Digital Nomad Life in Romania

"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," explained one expat living in Romania.

"I have met very few Americans, the rare businessman passing through, a few students. You are more likely to encounter Brits or other foreigners," said one person in Iasi.

"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.

"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 foreigner living in Constanta, Romania.

"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," said one in Iasi.

"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," said one person 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Constanta.

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

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

"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," said one expat in Romania.

"Through aquaintances. Met some international exchange students and kept in contact with them shrough social networks," remarked one member in Bucharest.

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

"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 person living in Bucharest, 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 expat in 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," remarked one member 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," explained one expat living in Iasi, 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," said one expat in Cluj Napoca.

"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 member in Romania.

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

"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," explained one expat living in Romania.

"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," said one expat in 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," said one expat who made the move to Cluj Napoca.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Romania.

"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," wrote one digital nomad 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," said one digital nomad in Romania.