At first one may be shocked at the first experience in Bucharest, with all the beggars, pickpockets and the multitude of other people just figuring out ways to rip you off. But if you are careful enough there is a high probability that you will finish your holiday unscathed and with all your possession intact. Here are a couple of tips though:
Never get in a 'taxi' that doesn't have a taxi sign. These people will certainly try to rip you off by asking for a much higher price than agreed upon once you arrive to the destination. It almost happened to me, a fake taxi driver offered to take me to a particular place for $5. 10 minutes into the journey he demanded $30 for fuel and $45 for the jouney!! I told him to take me right back and agreed to pay $10 to get myself out of trouble! And this was my first hour in Bucharest ...
Beware of people in trains who pretend to be reading a newspaper when in fact they are staring at you and your belongings. These are surely pickpockets and will find any excuse to sit near you or brush past you. They will sometimes stubbornly stare at you even though they realise that you know that they are trying to rob you!
Never give money to beggars, they will probably be off with your wallet and all in about 3 seconds! Don't even trust the children ... I used to give them sweets instead. They will be grateful.
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on Jul 11, 2004
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