8 Things to Know Before Moving to Romania

While it may not be on top of many people’s lists, Romania can be an incredibly attractive destination for those looking to move abroad.

The rich culture, interesting history and often surprising natural beauty means that people from all walks of life can find something intriguing. You may only have heard of Bucharest, but there are countless buzzing cities and charming towns to choose from, all with their own quirks and stunning views.

The decision to move abroad, away from everything we know, is a big one – that’s why it’s important to do your research before making any certain moves. We’ve put together just a few of the things we think you should know before you start looking into moving to Romania.

1. Romanian People

When settling into a new country, it can be difficult to find your footing in the first weeks and even months. For the most part, people in Romania are incredibly friendly and helpful. The friends you make when you arrive will be more than happy to help you acclimatise, whether that be a helping hand moving your belongings or more comprehensive assistance with apartment hunting.

2. Cost of Living

One huge appeal, especially for travellers and adventurer-seekers, is the low cost of living for Romanians. Rent, groceries and everything else you’ll need day-to-day will cost you far less than it would in the UK. When paying in Euros or US dollars, you’ll be surprised by how much less you’re spending to live in Romania!

3. Natural Beauty

Romania is perhaps most famous for inspiring the Dracula scenery, the forests of Transylvania. No matter the season, these deep and brooding forests are always camera and exploration-ready. That’s not where the stunning landscapes end. 

From mountain ranges to stunning beach views, there’s plenty to discover within Romania’s borders. The natural wonders make the country a great place for hiking, cycling, and a range of other outdoor sports – even skiing! So if you’re a fan of extreme adventure, Romania could be the perfect place for you.

4. Language Barrier

Moving to a country where English is not the national language can be a daunting prospect. And it’s true, learning Romanian before your move is the best way to ensure you settle in as quickly as possible. However, learning a few key phrases will get you around most big cities, as a lot of young people will likely speak English as a foreign language or understand English.

5. Close Neighbours

Romania shares its border with 5 other countries, including Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia and Bulgaria. That means if you’re looking to travel around Europe during your time abroad, Romania is the ideal base for your adventures. As part of the EU, getting around non-neighbouring countries is easy by plane, but you won’t need to lift off the ground to explore new cultures from here! Many choose to rent a car and explore the Balkans – with stunning results!

6. Getting Around

Despite the close neighbours, you might actually find getting around inside Romania rather frustrating. The infrastructure is not great, with few roads and slow public transport. Driving can be cumbersome when following large delivery drivers from city to city, and risky overtakes on winding roads have contributed to the reputation that Romania has for dangerous driving. So if you do choose to get around via car, remember to be careful.

7. Romanian Weather

Romania has 4 seasons, meaning the weather can vary depending on your time there. Summers will be pleasant, so exploring the forests and beaches will be a breeze! However, like the UK, Romania’s winters are known to be quite harsh, so be prepared for gusting winds and even snow in the depths of the winter months. On the bright side, adverse weather means that sports like skiing and snowboarding are possible!

8. Food

As far as food goes, traditional Romanian food is absolutely delicious. Typically prepared with fresh ingredients, lovers of rich flavours will enjoy the range of iconic dishes – many of which include pork! But don’t worry, it’s very easy to find vegetarian and vegan food once you know where to look.

Holidays like Christmas and Easter in Romanian households are celebrated with lots of food, so be sure not to miss out! You’ll also want to try the nation’s favourite dish, sarmale, and sample the local pastries and desserts. 

If you’re convinced to start looking at your removal to Romania, Bishop’s Move is on hand for every step. From your detailed moving survey to ensuring your belongings are safe en route, our dedicated European removals team can cover it all. Get in touch and start the process today!