Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 01/21/13
Personal Experiences from Bucharest, Romania
Background:
1. Your reason for living this city (e.g. corporate, government, military, student, educator, retiree, etc.):
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3. 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?
DC via Munich, Vienna or Amsterdam; 12 hours.
4. How long have you lived here?
(The contributor is affiliated with the U.S. Government and has been living in Bucharest for one year, a third expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Poorly constructed houses and apartments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Can be overpriced or inexpensive....depends on where one shops.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Food stuffs.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Mediocre food at most high priced restaurants. Lots of options (mediocre) for chain and non-chain restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very, very cheap.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but overpriced for value.
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?
There is a fraud issue but I have not had problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
I don't know. I use the internet.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Numbers, directions, anything to help you argue.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very difficult.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Metro is safe and the price rising weekly, but is still fairly cheap. Taxis can be a total rip off if you don't know where you are going and/or you have minimal Romanian. Buses can be over-crowded.
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?
Bring one you don't mind getting bumped up as every day driving in Romania is like some sort of Mad Max Thunderdome event.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available, but I don't know the cost.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vodafone.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Poor. Get invasive medical care in Western Europe.
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?
Moderate.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four seasons.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
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:
Average. Some love it. Some hate it.
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 bars and concerts.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, for both. Single men will especially be happy.
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?
Roma.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The Danube Delta and Transylvania.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The parks, concerts, leaving the city.
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?
Traveling to Eastern or Western Europe. Yes, its possible to save money.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Thoughts of Western Europe.
3. But don't forget your:
Passport.
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?
Sense of pride and basic moral ethics are extremely low. People think its OK to lie, steal, etc., to get ahead. This relates to low quality of services and material goods, but high relative prices. It is better to spend time in Transylvania or outside of the country altogether. Go to the Bulgarian seaside (or Bulgaria in general) for better services, food, and nice people.
