Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 12/20/09
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, this is our 3rd expat experience.
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?
Boston; You can connect through Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Rome, London, and Amsterdam. During the summer months, Delta offers a direct flight from JFK.
3. How long have you lived here?
18 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is okay. Houses in the suburb are attached and in compounds and in the city they are apartments. Most people are happy with their homes. The only issue is the construction is not well made and many people have leaks and a lot of other maintenance issues.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The groceries are okay. I wish I could find more spices and more varieties of fresh produce.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
A gas grill, tires, zip lock bags, spices (cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, tumeric, etc.) , salsa, tortillas, vasoline, outdoor furniture, 220 v electronics, BROWN SUGAR, sweetened coconut, chocolate chips, CHICKEN STOCK, Asian food ingredients, black beans, chick peas, pinto beans (canned), oatmeal, cards, wrapping paper, cute napkins, etc. I can probably list more!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We don't do fast food, but they're here. Most people opt for the food courts in the malls. The prices are normal. As for restaurants, there's a decent Mexican, some Indian, loads of Italian, German, Turkish, Romanian, etc. I've seen only a few Asian restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I haven't noticed any problems.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have diplomatic pouch and DPO.You can now mail packages from the embassy if you set up an account with USPS and print your own label.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Excellent! We pay around $40 for a day.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The gyms are good and provide some entertainment as well.
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?
We don't use credit cards here. If you do, you will need to provide a PIN number. ATMs are okay as long as it is in a safe place.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few English-speaking church services, catholic and protestant. Some churches conduct the services in both English and Romanian.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We don't have tv or newspaper. We depend on our internet. I don't think it is expensive though.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It would be helpful to know Romanian. Many people do know English, but when it counts, like getting gas or at markets, it would be helpful to know how to speak some Romanian.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
IF there are sidewalks, they are full of holes, water, dangerous things coming up from the concrete, etc. There are many steps and the construction is very cheap.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They're all cheap.
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?
Any four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. It might be a good idea to have a smaller SUV or any SUV. It would help when pulling out in traffic. I have normal car, and I can't see around all the cars and other SUVs. The roads are a mess in the suburbs. They are full of huge holes. It would be a good idea to bring extra tires. Everyone gets a flat tire here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about $40 a month. There is an initial wait to get hooked up. You should probably try to sort this out as soon as you get here.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They're okay...just a hassle when you first sign up.
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 quarantine. You should have EU paperwork in the case they get their act together. For now, you can breeze right through the exit at the airport without anyone looking at your dog!
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
The vets are pretty good. Many vets will do home health care on the side. Our vet comes to our house.
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?
No, not for the non-working spouse. There are sub jobs at AISB and some jobs at the embassy only.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Romanians try to look nice. You would never see a Romanian wearing a sweatsuit in the grocery store!
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
I think it is moderate, except there is cigarette smoke everywhere. It seems like everyone smokes and you can smoke anywhere.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I'm not too concerned. I do prefer to have a zippered handbag and use common sense when I'm out.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
This is a hard one. There are a couple of international clinics. I am not confident of the health care system here. I did have a MRI here, and even though the building and facility were disgusting, the technology was new and good. The cost of medical care is fairly cheap. An appointment at the Euro Clinic is less than $35. Prescription meds are cheap as well. If you are an embassy employee, there is a med unit. This will be more convenient for families once the new embassy is completed. For now, it can be a hassle to get in town for an appointment.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There are four seasons. There all very nice. At the time of this writing, it has been snowing for 5 days straight. It is beautiful outside, but snow removal is another story!
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our kids attend the American International School of Bucharest. They are happy. Overall, it has been good. It does depend on the teacher though and they cycle in and out as frequent as the expats. So, the school is always changing. They lack in the language program offering only French and minimal Spanish. They don't allow non Romanians to take Romanian!Crazy! The school has excellent facilities and looks like paradise compared to the surrounding area. Other schools to consider are the British School, Cambridge School, French School, and the Bucharest Christian Academy (BCA).
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?
My friends with preschool children do struggle with their school options. They are very expensive and most of the children and staff are speaking Romanian even though it may advertise as being English.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Basic sports are available at the school. I'm sure you can find most sports here, but it will take some effort, some research and time in traffic.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Good size. At times, it seems small. You overlap between the stores, restaurants, school, church, and work.
2. Morale among expats:
I think it is pretty good. Embassy and business seem to get along just fine. It is important to have balance between activities with work and school. Also, it is important to be positive. I think if I only hung out with embassy people, or school people, etc. it would not be the same experience. It is important to make your "bubble" big!
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?
As I mentioned before, concerts are the best. It is good to entertain at home or go out.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is good for anyone.
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?
I don't think it is big problem. When they happen it is because of their ignorance. They haven't been exposed to anyone that is different. As far as gender prejudices, men seem to rule. The men lack manners. Most men will walk right in front of you and slam the door behind them not bothering to hold a door. Men are served their food first.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking in the mountains; castles, museums; the music and performing arts is amazing. The ballet & opera are very reasonable priced. Our family shared a box at the opera for only $100! That was the most expensive option); many opportunities to volunteer and service;
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
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:
Ice skates - There are tons of outdoor ice skating rinks in the winter! Spices!
