I have been studying Romanian on and off since my 1st trip in July 04.
It helps to know a few basic words. I have used the pimsluer language tapes for Portuguese( Brasilian) and Romanian. The tapes make it easy to pick up some basics in a short period of time.

Its good to know basics if you take taxis alot. In Romania I found most drivers knew a little english but a few didnt know any and my basics helped get my point across plus the drivers knowing I didnt understand too much romanian made it simple for me to understand them.

Besides Pimsluer I have also used Berlitz and actually have about 5 different
Romanian courses that I find all online. Ahh the internet, i'm sure glad it came to computers