Satu Mare: A Hidden Gem in Northwestern Romania

• HelloBună ziua
  [boo-nuh zee-wah]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-zah-tsee muh]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beetsee en-gle-zah]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh vad meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nuhnk kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rohk]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tohr]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunați Poliția!
  [soo-nahts poh-lee-tsee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [soo-nahts oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-doott]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree suh koom-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [dwahr muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-tehts suh skuh-dehts prehtsool]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kaht yeh-steh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh oh-rah oon-oo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate după (10)
  [zhoo-muh-tah-teh doo-puh (doh-ysh)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-neh-tsah]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-zah]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yehr]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ah-stuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muhy-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [treh-ee]
• 4Patru
  [paht-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheenk]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wuh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh yeh-steh oon-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kah-reh yeh-steh ah-dre-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-tehts suh-mee ah-rah-tahts (peh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kahnd yeh-steh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (către ....)
  [oon bee-let (kuh-treh)]

The area around Satu Mare has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of Dacian settlements dating back to the 2nd century BC. The region was a significant part of the Dacian Kingdom before it was conquered by the Roman Empire.

In the 10th century, Satu Mare became part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The town was first mentioned in historical records in 1181 under the name 'Szatmár'. During the medieval period, it developed as a prominent market town and was granted town privileges in 1230.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Satu Mare was often caught in the crossfire of the wars between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy. In 1711, the Treaty of Satu Mare was signed here, marking the end of the Kuruc War and solidifying Habsburg control over Transylvania.

With the establishment of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867, Satu Mare experienced significant economic and cultural development. The town became a hub for trade and industry, attracting a diverse population including Romanians, Hungarians, Germans, and Jews.

During World War II, Satu Mare was ceded to Hungary following the Second Vienna Award in 1940. The Jewish community faced severe persecution, with many being deported to concentration camps. The town was liberated by Soviet forces in 1944.

After World War II, Satu Mare became part of Communist Romania. The town underwent industrialization and urbanization, with new factories and residential areas being built. Despite the challenges of the period, cultural and educational institutions continued to develop.

Following the Romanian Revolution of 1989, Satu Mare transitioned to a market economy. The town has since seen significant investment in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural preservation, becoming a vibrant part of Romania's modern landscape.

Satu Mare is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Satu Mare International Airport (SMR), located about 14 kilometers from the city center. There are regular flights from major cities such as Bucharest. Alternatively, you can reach Satu Mare by train from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or other major Romanian cities. The city is also well-connected by road, with buses and private car services available from various parts of the country.

Within Satu Mare, public transportation includes buses and taxis. The local bus network is extensive and covers most areas of the city. Taxis are also readily available, but make sure to use reputable companies or apps to avoid being overcharged. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available, providing a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases or in rural areas. ATMs are widely available throughout Satu Mare, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Satu Mare is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be vigilant about your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay aware and cautious.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire brigade, and medical assistance. Satu Mare has several medical facilities, including the Satu Mare County Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A simple 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is a polite greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Satu Mare like a local, visit the Central Market (Piața Mare) where you can buy fresh produce and local products. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic architecture, such as the Firemen's Tower and the Roman Catholic Cathedral. For a unique experience, visit during local festivals such as the Satu Mare Days to enjoy traditional music, dance, and food.