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," said a retiree who moved to 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," remarked one retiree 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," said one retiree 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," explained a retiree in Romania.

"To be honest the ex-pat community in Constanta are not very obvious. I know a couple of people who I have net through work but otherwise there doesn't seem to be nay organised meetings. My company does provide some information on groups and meetings but they are all for Bucharest. The ex-pat support for Constanta has been negligible," explained a retiree in Constanta.

"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 retiree living in Iasi.

"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 member in Bucharest.

"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," remarked one retiree 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," explained a member 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," explained one retiree living in Iasi.

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

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

"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," explained one retiree living in Brasov.

"A lot of people are focused on work, and construction/renovation of houses in and around the city," said one member in Iasi.

"My advice would mostly depend upon the person's situation. Most single men I know love Bucharest. Most families with small children like Bucharest because of the affordability of domestic help. Nursery schools are plentiful and inexpensive. But the life in Bucharest can wear on you. I know many people who have spent their life living overseas and are frustrated by this city. The traffic and the blatant disregard of the rules of the road are frustrating. While the traffic here is no worse than any major city (and certainly not worse than WDC or New York City), the drivers seem to care only about where they need to go and what they need to do to get there. Lane patterns, the color of stop lights, pedestrians in the road, tram tracks all mean nothing to most Romanian drivers. Service in restaurants is unbelievably slow. At some point you get used to being ignored. Trying to find someone to help you in a store with a question you have is impossible. The general attitude of seeming to not care is frustrating. Yet Romanians are genuinely nice people, which seems to contradict all of what I have just said. They have big hearts if you have a relationship with them," said one retiree in living in Bucharest, 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," said one retiree in living 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.