Expats moving to Romania should not be concerned about the incidence of crime. Like most countries, crime is a reality, particularly in the larger cities. The most common forms of crime in Romania are petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Institutional crime, such as
corruption, continues to be a problem and expats relocating to Romania are advised to be wary of officials demanding bribes or issuing fines. There are certain areas within cities that expats should avoid; the most notorious, in Bucharest, being the Ferentari district, which is a predominantly socially disadvantaged area in the southern part of the city.
In recent years, the Romanian government has tried to crack down on all forms of crime, including corruption and institutional crimes. This is particularly evident with the arrest of various members of the infamous Cămătaru clan – a mafia-like group operating out of Bucharest.
Racial prejudices are sometimes an issue in Romania, particularly with regard to the Roma people, who are labelled by many Romanians as thieves. Expats are advised to stay clear of any type of protest, as protests can often turn violent.
