Making the most of Sulina
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Within the town’s area, Sulina port sits on the Sulina Channel’s right bank.
A natural paradise opens out where the great Danube completes its 2,860 km (1788 miles) journey, from Germany’s Black Forest mountains to Romania’s Black Sea coast.
Over countless centuries, river-borne silt has expanded the Delta into a network of lakes, channels, reed isles, tropical woods, sand dunes and pastures, now spanning nearly 5,640 sq km (2,200 sq miles).
This remarkable wetland protects countless fish species, from carp and perch to royal sturgeon, and over 300 bird species. Its 1,150 plant kinds extend from water lilies to sinuous lianas in oak forests.
UNESCO’s designation of the Delta as a "Reservation of the Biosphere" comes as no surprise.
Sulina’s freeport is the Delta’s commercial center. Rapid expansion came in the late 1980s, including an hotel, a shipping center handling 3,500 ships annually, and 500 new dwellings.
Getting around
Low prices make taxis popular with travelers and locals alike. Foreigners may find a driver attempts to cheat them, so insist on use of the meter.
Food and shopping
Art and craft shops sell contemporary porcelain, ceramic dolls, crystal and glass goods alongside unique traditional embroidered, lace and wood products. Orthodox icons painted on glass or wood are popular, but check every item carefully before buying.
Money
One US dollar purchases about 2.3 lei and one euro about 3.55 lei; by Western standards, Romania is relatively inexpensive.
Transactions in Romania are generally cash-based. Some places accept USD or Euro, but this payment method usually carries an additional 20% charge and is not advisable, although that is changing.
Many shops and most supermarkets accept card payments. Mastercard and Visa are the accepted credit/debit cards.
Staying connected
Romanian is Romania’s official language.
For all emergency calls, Romania uses the pan-European standard number 112.
Most cities and towns, and some villages, have cafes offering customers free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Opening hours are amazingly long and extremely predictable. A "non-stop" sign means a shop is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Shops not open 24 hours usually trade 8 AM - 10/11 PM, with some remaining open until 2 or 3 AM in summer.