The Land of Dracula, The Danube Delta

& Brasov's Black Church

Information on Relocating to Romania

• The capital city of Romania is Bucharest with about 2 million people. The political centre is also in Bucharest where the President resides. Romania is a Republic.

• Language: There languages spoken are Romanian (official), Hungarian, German and some English. The TV programs are generally in the original language with Romania subtitles. Cable TV is available and offers more options, but satellite TV is not locally available.

• Population: The population is about 21.6 million people - 89.% are Romanian, 6.6% Hungarian, 0.4%  German, 3.9% Ukrainian, Serb, Croat, Russian, Turk, and Roma.

• Expat areas: Bucharest is the primary Expat location within Romania.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live all over Bucharest and the suburbs. While there are houses in the city, they are largely unavailable for rent. Apartments are the primary option in the city, and detached and semi-detached houses are available in the suburbs. Families with children tend to live in the suburbs to be close to the international schools. (Preferred areas by Expats are: Nordului- Herastrau, Pipera, Primaverii, Cotroceni)

• Cost of housing: Housing in Romania can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. Rent can be anywhere from $ 500 for a small apartment in the city 700 $ for a studio. To $ 9000 and more for a modern house in the suburbs. The local currency is LEI (ROLL).

• Schools: The American International School of Bucharest offers education from pre-K to grade 12. The British International School of Bucharest offers a all grade levels based on the British school system, and the newer British School of Bucharest recently opened and offers education through year 6. The Bucharest Christian Academy and the French and German school are other options.

• Transportation: Good public transport facilities are provided in the main centers. Bucharest has a good bus and tram system and a metro. The metro does not extend outside the city, where buses and trams are the options.  Tickets are pre-purchased from agents, and there are stamping machines on board buses and trains. There are also daily, weekly and fortnightly passes. Taxis are very inexpensive, but you must be careful of dishonest drivers.

• Banking: The banks are open on Monday–Friday from 9:00 am – 13:00 pm.

• Shopping: Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm, although this may vary according to season and area.

• Climate: Summer temperatures are moderated on the coast by sea breezes while inland at sea level it is hot. Winters are coldest in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from December through to April. Snow also falls throughout most of the country. Winters are mildest on the coast.

• Culture: Bucharest offers many museums, theaters, opera houses, concert halls, and ballets, but programs are almost always in Romanian. Movies are in their original language with Romanian subtitles, and there is a modern western style movie theater. There is also a bowling alley.

• Public holidays: January 1st-2nd-New Year; January 6th Epiphany; March-April Easter Monday (Orthodox – date varies); May 1st-Labour Day; December 1st-National Day; December 25th-26th-Christmas Day.