Bucharest, Romania 🇷🇴
#649
,
Nomad Score:
73%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, known for its vibrant culture, historical architecture, and a growing tech scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.8 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4.9 RON; local currency is Romanian Leu (RON). Banks such as BCR and Raiffeisen Bank are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's advisable to use a filter or drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, Vodafone, and Digi. Prepaid SIMs are widely available; costs start around 5 RON for basic plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and TransferWise are popular among expats for easy currency exchange and online banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals on OLX, and Spotahome. Prices vary by neighborhood. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local Romanian sites are available for short term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel BUCURESTI, starting at around 50 RON per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Lipscani) is popular for its vibrant nightlife and historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods of Timpuri Noi and Universitate are favored for coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mindspace, located in the city center, offers flexible plans starting at 100 EUR/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | M60 and Origo are popular among remote workers for their ambiance and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are often held by Bucharest Tech Week and local tech communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Bucharest' Facebook group for social gatherings and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are widely used for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike-sharing services like Lime and BitBike are available for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mamaia Beach, located about 225 km away, is the closest popular beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Blue Air is a key regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international airlines include Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and British Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A1 and A2 are major highways connecting Bucharest to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gara de Nord is the main railway station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | A monthly transport pass costs around 70 RON for unlimited travel on buses and trams. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to cities like Brasov and Sibiu operate regularly from Gara de Nord. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinica Sanador is one of the most well-regarded hospitals in Bucharest. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaflex and Pure Wellness offer various classes and relaxation therapies. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | BasicFit and World Class are popular gym chains with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services like Lavanderia have several branches in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and Glovo are popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) is a must-try Romanian dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Rawyal and The Urbanist offer great vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The coffee shop 'Café Verona' is famous for its desserts and ambiance. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Piata Obor is a popular market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | emag.ro is a well-known local online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Promenada offers delivery services for groceries through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town area is known for its bustling nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beer from Beraria H is popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Crama La Salcii offers an extensive selection of Romanian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food in the Old Town offers tasty options like langos and mici. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurantele KFC and Pizza Hut are popular choices for international fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Palace of the Parliament is a massive architectural landmark and a must-see. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Art of Romania is a cultural highlight. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the Old Court (Curtea Veche) is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Stavropoleos Monastery features impressive architecture and iconography. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The George Enescu Festival is an annual celebration of classical music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Lipscani is known for its vibrant cultural scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater Bucharest hosts numerous performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Piata Universitatii hosts regular local markets with crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs around the city like Control Club feature local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various locations in the city, especially around Tanase Basarab Street, showcase vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Romanian Cooking School offers classes on traditional Romanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art can be seen at the Zetter Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Romanian Athenaeum is an iconic historic concert hall. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bucharest's architecture reflects a mix of classical and modern styles, showcasing its rich history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Herastrau Park offers a beautiful green space for relaxation and leisure activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Piatra Craiului National Park is about 150 km away and offers hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths around Lake Herastrau and along the Dambovita River are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking for photographers and nature lovers. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of Cernica are ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks in the outskirts allow bonfires, notably in the allowed areas of Comana Natural Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Fan Courier are reliable parcel services within Bucharest. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Globaltech offers electronics repair services throughout the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Bucharest provides access to ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Romanian Language Institute offers various language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central University Library is a popular study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centrul Cultural Arcub offers numerous programs and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming House is a popular spot for gamers in Bucharest. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Casino Bucharest is a well-known entertainment venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €126,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 16% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Romania has CFC rules applicable in certain situations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local municipal regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax for primary residence; otherwise around 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Romanian rules allow remote workers to manage tax liabilities effectively. |