Bucharest, Romania Report of what it's like to live there - 12/18/09
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?
Second 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?
It is about a 13-hour flight to Washington DC, making a connection in Amsterdam or Frankfurt
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years (2005-2008).
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Affiliated with the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
US. Embassy personnel live in apartments in town or houses in the suburbs - "in town" is great, as you can avoid traffic by taking the metro. Apartments were spacious and nice.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Food was becoming more plentiful - more stores were opening up the longer we were there. We lived, for the most part, on the local economy and ordered only specialty items through netgrocer and the like.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's , KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Quiznos, etc. are available. We liked a lot of the restaurants. We thought that there were many restaurants on par with expensive restaurants in Washington DC, but not with the high prices (well, it depends on what you call high). We could have a nice dinner (3 or 4 courses) and a bottle of wine for $150 max. Something similar in DC would be over $300.The local "Mexican" restaurant is just OK. Stick with Romanian. :)
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
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?
We had a full-time nanny/housekeeper, whom we paid about $550 per month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
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?
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much - most people speak some English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Subway was great. And 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 car is fine, though you have to be prepared to drive like you're an outlaw. I didn't mind the driving, but it takes some time getting used to.
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?
I had a pay-as-you go phone. It was cheap (I paid maybe $30 every 6 months or so?)
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?
2. 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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate - I have allergies, but they never bothered me in Bucharest.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Few. Watch out for the beggars.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care is just mediocre, though we were provided really good care for the few emergencies we had.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four seasons - similar to New York City weather.
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?
Our kids attended a wonderful local daycare - very caring teachers, English speaking, great curriculum, and inexpensive. Ask the embassy's CLO for recommendations.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Depends on who you hang with and what your general outlook is. We really enjoyed Bucharest, as did our friends. Others, not so much. We focused the things we loved about it, rather than what Bucharest was lacking.
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?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There was much to do with young children - circus, indoor jungle gyms, giant bouncy castles, etc. We're hard-pressed to find similar activities in the U.S.!
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?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Glass (go to Romblast), Nimtoi vases, local art.
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:
Bad attitude.
3. But don't forget your:
Desire to talk and ask questions. Romania has a fascinating history.
