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Digital Nomad Guide to Romania | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Costinesti, Romania

Digital Nomad Life in Romania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Romania is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Romania are Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. Digital nomads like living in Romania because of its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure. A digital nomad can live comfortably in Romania on a monthly budget of around $1,000 to $1,500. This budget can cover rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. The culture of Romania is a mix of Eastern European and Balkan influences. It is known for its vibrant music, art, and cuisine. Romania is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the medieval city of Sighisoara and the Danube Delta.

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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:

"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 person in Constanta.

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

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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:

"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 person living in Brasov, Romania.

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Where should I live in Romania?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Through aquaintances. Met some international exchange students and kept in contact with them shrough social networks," said one expat who made the move to Bucharest.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Romania is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Imobiliare.ro, OLX.ro, and Ziarul Imobiliar are great resources for finding apartments, houses, and other types of real estate in Romania. Additionally, classifieds such as Craigslist and Gumtree can be used to find rental properties in Romania. Additionally, it is possible to find a place to live in Romania by networking with people in the area, such as friends, family, or colleagues. Finally, it is also possible to find a place to live in Romania by contacting local real estate agents or property management companies," explained one foreigner living in Romania.

What do I need to know before moving to 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.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Bucharest, Romania.

"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 in Iasi.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Romania?

"Expats in Romania appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, art, and architecture. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Romanian people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of dishes from all over the world. Finally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Romania, which includes a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Romania.

"1. The positive attitude of the children. 2. Most people have strong family ties. 3. Most people are more than simple hospitality.....families are gracious and welcoming. 4. People do the impossible....even if it takes years," explained one person living in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Romania?

"Expats in Romania often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Furthermore, the bureaucracy and paperwork associated with living in Romania can be overwhelming for expats who are not used to the system. Finally, the cost of living in Romania can be higher than in other countries, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," said one expat in Romania.

"For me language and social aspects of racial inequalities. Poverty seems well accepted for some groups," remarked one member in Cluj Napoca.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Romania for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Romania for a while, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a work permit, student visa, or family reunification visa. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Romania. Additionally, you may need to provide a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a criminal background check," remarked one member in Romania.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Romania?

We asked people in Romania if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Romania. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid making negative comments about Romania or its people. It is also important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to dining, such as not starting to eat until the host has invited you to do so. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English or any other language in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local religious customs and to respect them," said one expat who made the move to Romania.

"The word for bread is similar to the word for "butt." I blundered several times with this one. Also time issues. Time, and on time are not such a matter of an actual hour.....more like a round about appointment," explained one foreigner living in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What are healthcare services like in Romania?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Romania, they replied:

"In Romania, healthcare services are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Romanian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Romania is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Romania can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," explained one person living in Romania.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are the pros and cons of living in Romania?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the affordability of living in Romania, as well as the country's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. They also enjoy the friendly locals and the vibrant nightlife in the cities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in settling in Romania to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Romanian," remarked one member in Romania.

SJB GlobalSJB Global
Connect

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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Costinesti, Romania
SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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