Health, Safety and Security

Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112

Staying Safe

Your safety in Bucharest is a priority. Here’s how to stay safe and enjoy your visit:

  • Bucharest is generally safe, especially in central areas, but stay alert in crowded places and on public transport.
  • Dial 112 for any emergency (police, ambulance, or fire). Operators can usually assist in English.
  • Police regularly patrol major tourist zones such as the Old Town (Centrul Vechi), Herăstrău Park, and Piata Unirii.
  • Beware of petty theft, especially around ATMs, on buses, and at busy markets. Keep wallets, phones, and bags secure.
  • Avoid unofficial taxis - use licensed taxis (marked with company names and rates on the doors) or trusted ridesharing apps such as Bolt or Uber.
  • Stay informed through local news or your embassy’s travel updates.
  • Choose reputable accommodation and use hotel safes for passports and valuables.
  • Respect local laws and customs, including restrictions on smoking indoors and drinking alcohol in public areas.
  • Have travel insurance and note nearby medical facilities such as Spitalul Universitar de Urgență București or Regina Maria Private Hospital.

Health and COVID-19 Measures

We would like to offer you a safe RIPE Meeting environment. Masks and self-tests are available for attendees, as are social distancing stickers.

  • Self tests are available at the registration desk. Please test yourself during the event if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
  • You can pick up face masks from the registration desk.
  • Use a colour-coded sticker to show your social distancing preference. Please respect the space and preferences of your fellow attendees.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 during the event

We will keep your information confidential and only use it to inform other onsite attendees without revealing your identity. Revealing this information is not obligatory but will help minimise the spread of the virus and help us have a safe meeting. We will only keep your personal data for one week after receiving the report.