Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 01/27/08
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?
This is my third expat experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
18 months.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Author is working at the U.S. Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
16 - 20 hours from Washington, D.C. to Bucharest.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing varies. Most people with families are housed in duplexes located in the Baneasa suburb of Bucharest, close to the International School. Singles and couples are housed in various flats around the downtown area. Commute time is horrific during peak hours. Count on about 2 mph with extremely aggressive drivers.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Expensive and climbing.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Most everything you want is available here. You may not see the American brand you like though. I'm not to picky so, nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, KFC. A Hard Rock Cafe just opened.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I have pouch access and the embassy association sponsors a "homeward bound" during Christmas.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It is widely available and relatively inexpensive.
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. The thieves can be very sophisticated. If you must, only use them in ....well, just be safe and don't.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes they are, but I can't say much because I'm addicted to AFN.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some would help but is not required. Romanians do crack a smile when you at least try to speak their language. Most will try and help you whether you speak Romanian or not.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Don't even try it. Disabilities don't get any consideration in buildings or new designs.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right. No, left. Well, wherever they feel like it.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The metro is safe but trams and buses not so much. Use the Fly Taxi company if you can and take your chances with the others.
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?
Cars with a small foot print would be best for finding parking spaces. I see people with SUVs but parking is difficult as it is.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. It's reliable and relatively inexpensive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
They are widely available and competitive on pricing.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
VoIP - Vonage or the like.
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?
I don't know for certain but since pay in Romania is considerably less than in the U.S., I wouldn't think so.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual. (Romanian women dress up to go grocery shopping though.)
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.
There is petty theft - primarily pick pockets and non violent crime.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is some decent medical care here for minor issues but anything major and your outta here.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summers can be hot, winters are cold, but spring and fall are great.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium.
2. Morale among expats:
Moral at the embassy is okay but slipping. Hopefully some changes this summer will turn things around.
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?
It is completely up to you. You can entertain and socialize as much or as little as you want.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would say yes for all but it's especially good if you are a single man. The Romanian women are astounding and friendly.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I can't say for sure but I wouldn't think so. Romanians seem very traditional.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Somewhat. This is a male dominated society.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Movies, clubs, hanging out with friends. It is whatever you make of it.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Crafts, entertaining and socializing.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, but it's getting more difficult.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In half a second if I were a single male. Otherwise, probably not.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Road rage.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience and good demeanor.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
When I first arrived, there was a large number of street dogs. There are fewer now but still way too many.
