10 Things to Know Before Moving to Romania

Are you considering a move to Romania? This Eastern European country is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, like any country, it has its own unique quirks and customs that can take some getting used to. Here are 10 things you should know before packing your bags and heading to Romania.

1. Understanding the Romanian Language While English is widely spoken in the major cities and tourist areas, it's less common in rural areas. Therefore, learning some basic Romanian phrases can be very helpful. Romanian is a Romance language, so if you speak French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese, you'll find some similarities. However, don't worry if you're not a language expert - Romanians are generally patient and appreciative of any attempts to speak their language.

2. Embrace the Romanian Cuisine Romanian cuisine is hearty and delicious, with a strong emphasis on meat, especially pork. Traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and ciorba de burta (tripe soup) are must-tries. Vegetarians might find dining out a bit challenging, but supermarkets offer a wide range of fresh produce.

3. Navigating Romanian Roads Driving in Romania can be an adventure. While major highways are generally in good condition, smaller roads can be less well-maintained. Also, Romanian drivers are known for their aggressive driving style. If you're not comfortable with this, public transportation is widely available and affordable.

4. The Romanian Cost of Living Romania has one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union. Rent, groceries, dining out, and entertainment are all significantly cheaper than in Western Europe or North America. However, wages are also lower, so if you're planning to work in Romania, make sure to factor this into your budget.

5. The Richness of Romanian History Romania's history is long and complex, with influences from the Romans, Ottomans, and Soviets. This history is reflected in the country's architecture, from the medieval castles of Transylvania to the communist-era buildings of Bucharest. Take the time to learn about Romania's past - it will enrich your understanding of the country.

6. The Beauty of Romanian Nature Romania is home to some of Europe's most stunning natural landscapes. The Carpathian Mountains offer excellent hiking and skiing, while the Danube Delta is a paradise for bird watchers. Don't miss the chance to explore Romania's natural beauty - it's one of the country's biggest draws.

7. The Romanian Sense of Humor Romanians have a unique sense of humor, often self-deprecating and full of irony. Don't be surprised if you hear jokes about the country's past hardships or current challenges. It's a way for Romanians to cope with difficult situations and to bond with each other.

8. The Importance of Family in Romania Family is extremely important in Romanian culture. Romanians often live with their parents until they get married, and grandparents play a significant role in raising children. If you're invited to a Romanian home, it's customary to bring a gift for the host, such as flowers or a bottle of wine.

9. The Romanian Work Culture Work culture in Romania can be quite formal, with a clear hierarchy and respect for authority. Punctuality is highly valued, and business attire is usually conservative. However, Romanians also know how to relax, with long lunch breaks and frequent socializing after work.

10. The Vibrancy of Romanian Festivals Romania has a rich tradition of festivals, from religious holidays like Easter and Christmas to music festivals like Untold and Electric Castle. These events are a great way to immerse yourself in Romanian culture and to meet locals. Just be prepared for a lot of fun and very little sleep!

Moving to a new country is always a big step, but with some preparation and an open mind, you'll soon feel at home in Romania. So why wait? Start planning your Romanian adventure today!

Expats talk about Moving to Romania I enjoy the Obor area, because it has all I need, including the biggest grocery market in the city, but has fair prices for the accommodation. I would suggest searching for a place both next to metro stations and parks. Because public transport is doomed to be trappet in rush hour trafic and parks, such as Herastrau, grant an escape from the busy streets, especially for those who come from smaller cities. The far North of the city, above Herastrau park, has the richest area with new apartments. The rest of the city is filled with communistic buildings with simple flats, said one member living in Bucharest.

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 one member living in Iasi.

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, wrote a member in 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, commented one member who made the move to Constanta.

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Romania

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