FAQs
Question
Do I need a visa to visit the EU / Hungary / Romania
Answer
No, as of right now USA Citizens do not require a visa of any kind to visa the 3 areas. The current policy is 90 days of visa-free stay for vacation then 90 days out before you can come back. **NOTE the clock for your 90 days starts on your entry into Schengen zone area. So if you plan to travel around for some time after coming to visit be mindful of your time and exit. **Second Note, many zones like to see a return ticket before allowing you in.
Question
What money do I need?
Answer
If you plan to visit up in Hungary for a little bit of time then you'll require the Hungarian Forint (ISO code HUF // Symbole Ft) As ok posting this the $1 USA to HUF is 287 Ft If you're going directly to Romanian they used the Romanian Lei (ISO: RON // Symbol: Lei) As of posting this the $1 USA to RON is 4.24 Lei Remember currency is always subject to changes, normally it's not that bad but do google in advance.
Question
Do places accept Credit/Debit Cards from the USA?
Answer
Yes, many places will and accept your Visa, MasterCard and American Express with no issues. Just be mindful before all transaction to say in advance. Most American banks work on the SWIFT system so they automatically convert the currency from the USD to HUF/RON/EUR at the point of swipe. But do make sure to check with your personal bank for any fees that could be acquired. I personally know my AlaskaUSA account was fee free. Also, many ATMs will allow you to pull out the local currency from them. Just make sure to check your bank fees and the ATM's bank fees in advance before pulling. The OTP bank in both Hungary and Romania doesn't add any extra fees.
Question
What is the Schengen Area?
Answer
Check out this site for more details: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ But a simple break down is Hungary is part of the area. Romania is not! But keep in mind that Romania much like Bulgaria and Croatia still will enforce the zone times (90 days) depends on the border guard you encounter. i.e. if you stay 85 days in the Schengen zone area Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus might now allow you in. Countries that have complete separation from the schengen area are the Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro, etc) + Ukraine, Moldovia, etc. They require a completely different system to entry. most of them will allow for visa-free travel but they have a different time system for visiting.
Question
Will there be language barrier issues?
Answer
No, just about every major area in Hungary or Romania has many English speakers. Including the authorities. So you don't need to start up any language course in Hungarian or Romanian. But of course, feel free to check out duolingo and brush up on the basics for personal fun!
Question
What language does Bea and her Family speak?
Answer
They might be Romanian Citizens in Romania but they all speak Hungarian (As they are Transylvanian Hungarians). Many also speak English as well so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
Question
Why do people speak Hungarian and German in Romania?!
Answer
Transylvania for more than 1,000 years used to be ruled by Hungarian kings and kingdom. Later a joint Empire-Kingdom of the Austro-Hungarians. The land was conquered by the Romanians on December 1st, 1918 and has ever since been a region of Romania. First the Romanian Kingdom 1878, then the Romanian Peoples Republic 1947(communist) and now the Republic of Romanian (1989) of today. Many different ethnic groups still live in the area from Hungarians, Székelys (Other Hungarians), Germans, Gypsies, and Transylvanian Romanians. This is why when traveling around parts of Transylvania you'll see signs in different languages than just Romanian. Even some signs in ancient Hungarian script.