Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 10/20/25
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?
This was our first and only expat experience as a family working with the U.S. Embassy. I have had prior experiences (before marriage), as a student living in different cities in France.
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?
My home city is Huntingtown, MD. It takes 2 flights to get to post (Dulles to Munich, Munich to Bucharest). Total travel time is typically about 13-14 hours with layovers. The airport in Bucharest is small and very easy and quick to navigate.
3. What years did you live here?
2019-2022.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission through DHS.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most housing for families is quite spacious and nice. With our family of five, we had a seven bedroom, five bathroom attached villa in a compound north of the city with small yard across the street from the American School. The compound had a lot of green spaces, herb garden, playgrounds, tennis courts and access to the Baneasa forest.
All the Embassy families we knew were placed there, although some of the newer families with smaller family sizes were placed in other attached villas nearby which were similar in size but different layouts. Our unit had AC in every room and wood burning fireplaces. Although the housing is comfortable, the location isn't ideal for those looking for action.
The location require a 15 minute bike ride through the forest to get to the mall or Embassy or drive 15 minutes to the same area. To get into downtown Bucharest from the suburb we were in varies depending on traffic and time of day but count on spending 40 minute minimum in a cab. We never had issues with cab drivers not wanting to pick us up or drop us off due to our location, however. Overall we were very pleased with the housing. Our children met many friends in the compound, enjoyed friendly, safe street play on bikes, playing basketball, at playgrounds, and in the woods nearby.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies were very affordable compared to the U.S. If shopping for raw ingredients, you'll find very good prices only a fraction of the cost in the U.S. but boxed items such as soups, prepackaged meals were harder to find and more expensive. Beef is not as readily found in Romania and most times will be a mix with pork in grocery stores. You can find 100% beef at local butchers.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Paper towels and toilet paper was not good quality in Romania as well as some female hygiene products. Quality shampoos and hair products were hard to find in grocery stores and gift cards, wrapping paper and bows were almost non existent. You can find gift wrap at some speciality bookstores but at a very steep price. Best too purchase ahead and ship to post.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food of all kinds are found nearby. Typical fast-food places like Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonalds, and KFC sa well as a Starbucks can all be found at the Baneasa Mall nearby. There's also a stand alone Starbucks a short bike ride away. There are a few sushi restaurants, Italian, multiple pizza places, a great bakery/pastry shop, a steak house, and a lot of Lebanese restaurants to eat at or have delivered to your home.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos are can get inside if you keep your windows and doors open which we all did. We kept fly swatters in our upstairs bedrooms where they seemed to accumulate but be forewarned they are SO FAST compared to American mosquitos. It takes quick technique to get those boogers!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We used the Embassy post office. They were fantastic and so easy to work with.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Most families we knew had a house cleaner come 2-3 times per week. We paid $40 for 5-6 hours of work, including laundry. We went through three house cleaners before finding someone reliable. I would recommend going with a local Romanian over foreign workers which we found not as reliable or communicative.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
It's very safe everywhere, both in the suburbs and in the city day or night. There are a lot of family friendly areas, walks, museums, amusement parks, to take small children. It's a very family oriented country that loves children.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We didn't belong to a gym but many went to a huge gym about a five minute drive away. The Embassy also has a gym and an outdoor pool staff can use.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted in grocery stores but food stands or smaller establishments prefer cash. We used ATMS all over without any issues.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very little local language is needed. Almost everyone speaks English. The only ones who didn't speak English were the technicians who worked on our car or came to fix plumbing, etc in our house.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
As most European countries go, Romania is probably less accommodating for the disabled in a general sense but the school and compound we attended will go to great lengths to make accommodations. The schools and buses do provide lifts for students in wheelchairs. One home in our compound was greatly modified with a ramp into the house as well as the entire interior made with larger door frames to accommodate an individual in a wheelchair.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
This would probably be my biggest complaint. Public transportation is lacking in Romania. There are buses and trains but stops are limited and span isn't as wide reaching as in Western Europe. The best way to get to and from places is to drive and take an Uber. I felt very safe as a female using Ubers.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Bring a bike as many go biking through the forest for a day out. Many young children use small scooters in town or in the neighborhoods. Electric scooters are used by high schoolers.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet speeds are great and fully functional. We never had any connectivity issues. I believe our internet was installed within a week after arrival.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We used electronic sims with the phone company Orange found in mall. Eight euros per month would get you essentially unlimited data so it was very affordable.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many volunteer opportunities are available in Romania. Ask the Embassy for a list.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Typical dress code at work is business casual. Everyday life in Romania is fairly casual although many Romanian women will take it up a notch and dress in heels most days. All others dress down with tennis shoes, jeans, and a sweater.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We didn't have any personal security concerns whatsoever.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The main health concern would be food poisoning. We experienced a couple bouts with that after eating from a food stand at a Christmas market in town. The hospitals are crowded with very long waits and do not provide as quality of care as Americans may be accustomed.
