There are several types of places to buy food in Romania, a local grocery store, a super suburban grocery story, or an open-air market. The open-air markets vary in size and frequency but usually there is one in every residential area. Usually small stands are open every day. In an open-air market one can buy fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dry goods like beans, nuts and dried fruit directly from peasants.
Customers can touch the food and choose their own.
The vendor weighs the purchase and tells the customer how much is owed. Bargaining over the price of goods is not acceptable but at the end of the selling day it might work. Shoppers bring their own baskets or bags. Bags can sometimes be purchased from a vendor. Local grocery stores stock fresh produce as well as dry goods, packaged products, liquors, wine and toiletry items such as toothpaste and soap.