straightforward ways to meet locals when you travel. From arranging to stay with them on a website before you go, to chance encounters in the street, it’s easy to connect to the local community.
Talking to locals is a great way to learn about a city’s culture and history. The easiest thing to do is ask them questions, like their favorite dishes, the best places for a meal and what activities they recommend doing. This is a great way to start a conversation and may even lead to an invitation for dinner.
Another great way to meet locals is to take a local guided tour. Platforms such as Hi Hi Guide allow you to book a local guide to show you around. These guides get paid by the hour and make it very affordable for solo travelers.
3. Meet locals at bars
There’s something about a long trip that brings people together. On a train, plane, bus, or boat heading somewhere, everyone is in the same confined space and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Talking to locals during this time is a great way to get a better understanding of the culture and learn about the place you’re visiting.
If you’re worried about talking to strangers, try using a service like Showaround that pairs you with a local before you arrive in the city. They can give you tips and introduce you to other locals. If you’re more comfortable with meeting locals on your own, try using a site like Couchsurfing to find a host that can offer you a bed for the night or insider information.
Trying out local food is another good way to meet locals. Just be sure to ask the vendor where they got their ingredients and what the cooking process is like.
4. Meet locals at clubs
There are a lot of ways to meet locals when traveling. It just takes being open, honest, and friendly. The easiest way is to join a group on social media specifically for meeting people in your destination city.
You can find groups based on interest, such as travel writing, astrology, or vegan food. It’s also possible to join local expat groups, which offer great networking opportunities.
If you’re going to be in a place for a longer time, volunteering or working is an excellent way to get to know the locals. Learning how a culture works from the inside out, and seeing how their work life interacts with their other aspects of daily living is incredibly enlightening.
Another option is Showaround, which connects you with a personal guide to your destination. You discuss your likes and dislikes with your guide before you arrive, so the tour is custom-made for you. This makes for an immersive experience that isn’t available with any other tour company.
5. Meet locals at museums
Locals can be great for giving you tips on things to do in a city and can also help you understand the culture better. They can even give you a unique perspective on the city’s history. They can also introduce you to hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
There are a number of ways to meet locals at museums. One way is to attend an event that is specifically designed for locals. Another way is to join a language exchange club. These are often attended by expats and travelers who want to practice their language skills.
Another way to meet locals at museums is to wear clothing or accessories that make it clear that you are a visitor. For example, wearing a shirt that says ‘Winter is Coming’ or a Chicago Cubs hat can be an easy way to strike up conversations with locals. You can also try packing something that will get locals’ attention, like a harmonica or a two-player board game.
6. Meet locals at sports events
One of the best ways to meet locals is by attending sports events. You can find out about these events by searching for them on social media or asking your hotel concierge. Many of these events are free, and you can also get a sense of the local fan culture.
It is also a good idea to wear clothing or accessories that make it clear you are a tourist. This might include a shirt with your favorite team’s logo or a baseball cap from the city where you are traveling. This will encourage locals to approach you and ask questions.
Meeting and interacting with locals while travelling is an incredible way to experience a new culture. It can be intimidating at first, but with the right tips, it can be a rewarding experience. Meeting locals can be done both before and during your trip, and it is a great way to learn more about the culture of the place you are visiting.
7. Meet locals at festivals
Locals at festivals are in a more relaxed state of mind and can be much more willing to connect than they might be during the rest of the week. In addition, most multi-day festivals have communal areas such as biergartens that are ideal for making new friends.
If you plan to attend a festival while traveling, try learning some basic phrases beforehand to make interacting with the locals that much easier. This also shows that you have made an effort to immerse yourself in the culture, which is always appreciated by locals.
Many travelers who attend festivals make it a point to meet up with fellow travelers they have connected with at the hostel and arrange rides to and from the festival venue. This is a great way to meet locals and also share costs with your travel companions. It is also a good idea to have an eSIM-compatible smartphone before traveling abroad, such as Airalo, so you can avoid the hassle of purchasing a local sim card.
8. Meet locals at markets
Visiting local markets is not only an excellent opportunity to try out new foods, it’s also a great way to meet locals. You can find out more about the culture of a place and get tips on things to do and see from the locals. Plus, you’ll probably find the food is cheaper than tourist restaurants.
Another great way to meet locals is to attend local events. Many cities have festivals and celebrations throughout the year. These are good opportunities to meet locals because they will be in a festive mood and open to meeting new people. Make sure to check out the local newspapers or ask around to find out what events are happening during your stay.
If you want to meet locals, be friendly and respectful. Show that you are a unique individual who is worth getting to know. Be cautious of talking politics and religion, as these are sensitive topics that may not be appreciated by all locals.
9. Meet locals at events
There are a range of ways to find local events in your new home. Often, local newspapers will list community events. These might be jumble sales, trivia nights, or cultural outings. If you don’t speak the language, a quick Google search can be an effective way to find out what’s happening.
You can also try joining a local club, such as a language exchange group. These are usually open to people from all walks of life. This is a great way to meet locals who can help you with your travels.
Alternatively, you can use an app such as Showaround to plan a personal tour of the city you’re visiting. The app allows you to discuss your likes and dislikes with a local before your trip, so that they can create a personalized itinerary for you. This is a great way to get to know the locals and make friends! The key is to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
