Digital Nomad Life in Romania
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.
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:
"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 expat in Iasi.
"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," remarked one member 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," explained one expat living in Constanta, Romania.
"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 person in Bucharest.
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:
"Yes work they have to make a living. I see them walking in the park on weekends. Not much to do here," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Constanta.
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:
"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.
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:
"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 foreigner who made the move to Iasi.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
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," said one expat in 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," remarked one member in Cluj Napoca.
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," remarked one member in Romania.
"For me language and social aspects of racial inequalities. Poverty seems well accepted for some groups," explained one expat living in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
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," said one person in Romania.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
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:
"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," remarked one foreigner 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 person living in Romania.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
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," said one member in Romania.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
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," explained one expat living in Romania.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
About the Author
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.
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote
Romania Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Romania on our Romania forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Romania by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Romania.
Digital Nomads in Romania offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Romania.
Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Romania.