Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 06/06/18
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, other European posts and in Central America.
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?
Usually Bucharest to Frankfurt or Vienna and then on to Dulles. Overall about 15 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Good, spacious housing. We have a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house with a small yard and garage. It’s about a 15 min drive to the embassy. Most families with kids live in the Baneasa area because the houses are big and close to the schools.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Nearly, everything is available, truly.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I order peanut butter a lot. Otherwise, I can find it all here. There are Carrefours and Mega Image.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is an excellent restaurant scene here, tons of amazing restaurants to choose from.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not that I've seen.
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?
Available and cheaper than other parts of Europe.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Excellent array of high quality gyms available.
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?
Yes, they are. I pick and choose which ATMs I use, as credit card theft is high here.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Practically none. In Bucharest nearly everyone speaks English.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, I don’t think many accommodations have been made in a Bucharest.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and Uber is widely used.
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?
Romanians are awful drivers, really terrible. And the mountain roads outside of Bucharest aren’t great. I recommend a sturdy, safe SUV.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, and the quality is good.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I bought a local SIM and pay monthly. It’s not very expensive.
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?
Yes, they are widely available.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Usually suits for men.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Overall Bucharest is quite safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not that I've seen.
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?
The air quality is generally fine, but better outside the city.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It’s similar to DC but less humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We loved the American School; our kids really enjoyed it there. Others send their kids to the British School and also really like that.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
AISB does offer limited learning support.
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?
Yes, and they do tend to be pretty expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, a wide variety like swimming, karate, tennis, etc
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It’s large, due in part to the numerous employees of the various oil companies here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Great restaurant scene here.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I’d say it’s good for all of the above.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I’m not sure.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Romania is absolutely gorgeous. Bucharest is a large, cosmopolitan city. Very easy regional travel. Romanians in general are friendly, have a good sense of humor, and are caring. They also make great wine!
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Traveling through Transylvania.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, pottery, wood carvings, and traditional carpets.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It has everything, even decent Mexican food.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I had no idea how much I’d love it here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bring it all, we have 4 distinct seasons!
4. But don't forget your:
Patience for the driving. The drivers were not great in my opinion.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The documentary series “Wild Carpathia.â€
