Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 08/27/12
Personal Experiences from Bucharest, Romania
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No - Hong Kong, Manila, New Delhi, Bogata, Taipei.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
3. How long have you lived here?
15 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse's job.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice housing opportunities. City living is great, with lots of parks and greenery. Baneasa is only 5 miles to town, but impossible to find cabs to there.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Beautiful fruits and veggies and lots of outdoor markets for fresh produce. Everything you want is available here, for a price. Fresh fish, however, is difficult for some reason.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tons of restaurants of all price ranges.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Drivers are HORRIBLE. They speed like crazy, pass on curves, and have no regard for pedestrians or other drivers. Rude, inconsiderate, and, overall, dangerous.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, many options.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I use them - others refuse. There are issues with fraud - it happens.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a number of Synagogues, but most services are in Hebrew or Romanian. Not sure about other denominations.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
On-line is best.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Helps to know numbers, at a minimum. Not everyone speaks English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very hard to impossible. No sidewalks, narrow streets etc.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transport is easy, cheap, and not a problem.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not sure. I found a job with no problems, but others struggle.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The women here DRESS.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No - Bucharest is extremely safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good. No complaints.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISB is ok. Academic standards are not as high as we would like. No programs for gifted and talented children. A large percentage of Romanian students, which impacts school culture and opportunities for forming friendships in the higher grades, as many of the kids have grown up together for years.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Difficult if you do not speak Romanian. Nothing for swimmers. Most activities are through the school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
Great.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of opportunities for everyone's style.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None that we have experienced.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Hiking in the mountains and exploring traditional Saxon villages. I love running in the park on a day-to-day basis. Beautiful architecture if you appreciate that as well.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of concerts, opera, art galleries, parks for kids and adults alike.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Fabulous countryside with tons of opportunities for hiking, skiing, riding horses in the mountains. Great nature and culture - fabulous traditional villages and a rich, rich history with preserved and intact ways of life in the country. Love the weather - extreme at times, but cool in the mornings and evenings, even in the summer.
11. Can you save money?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
We have enjoyed living here. We would not like to stay long-term, but it is great for a few years.
