Frequently Asked Questions about Romania

What is general attitude toward the Roma people within Romania?
 

Most Romanians do not like the Roma people. There is a significant amount of racism directed at the Roma. The Roma are generally blamed for any crime or unsavoury situations and occurrences that happen in Romania. These 'gypsies' are a sore point with most Romanians, and as such, it is a topic that is avoided in conversation. Expats may have romanticised views and perceptions of gypsies, but people in Romania prefer not to mention them, and see them as a scourge of society.

 

Will I need to buy a car?
 

The public transport network in Romania is extensive, and generally works well. The road network extends across the country and is easy to use; however, some roads are not paved, and many of the roads fell into disrepair during the communist era. Owning a car in Romania is tricky, as the maintenance costs are escalated by the state of the roads in many parts of the country. Unless you are living in an isolated part of the country, it is better not to have a car and to rather make use of public transport.

 

Is there a sizable expat community in Romania?
 

While Romania is not a popular expat destination, there are pockets of expats in the larger cities, particularly in Bucharest and Brasov. There are a number of expat clubs in Bucharest, and The Diplomat and Nine o’ Clock are great English news and media sources within the country.

 

Is Bucharest the only large ‘expat city’ in Romania?