Moving to Romania

Life in Romania

By moving to Romania, you are embarking on an exhilarating and wonderful journey.

Bucharest is Romania’s capital and its political, cultural, and economic hub.

The centuries-old city exudes a melange of old-world charm and more recent architecture that speaks to the history of the nation, all whilst showcasing influences from Western Europe, with wide boulevards, the Arch of Triumph, and beautiful gardens built to compete with those from Paris and Vienna.

As many of the European capitals, the old city centre, paved with cobblestone streets, is filled with local and international restaurants and holds many stories that are waiting to be discovered.

As you get further 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 road in the world, the Transfagarasan.

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

The beautiful Black Sea is situated on the western 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 Constanza, 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.

Preparing to Move

Making a home in a new country with all the cultural, culinary, and social differences is an exciting, but at the same time, 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.

When You Arrive

Before you start embracing all that Bucharest has to offer, you 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) 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. A car, however, does give you the most flexibility and freedom in travelling further afield. If you wish to drive or rent a car, make sure to learn the local traffic rules and customs before renting or purchasing a car.

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 doesn't cover private doctors or private hospitals.

Learning Romanian

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 Romanian and an Intensive Romanian option for students new to the language.