Considering a one-way ticket to Europe and spending your days enjoying the coastline along the black sea, some fascinating history, and dramatic mountain ranges? Romania might just be the perfect place for you.
Check out these pros and cons of living in Romania first.
Romania is a country located in Southeastern Europe, and it has become a popular destination for expats in recent years.
It is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an attractive place to live. Romania is also the setting for Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula making it the perfect destination for book lovers.
If you’re considering moving to Romania, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of living in this country.
In this post, we’re going to dive into the pros AND cons of living in Romania to give you an insight into what to expect.
Pros Of Living In Romania
First, let’s take a look at some of the many pros of living in Romania.
Affordable Cost Of Living
One of the biggest advantages of living in Romania is its low cost of living. Compared to other countries in Europe, Romania is relatively cheap, making it an affordable place to live for expats.
The cost of rent, food, and other essentials is much lower in Romania compared to other European countries, making it an ideal choice for expats who are looking to save money.
The cost of living is definitely on the rise in Romania, however, it is still significantly lower than in Northern America and Western Europe.
Culture And History
Romania is a country bursting with culture and history. There are many historical sites and cultural attractions that can be found all across the country.
From the medieval churches of Transylvania to the vibrant cities of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, there is something for everyone in Romania.
Tourists flock to this country to explore Transylvania and immerse themselves in the story of Dracula. You can visit the iconic Bran Castle, associated with the legend of Dracula, and also see medieval villages in the area.
Diverse Landscape
Another pro to living here is the fact that Romania is known for its extremely diverse landscape across the country.
From the rolling hills of the Transylvanian countryside to the sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast, Romania is a country that is filled with breathtaking views.
Expats will have plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors and experience the beauty of nature in Romania.
If you’re the active type, you can go hiking in the Carpathian Mountains throughout the country, or you can choose to relax at one of Romania’s many beach towns.
Plaja Corbu is a great beach to take a break away from city life and to experience something completely different in Romania. It has plenty of space and some fantastic snorkeling.
Proximity To Other Countries
Since Romania borders 5 other countries, it means it is very easy to access other countries to explore and see more of mainland Europe.
This makes Romania an extremely attractive destination as you have a great base for a European road trip.
You can rent a car and travel through the Balkans for a vacation with no flight required.
Cons Of Living In Romania
There are also some cons to living in Romania, these are important to consider if you want to relocate here.
Language Barrier
Romania’s official language is Romanian, which can be a challenge for expats who don’t speak the language. While English is widely spoken in the cities, it can be more difficult to communicate in the countryside or smaller towns.
This can make it difficult for expats to settle in and fully integrate into Romanian society.
English is definitely on the rise here because of the large number of tourists, but it’s best to learn even a few words of Romanian before you arrive to make things easier for yourself.
Bureaucracy
A con that puts some people off Romania, is the slow bureaucratic systems in place.
Romania is still in the process of modernizing its bureaucratic systems, and this can make it difficult for expats to navigate the country’s administrative procedures.
From opening a bank account to obtaining a work permit, expats may find that the bureaucracy in Romania is time-consuming and complicated.
Poor Infrastructure
As is the case with many Balkan countries, in terms of its infrastructure, there are still areas of the country that are lacking in basic amenities.
It is constantly improving in Romania, but the roads, public transportation, and internet connections are not up to the same standard as expats may be used to.
Weather
Although the summers can be warm and pleasant, Romania can also be quite cold and harsh in the winter months.
Expats who are used to a warmer climate may find the Romanian winter difficult to adjust to.
That said, there are plenty of activities to do during the winter months in Romania, including skiing and snowboarding.
Final Thoughts On Living In Romania
Now you’ve read all about the pros and cons of living in Romania, does it seem like the right place for you?
If you’re interested in the low cost of living, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and great proximity to other European countries, Romania could be an excellent option for you.
However, the lack of infrastructure, language barrier, and unpredictable weather might be a dealbreaker for you, you might wish to keep searching for your dream location.
If you want to compare Romania with other destinations, check out these posts:
- Pros and cons of living in Serbia
- Pros and cons of living in Malta
- Pros and cons of living in Morocco
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