New to Romania? Start Here!
Your complete checklist for the first weeks in Romania.
Before You Arrive
- ☐ Check visa requirements for your nationality
- ☐ Book accommodation for first 1-2 weeks
- ☐ Get travel insurance (covers first days)
- ☐ Download useful apps: Bolt, Google Maps, Revolut
- ☐ Notify your bank about travel
- ☐ Get some RON cash (ATMs widely available too)
Week 1: Essential Tasks
Day 1-3
- ☐ Get a Romanian SIM card (Vodafone, Orange, or Digi – ~5 EUR)
- ☐ Download key apps: Bolt, Food Panda, Glovo, STB (Bucharest transit)
- ☐ Exchange money or use ATM (avoid airport exchange – bad rates)
Day 4-7
- ☐ Start apartment hunting (OLX, Storia, Facebook groups)
- ☐ Visit potential neighborhoods
- ☐ Open Revolut/Wise account if you don’t have one
Week 2-4: Getting Established
Legal & Admin
- ☐ EU citizens: Register at Immigration Office (IGI) if staying 90+ days
- ☐ Non-EU: Apply for residence permit (within 30 days)
- ☐ Get your CNP (comes with registration)
- ☐ Sign rental contract (insist on legal contract registered with ANAF)
Banking
- ☐ Open Romanian bank account (ING recommended for expats)
- ☐ Bring: Passport, CNP, proof of address, proof of income
Utilities
- ☐ Transfer utilities to your name (or ensure landlord does)
- ☐ Set up internet (Digi = best value)
Month 1-2: Settling In
Healthcare
- ☐ Register with a family doctor (medic de familie)
- ☐ Get health insurance sorted (CNAS or private)
- ☐ Find English-speaking doctor/dentist
Transport
- ☐ Get STB card for public transport (Bucharest)
- ☐ Consider if you need a car
- ☐ If driving: Check license requirements
Work
- ☐ Sign employment contract (CIM)
- ☐ Or register as PFA/SRL if self-employed
- ☐ Get tax advisor if needed
Connect with Community
Join These Groups
- ☐ Facebook: Expats in Romania (our group!)
- ☐ WhatsApp: Our community chat
- ☐ Meetup: Expats in Romania meetups
- ☐ LinkedIn: Expats in Romania group
Attend Events
- ☐ Wednesday meetups (weekly/biweekly)
- ☐ Business networking events
- ☐ Language exchange meetups
Essential Apps
| Category | App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Bolt | Cheap rides, best in Romania |
| Transit | STB / Google Maps | Public transport |
| Food delivery | Glovo, Tazz | Restaurant delivery |
| Groceries | Bringo, Freshful | Grocery delivery |
| Banking | Revolut + local bank app | Payments |
| Translation | Google Translate | Camera translation works great |
| Language | Duolingo | Learn Romanian basics |
Cost of Living (Monthly, Bucharest)
| Item | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed) | 400-500 EUR | 700-1000 EUR |
| Utilities | 80-120 EUR | 100-150 EUR |
| Food/Groceries | 200-300 EUR | 400-500 EUR |
| Transport | 30-50 EUR | 100-150 EUR |
| Entertainment | 100-150 EUR | 200-400 EUR |
| TOTAL | ~900 EUR | ~1,500-2,000 EUR |
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency (all): 112
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 112
- Your embassy: Look up before arriving
Welcome to Romania! We’re here to help.
Join our WhatsApp group and come to our next meetup!
