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Living in Romania: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Romania | Expat Exchange
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Costinesti, Romania

Living in Romania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 07, 2024

Summary: People often describe life in Romania as vibrant and full of culture. Expats love the friendly people, the beautiful landscapes, the delicious food, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. The population of Romania is approximately 19.5 million people, and the largest cities are Bucharest (the capital), Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and Constanta. The cons of living in Romania include the lack of job opportunities, the slow bureaucracy, and the language barrier. Additionally, the infrastructure is not as developed as in other European countries, and the healthcare system is not as advanced.

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What do I need to know about living in Romania?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Romania, they said:

"Expect bureaucracy at every turn! Romanians love to make themselves feel important by holding their ink stamps and having you come back for something 5 times, mostly because they're just too lazy to get off their rears and do their jobs. It's never their fault, it's yours and you're disturbing them that you should even expect them to do something faster than 3 months time. Be prepared to have your patience pressed to its limits, and then some," said one expat who made the move to Iasi.

"Think very carefully about the move. Ask your company to provide details of their ex-pat support program before you move. Come on a familiarisation visit before you come. Constanta is a lot better developed that I imagined but there is limited ex-pat activity. I spent 3 months before I came here trying to get detailed information on the town and not a lot of information is available," explained one expat living in Constanta, Romania.

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How do I meet people in Romania?

When we asked people living in Romania about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Romania often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events," explained one expat living in Romania.

"There are no clubs or anything. It's very hard here to meet Expats and even Romanians. I am alone all day. Some tourists come to Mamaia in Summer but it's so run down, only some Romanians from Bucharest are visiting," said one expat in Constanta.

"The International Women's Association is a great place to meet female expats from all walks of life, including from the host country. IWA is extremely involved in charity work and hosts an annual bazaar in December, which is the highlight of the organization's year. Moms with small children have several baby groups from which to choose, both in the suburbs by the American school and in the city," said one expat who made the move to Bucharest.

"There's the American corner, though I've never visited it. Social networking sites can be a great resource also, you'll find many curious Romanians that will seek you out if you're friendly and intelligent," explained one expat living in Iasi, Romania.

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What is life like in Romania?

When we asked people living in Romania what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Expat and digital nomads in Romania enjoy a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a low cost of living. Romania is a great place to explore, with its medieval towns, castles, and churches, as well as its vibrant cities. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments to villas, and the country is well connected with an extensive public transport network. The people of Romania are friendly and welcoming, and the country is a great place to meet new people and make friends. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's excellent healthcare system and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking," said one expat who made the move to Romania.

"Yes work they have to make a living. I see them walking in the park on weekends. Not much to do here," explained one expat living in Constanta, Romania.

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Is there a lot of crime in Romania?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime is a problem in Romania, with reports of theft, pickpocketing, and other forms of property crime occurring in major cities. Violent crime is also a concern, with reports of assaults, robberies, and other violent incidents occurring in some areas. Organized crime is also a problem in Romania, with reports of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities," remarked one expat who made the move to Romania.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Romania accepting of differences?

"They are not accepting any other religion then theirs but nobody has asked me about it so far. I try to stay away from questions like this," said one expat in Constanta.

"Yes, Romania is a culturally diverse country. It is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Romanians, Hungarians, Roma, Ukrainians, Germans, and Turks. People in Romania are generally accepting of differences and strive to create a tolerant and inclusive society," said one expat who made the move to Romania.

"IMO people are pretty intolerant of gypsies, non-white races, and those that are not orthodox Christian. I've been scoffed at more times than I can remember when someone discovers I'm not Orthodox and don't follow their "rules"," explained one expat living in Iasi, Romania.

"It's mainly Orthodox, but Romanians have open mind about religion. There are a lot of Catholics too. Brasov, by its history, have a lot of German influence," mentioned one in Brasov.

"There are some very disturbing anti-semitic attitudes in Iasi. Also, racism against Roma (gypsies) is prevelant here. Very little cultural diversity here," explained one expat who made the move to Iasi.

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What are the schools in Romania like?

"Make an appointment and take the whole family along - the children will give you feedback about their views. Have questions ready in advance and ask lots of them. The school has a policy of honesty so do not expect 'soft' answers adapted to your own circumstances. The school knows what it does and does it well," commented one expat when asked about International School for Primary Education in Bucharest.

"The British School of Bucharest is one of the best international schools in Romania. It is a co-educational school offering the National Curriculum of England and Wales, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The International School of Bucharest is another excellent international school in Romania. It is a co-educational school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, as well as the International Primary Curriculum. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The American International School of Bucharest is a bilingual school in Romania offering an American-style curriculum. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child. The International School of Cluj-Napoca is a bilingual school in Romania offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, as well as the International Primary Curriculum. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a strong emphasis on developing the whole child," remarked one expat living in with children attending .

Is the cost of living in Romania high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Romania, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Romania is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other European countries. Eating out can also be quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 10-15 euros. Rent prices vary depending on the city and the size of the apartment, but generally range from 200-400 euros per month," explained one expat living in Romania.

"The cost of living in Romania is generally considered to be quite affordable. The capital city of Bucharest is the most expensive place to live in the country, with prices for goods and services being higher than in other parts of Romania. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Romania is around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Romania will cost around $10 USD per person," commented one expat living in Romania.

What type of recreational facilities are in Romania?

When we asked people living in Romania about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Romania, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and outdoor sports facilities. Parks are a popular destination for locals, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination, with many offering swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Outdoor sports facilities are also available, such as tennis courts, soccer fields, and basketball courts. Additionally, Romania has a number of indoor recreational facilities, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, and arcades," said one expat living in Romania.

What is the weather like in Romania?

"The weather in Romania is generally mild, with warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the most precipitation occurring in the mountains. Snowfall is also common in the winter months, especially in the higher elevations. The climate in Romania is generally humid, with temperatures ranging from cool to hot depending on the season," commented one expat who moved to Romania.

Are there good restaurants in Romania?

"One of Romania's most beloved restaurants is Caru' cu Bere, located in Bucharest. This traditional restaurant has been serving up delicious Romanian cuisine since 1879, and is known for its unique atmosphere and live music. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), ciorba (sour soup), and mamaliga (cornmeal porridge). Another popular restaurant in Romania is La Mama, located in Cluj-Napoca. This restaurant serves up a variety of traditional Romanian dishes, such as sarmale, ciorba, and mamaliga, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service. Finally, La Placinte is a popular restaurant in Bucharest that specializes in traditional Romanian cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, such as sarmale, ciorba, and mamaliga, as well as a selection of international dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is known for its friendly staff and excellent service," mentioned an expat living in Romania.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Romania?

"People living in Romania typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Romania," commented one expat who moved to Romania.

What are the visa & residency requirements in Romania?

"In order to visit Romania, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the Romanian Embassy or Consulate. In order to obtain residency in Romania, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Romanian Immigration Office. The application must include a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and any other documents required by the Immigration Office. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residence permit, which must be renewed every year," mentioned one expat inRomania.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Romania?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Romania can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free for Romanian citizens, but the quality of care can be lower than that of private healthcare. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to higher quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, some employers may offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," mentioned one expat inRomania.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Costinesti, Romania
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