I would not recommend Romania for someone with ongoing medical conditions who counts on occasional emergency medical intervention. That said, we were impressed with the private dentist practices here which we found top notch.
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?
Air quality where we lived in the suburbs seemed good and clear. There is a lot of outdoor dirt/dust accumulation in summer and fall with the construction of buildings in the area but we never found it impacted health.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Romania has all four seasons. Summers are really hot but dryer than east coast U.S. (highs usually around 88+ but can feel much cooler in the shade) and winters are really cold and snowy. It's worth mentioning that winters in Romania are gray and dark. Blue skies are rare for months and it can get depressing, but spring and summers are green and absolutely gorgeous.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our children attended the British School of Bucharest which we found offered a wonderful experience for our younger aged children. If we were to return with older children, we would probably choose the American School where sports and music programs are much better. The British campus was beautiful and smaller than the American School of Bucharest which we felt fit our younger aged children. There were a lot of clubs and activities after school. We heard the American School seemed to have some unhappy parents. Complaints seemed to be about classroom management from teachers and a curriculum which was lacking academically for the elementary age.
2. 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?
Many preschools are available in the area. We sent our youngest to a French preschool which our two year old loved. We found the daycare teachers everywhere were extremely warm, loving, and patient with all children, more-so than in western countries.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are a few sports clubs offered including tennis lessons, karate, gymnastics, horseback riding, soccer clubs, and we found one ballet class in the immediate area for our daughter. Ballet schools were mainly in the city center and require an audition. We wished there had been more in the way of modern dance schools when we were living there but that isn't as easy to find in Eastern Europe. The schools are very helpful in finding music teachers and club sports for you if you ask.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
If living in Voluntari, near the American School, you'll find the community is mostly expat with people from all over the world living there to be near the international schools. We found it was fairly easy to meet friends in our compound where most of the socializing took place, be it house parties, BBQing, birthday parties, etc.
Our friend group was made up of English, Canadian, American, Venezuelan, and Romanian couples. The overall morale among expats was fair to good. Winters can be tough with not many activities through the embassy in those months, but overall people seemed happy to be there.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Bucharest doesn't always give a great first impression but it is a great city. You'll find it's a city beaming with life and youth under the surface. It's a great city for singles and families alike. We found it very accommodating for children everywhere. There are an endless list of places to go that are built around entertaining children - theme parks, water parks, playgrounds, even child friendly restaurants all throughout the city.
Likewise, Bucharest is known for having some relaxing beer gardens and a great night scene if you're single. We were pleasantly surprised with everything it offered once you're able to look past the sometimes rusty facade you see at first.
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I found it was fairly easy to make friends with locals in our area near the American school. Romanians are very friendly towards Americans in general. They love to practice their English and treat you to a nice traditional meal.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This is probably not a good post for LGBT. Romania seems still fairly patriarchal and very much centered on traditional values. I don't believe LGBT individuals would feel unsafe living here, but they might not find a welcoming community.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Our favorite memories are spending weekends in Transylvania. Sinaia is nearby and has a beautiful castle to visit as well as great hiking in the mountains. Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara are beautiful cities with gorgeous pedestrian old towns. Also, the Transfagarasan Highway is a must as well as the Danube Delta at least once. If you love hiking and rustic charm, Transylvania will fill your heart.
