🇷🇴map Romania [Safety]

Government and Political Stability

Romania is a parliamentary republic with a directly elected president, a prime minister heading the government, and a bicameral parliament. Power transitions are regular and competitive, and the country is anchored in the EU and NATO, which supports institutional stability and a predictable rule-of-law framework. Protests do occur from time to time, usually around anti-corruption measures, judicial reforms, or cost-of-living issues, but they are generally peaceful and well policed. Corruption remains a concern, especially in public procurement and local administration, though high-profile investigations in recent years and EU oversight have nudged transparency in a better direction.

From an everyday perspective, expatriates feel the state is functional and responsive in major cities, with digital government services expanding and bureaucracy slowly modernizing. Local elections and national votes can temporarily energize street demonstrations near government buildings in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and other big cities; these events are usually announced in advance and easy to avoid. Courts are independent on paper and increasingly assertive, though proceedings can be slow. Keeping copies of contracts and official documents and using reputable local counsel for complex matters is wise.

Economic Stability

Romania’s economy is one of the faster-growing in Central and Eastern Europe over the long term, driven by manufacturing, IT services, and nearshoring from Western Europe. Inflation spiked after 2022 but has been trending down, and the leu (RON) has been relatively stable compared to many regional peers. For expats, the cost of living is lower than in Western Europe, with noticeable differences in rent and services, while imported goods and quality private healthcare are closer to EU prices. Daily life is cashless-friendly, and contactless payments are widely accepted.

Job prospects are strongest in tech, engineering, automotive supply chains, shared-service centers, and construction. EU citizens can work freely; non-EU nationals typically need employer sponsorship, and processing times vary. The banking system is modern, with reliable online platforms, SEPA transfers, and a solid presence of European banks. As in many places, use established banks, keep two payment cards, and set travel alerts to prevent fraud holds.

Crime and Personal Safety

Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon, and Romania is broadly safe in urban areas where expats live and work. The most frequent issues are petty theft in crowded spaces, card skimming, and opportunistic scams around transit hubs. Keep an eye on your bag on public transport, use ATMs located inside banks or malls, and confirm taxi fares or use ride-hailing apps. Nightlife districts in Bucharest’s Old Town and tourist centers are lively and generally safe, though pickpockets target the distracted.

Police are present and responsive in city centers, and the emergency number is 112 for police, fire, and medical services. In residential neighborhoods, building access is controlled and secure, and most expats feel comfortable walking during the day and evening. If you drive, take extra care: aggressive passing and variable road conditions make road accidents a leading risk. In winter, rural roads can be icy and poorly lit; plan daylight travel when possible.

Regional Security Issues

Romania borders Ukraine and Moldova, so the war next door is a background factor. Romania is a NATO member and has increased defensive posture along the eastern flank; this has not disrupted daily life in cities like Bucharest, Cluj, or Timișoara. Near the Danube border with Ukraine, authorities have occasionally reported drone debris from strikes on Ukrainian river ports; if traveling in the Danube Delta or along the border, follow local advisories. The country has absorbed Ukrainian refugees smoothly, and their presence is most visible in larger cities through community services and schools.

Relations with EU neighbors are stable, and border crossings are orderly. Air and sea Schengen admission has simplified travel formalities, while land borders still involve routine checks. There are no active separatist movements affecting travelers. Cross-border driving is straightforward with proper documents, but expect longer queues at busy land checkpoints during holidays.

Terrorism and Civil Unrest

The overall terrorism threat is assessed as low, and there have been no recent large-scale attacks. Security presence is visible around transport hubs, government sites, and major events, a standard practice across the EU. Demonstrations occur episodically, typically announced in advance, and are concentrated in central Bucharest near Parliament and Victory Square. They rarely turn violent, but traffic disruptions are common, so check local news and navigation apps before commuting.

Authorities communicate promptly via official channels, and compliance with police directions is expected. If you hear sirens and see cordons, simply detour and avoid filming security operations. Stadium events and festivals have normal bag checks and entry rules; plan for extra time. For day-to-day life, this is a calm, routine security environment.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Risks

Romania sits in an earthquake zone centered on the Vrancea region; tremors are infrequent but can be felt in Bucharest and other cities. Buildings in major cities increasingly meet modern standards, yet older blocks vary in resilience, so ask landlords for seismic safety details. Seasonal flooding can affect river valleys and rural areas, while heavy winter snow and ice can disrupt transport, especially in mountain passes. Summer heat waves occur, mainly in the south and east, and forested mountain areas may have sporadic wildlife encounters—observe posted guidance in national parks.

Emergency messaging via the RO-ALERT system pushes warnings to mobile phones for severe weather and other hazards. Keep a small home emergency kit (water, flashlight, power bank) and know your building exits. In countryside travel, check road and weather conditions before setting out, and carry chains in winter. Air quality is generally acceptable, with occasional urban spikes; sensitive individuals may want a compact purifier at home.

Health and Medical Security

Healthcare is a mix of public hospitals and a robust private sector in larger cities. Private clinics in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, and Timișoara offer modern equipment, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff, making them the preferred option for most expats. The nationwide emergency number is 112, and ambulance services are reliable in urban areas; response in remote locations can take longer. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary public care, but comprehensive private insurance is still recommended.

Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and pharmacies are widespread with good stocks of common medications. Tap water is generally safe in major cities, though taste and building plumbing can vary—many residents use filters or bottled water. Food hygiene in reputable restaurants is solid; use normal precautions with street food. If you take regular prescriptions, bring a starter supply and carry the generic names for easier refills.

Travel Advisories and Regulations

Check your home government’s latest advisory before travel, as guidance can shift with regional events. Entry is straightforward for EU/EEA citizens, while others should review visa requirements in advance; Romania’s air and sea Schengen participation has eased formalities for many travelers. Carry a passport or national ID at all times, as police can request identification. Local laws are strict on drugs, and drink-driving laws are aggressively enforced—use a taxi or ride-hailing app after any alcohol.

Driving requires a valid license; an International Driving Permit is useful if your license is not EU-format. Some historic centers have access restrictions or paid parking zones—watch signage to avoid fines. Drones have regulated use, especially near borders and government sites; check current rules if you plan to fly. Register with your embassy if staying long term or in a border region, which can speed assistance in emergencies.

Practical Safety Tips

Treat Romania like any major EU destination: stay alert in crowded places, keep valuables zipped and in front of you, and split cards and cash. Use bank ATMs, check card readers for tampering, and favor contactless payments. For taxis, ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used and typically cheaper than street hails; always confirm the car and driver in the app. On intercity travel, trains are improving but can be slower than buses or driving; for mountain routes, start early and monitor weather.

Common scams include overcharging on informal taxis, “found ring” or donation clipboard tricks near tourist spots, and fake accommodation listings—book through reputable platforms and verify addresses. Save 112 in your phone and enable RO-ALERT on your device. Keep digital copies of passports and residence documents, and consider renters and health insurance that cover theft, liability, and medical evacuation. With these basics, most expats find Romania welcoming, dynamic, and easy to navigate.

Franz
Franz is a German technical writer and business consultant from Munich, with over 15 years of experience in international corporate relocations and German business culture. Having worked for major German multinational corporations including BMW and Siemens, Franz has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to Germany and helping German professionals navigate complex assignments abroad.