Be Safe in Bucharest
Bucharest is a major metropolis, and as with anywhere, the city comes with its fair share of criminals and undesirables. Following some basic courses of action can ensure that you don’t fall victim to them.
Safety
The biggest threat to the cash and valuables of visitors to Bucharest are pickpockets and scams. Pick-pocketing is a major problem on much of the public ground transportation such as buses, trams and trolleys. In fact, the main train station charges a nominal fee for entry in order to deter unwanted elements.
Remain alert of your surroundings and utilise the hotel safe for your more precious belongings. Keep purses or bags close to your body and in front of you. Keep expensive watches and jewellery out of sight and purses and wallets in front pockets; better still is to wear a money belt that’s thin enough to keep beneath your t-shirt or trousers.
Bucharest, in particular, is well-known for the popular Maradona scam, which often targets tourists and relieves them of their wallet and passports. In the scam, a mark is approached by a con man who starts a seemingly innocuous conversation. As they talk, two others approach, sometimes on foot or stopping suddenly in a car, claiming to be plainclothes police officers. They may flash badges. The tourist and the original con man are accused of something, and the ‘policemen’ ask to see passports, papers and wallets, with the intention of making a run with them.
The best course of action is not to engage in the conversation. If the situation escalates, yell or loudly suggest to walk to the police station or to hand over your papers in the presence of someone in a local business, such as a hotel concierge. Romanian police heavily enforce laws against crime.
Police: 112
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Health
Aside from the threat of scams and pickpockets, Bucharest presents few problems for tourists. Health threats are minimal and medical care is great. The water is safe to drink and food hygiene standards in restaurants are high and closely monitored. Should you fall ill for whatever reason while visiting Bucharest, you should have appropriate travel insurance to cover medical costs.
Ambulance: 112