As with many European capitals, the old city centre of Bucharest is paved with cobblestone streets and filled with local and international restaurants. The city is home to a lively arts and music scene, as well as many world-class museums.

As you get farther away from Bucharest, the geography and atmosphere change. You can discover the famous Carpathian Mountains as you travel north, visiting Bran Castle (often referred to as Dracula’s Castle), and Peles Castle located near Sinaia. You can also explore the most beautiful roads in the world, the Transfagarasan and the Transalpina.

Romania has many ski destinations, including Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, and Busteni, with slopes for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. You can access the ski resorts by train or car, and are the closest located (around 130km) from Bucharest.

The beautiful Black Sea is situated on the eastern edge of Romania, with a mix of resorts and beaches offering a mix of both active and relaxing destinations. Mamaia, located in the district of Constanta, is a popular destination and is easily accessible by train or car.

Finally, a visit to the Danube Delta will leave you speechless, with unique sights, and breath-taking flora and fauna. This is a perfect destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Making a home in a new country with all the cultural, culinary, and social differences is an exciting, yet stressful, undertaking. Give yourself and your family time to settle in and adapt to the new environment. Equipping yourself for the experience by understanding more about the culture of Romania is a step in the right direction, too.

Before you begin embracing all that Bucharest has to offer, you will first need to take care of official matters and familiarise yourself with the logistics and intricacies of everyday living.

Most places around Bucharest can be reached via public transport, which is inexpensive and efficient. Taxis or ride sharing apps (e.g., Uber and Bolt) are also a comfortable and convenient means of travelling around the city. Stands marked with taxi signs and are located around train stations, shopping centres, and the various high-traffic points throughout the city.

With an extensive public transport system, there’s little incentive to drive in the centre of Bucharest. Tickets for the metro can be purchased at all metro stops, and electronic kiosks are available for purchases with credit or debit cards. For access to the city’s bus or tram systems, purchase tickets at designated kiosks or download the app. 24Pay. Those who travel without tickets risk fines.

A car, however, does give you the most flexibility and freedom in travelling farther afield. If you wish to drive or rent a car, make sure to learn the local traffic rules and customs.

Romania’s healthcare infrastructure is a mix of public and private healthcare institutions. Healthcare in Romania is universally free for those working in the country. Public medical care in the country is managed by the National Health Insurance House (NHIH), which provides free or subsidised care to all Romanian residents, including expats. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Romania, provided it was issued in another EU country. The card provides free access to state hospitals and treatment facilities but does not cover private doctors or private hospitals.

Romanian is an integral part of the curriculum at CSB for both native speakers and those learning it as a foreign language. The school offers a range of classes, including native Romanian and Intensive Romanian options for students new to the language. While English is widely spoken in major cities, learning a bit of Romanian will grant you ease of access to a varied and vibrant local culture.