Car Rental at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)

Your US driver's license is technically valid in Romania, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. The IDP serves as an official translation and is accepted at all rental counters without question, while some agencies may hesitate with an English-only license. Get an IDP before your trip ($20 via AAA) — it's the hassle-free choice and eliminates any debate at the counter.

Yes, drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge in Romania, ranging from €10-€25 per day depending on the rental company. Some agencies set the threshold at 21, so if you're exactly 21-24, expect to pay. Budget around $15-35 extra per day on top of your base rate. Compare agencies carefully — prices vary significantly.

Romania uses a vignette (rovinieta) sticker system — not electronic toll collection. You'll need to purchase a vignette before driving on highways: 7-day (€3), 30-day (€7), or 90-day (€13 for cars. Stick it on your windshield. If you're caught without a valid vignette, fines start at €130. Your rental agency may offer to add one — but buying at any gas station or border crossing is easy and slightly cheaper.

Both gasoline (benzina) and diesel (motorina) are widely available. Diesel is significantly cheaper (around €1.40/L vs €1.55/L for 95 octane) and most Romanians prefer diesel cars. If renting a compact, you'll likely get diesel. Just make sure to return with the correct fuel type — diesel pump handles are usually black or green, while gasoline is yellow. Filling up is straightforward at any major gas station chain (OMV, Petrom, Lukoil).

Romanian winters are serious, especially in mountain regions like Transylvania and the Carpathians. Snow and ice are common from November through March, and some mountain passes can close entirely. If you're visiting between October and April, rent a car with winter tires (most agencies offer these) and carry snow chains — they're mandatory on certain roads. Check weather conditions before heading into mountain areas, and keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight in your car.

Driving in Bucharest is chaotic by US standards — aggressive drivers, unexpected lane changes, and jaywalkers are common. Outside the city, conditions improve dramatically. For parking, avoid street parking in the city center where possible; use guarded lots (€2-5/hour) instead. If you park in the blue-zone street spots, you'll need to pay at nearby kiosks or via the Sebastian app. Cars are frequently towed from no-parking zones — expect €200+ to retrieve yours. Pro tip: park outside the city center and use transit or walking to explore.