Living in Romania: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Romania

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.

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:

"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," wrote a member in Iasi.

"Contact the ambassy, consulate, before any action; come here by airplane because many roads are in bad state and the authorities are working on them to get to a EU like state. If you GPS, pay for good maps. Also, visit Timisoara and Romania as a tourist first (city of: Sibiu, Cluj, Oradea, Iasi, Craiova, Contanta on the seaside and teh capital Bucharest) and stay for a couple of weeks than decide teh right course of action," commented one expat who made the move to Timisoara.

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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:

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Constanta.

"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 one expat living in Constanta, 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:

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Constanta.

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

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

"There are some very disturbing anti-semitic attitudes in Iasi. Also, racism against Roma (gypsies) is prevelant here. Very little cultural diversity here," remarked one expat living in Iasi, Romania.

"Timisoara is a city with many nationalities, most important being romanians, many hungarians, germans, sirbs. It was teh capital of the austro-hungarian empire for a very short time even. Having this hisotry the city is inhabited by very tolerant people. The two main religions of teh city are greco-orthodox and greco-catholic," wrote one member in Timisoara.

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What are the schools in Romania like?

"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," commented one expat when asked about in Romania.

"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," remarked one expat living in Bucharest with children attending International School for Primary Education.

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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," remarked one expat who made the move to Romania.

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"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.

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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.

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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," remarked one expat living in Romania.

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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," commented one expat living in Romania.

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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," said one expat living in Romania.

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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.

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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 is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, some medical treatments may not be covered by insurance, so out-of-pocket expenses may be necessary," commented one expat who moved to Romania.

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