Retire in Romania

"Retirees in Romania and its surroundings can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions. There is an active expat community in Romania, with many retirees taking part in cultural activities such as visiting museums, attending concerts, and exploring the country's rich history. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Romania also offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as traditional festivals, art galleries, and historic sites," explained a retiree in Romania.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Romania is the lack of a comprehensive pension system. Many retirees rely on their savings or the support of family members to make ends meet. Additionally, the cost of living in Romania is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to stretch their pension income. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Romania is not as advanced as in other countries, making it difficult for retirees to access quality medical care. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for retirees who do not speak Romanian," commented one retiree living in Romania.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Romania is the opportunity to explore the country's rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant cities of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca to the stunning mountain landscapes of Transylvania, Romania offers a wealth of sights and experiences to enjoy. Additionally, the cost of living in Romania is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for retirees on a budget. Furthermore, the country's healthcare system is well-developed and provides excellent care for retirees. Finally, the warm and welcoming people of Romania make it a great place to settle down and enjoy a peaceful retirement," commented one retiree living in Romania.

"Healthcare services in Romania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare services are also available, but they tend to be more expensive. Romania has a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer centers, cardiology centers, and fertility clinics. In addition, Romania has a well-developed network of pharmacies and medical laboratories," said one retiree in 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 a person in Constanta.

"Iasi is a very poor city, the average Romanian in Iasi works 10-12 hour shifts, 6 days a week. When they're not working, Romanians in Iasi tend to be "homebodies" and spend their little free time at home, with family and friends," remarked one retiree in Iasi.

"Romanian values are based on family. They like to party and are warm people. Of course, like everywhere, you sometimes have to be careful : being an expat you must "choose" your true friends," said a retiree who moved to Brasov, Romania.

"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 retiree in Romania.

"A lot of people are focused on work, and construction/renovation of houses in and around the city," commented one retiree living in Iasi, Romania.

"The Romanians I work with are pleasant, well mannered individuals. Getting used to the different work ethic was difficult at first but after some cultural training and getting used to the way things work it is getting easier. The majority of locals that I have met have been self centered. Manners are rare especially in public, unless you pay for them. I have found this probably one of the most frustrating things. I have been raised to be courteous and I find most Romanians that I don't know tend to be discourteous. Examples are driving, I have been told by my Romanian cultural advisor that many Romanians buy their driving licenses rather than sit the exam. This is evident after a drive through a town or city centre. Drivers pull out on you, rude, cut you up, also rude. Another example is smoking, I see a lot of families in restaurants with young children. The adults smoke, breathing cigarette smoke all over their children. I appreciate that they don't give a hoot about me and my meal but to submit their children to smoke is unacceptable. If you follow a Romanian through a door be careful of it hitting you in the face," explained one retiree living in Constanta.

"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," remarked one retiree in Iasi.

"I would advise against it. I like to travel all over Romania, it is a beautiful country. Iasi, however, is like being in a totally different country from the rest of Romania. It's a very dirty city, very poor, with very little to offer in the form of entertainment. Absolutely nothing here for families. I would suggest Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara or Bucuresti," said a retiree who moved to Iasi, Romania.

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Romania to ensure they can afford to retire there. 2. It is important to understand the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Romania. 3. Expats should familiarize themselves with the healthcare system in Romania, as well as the availability of medical insurance. 4. Expats should research the visa requirements for Romania, as well as any other necessary paperwork for retirement. 5. Expats should also research the local culture and customs to ensure they are prepared for life in Romania. 6. It is important to understand the tax system in Romania, as well as any other financial regulations that may apply to expats," said one retiree in Romania.

"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," commented one retiree living in Constanta, Romania.

"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," explained one member 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," said one member in Romania.