Settling Into Your New Life
Romania offers a surprisingly affordable and comfortable quality of life compared to Western Europe. Here’s what to expect.
Cost of Living
If your employer provides accommodation and meals (common for recruited workers), your monthly expenses will be minimal:
- Mobile phone: €5–€10/month (prepaid SIM)
- Groceries: €100–€150/month (if self-catering)
- Transport: €15–€30/month (city bus pass)
- Personal expenses: €50–€100/month
Weather
Romania has four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm, 25–35°C. Winters (December–February) are cold, -5 to 5°C, with snow in most regions. Pack layers and invest in good winter boots.
Food
Romanian cuisine is hearty and meat-focused. Indian, Nepali and Bangladeshi grocery stores exist in larger cities (Bucharest, Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca). Many employers with large Asian workforces provide familiar food options.
Communication
English is widely spoken among younger Romanians. Learning basic Romanian phrases will make daily life much easier and is appreciated by locals. Free apps like Duolingo offer Romanian courses.
Money Transfers
Most workers send money home regularly. The cheapest options are Wise (TransferWise), Remitly and Western Union. Avoid airport exchange offices — their rates are poor.
Safety
Romania is generally safe. Major cities have low violent crime rates. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and always carry a copy of your residence documents.