Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 01/12/08
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. Previous postings include Quito, Santander, DC, and Tel Aviv.
2. How long have you lived here?
Author has been at post for 18 months.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
About 17 hours if you go: Bucharest, Frankfurt or Berlin, U.S .If you go via NY, the transfer time/immigration check in will make you miss your connecting flight.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomat.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Singles and couples can live in the city, and families in Baneasa. The commute from Baneasa to downtown is horrible.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get pretty much everything here but groceries are getting more expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Zest soap, but that is a personal preference. You can pretty much get anything you want here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
This is a Latin country, expect to enjoy your food and time at the restaurants, but know that customer service is pretty much unheard of here.
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. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
DON'T do it. Credit card theft is of epic proportions.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes but I like to see the news in Romanian to help my language abilities.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's good to know Romanian. I've read several reports that people know English here but for us it's been the opposite. Romanians appreciate if you even try to speak their language and they understand it's difficult.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's hard enough to walk in the city as it is.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, but watch for pick pockets. The Metro is pretty cheap and can get you all over the city.
2. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right-hand but sometimes on the left if the driver doesn't want to wait.
3. 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?
A small SUV. Romanians are the worst drivers I have ever seen (1st world machinery driven by 3rd world mentality). The taxi drivers get offended if you put on your seat belt. If they took away 75% of the cars it may be a little better.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Pets:
1. 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 really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal. Romanian men and women are very nice dressers and dress to impress.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Pick pockets, street beggars, and opportunity thefts.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The typical 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?
It is hard to find good help. Romanians do love children though and we have been lucky finding a great nanny who our child loves.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
It varies by place of work.
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?
For singles bars and clubs. Families usually go out and about.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families good but AISB is lacking in a few areas. Singles, for single men this is a GREAT post. Romanian women are hot, and dress to kill. It's like a Victoria's Secret catalog in Bucharest, and the clothes are quite minimal. It's also quite impressive how the women can walk on the 100 year old streets in stilleto shoes with no problems. I guess Romanian women suffer to look good. For single women you have to get used to the cat calls and a backwards attitude from the Romanian men in regards to women's roles. For couples it should be fine if you like to get out and do things.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, Romanians aren't very tolerant of gays or anything that they aren't used to.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, if you are on a religious mission, be very discreet.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel outside of Bucharest. Inside the city, there are several really nice parks for kid or you can go to the countryside.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crafts.
9. Can you save money?
Yes. But it is getting more expensive.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely!!!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
Cold weather clothes.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Dracula.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Dracula.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Romanians love their country and can be pretty arrogant. They have no clue what-so-ever of customer service and could care less if you spend your money on their business or not. Common sense is about 50 years behind in regards to seat belts, child safety seats, and basic safety, etc. That being said, my Romanian co-workers are some of the most professional and efficient people i have ever worked with.
