Cluj-Napoca, Romania 🇷🇴
#650
,
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital of Transylvania, known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 320,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 RON ≈ 0.21 USD. Major banks include BCR and Raiffeisen Bank, offering ATMs for cash withdrawals. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone, Orange, and Digi, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include cash, credit/debit cards from major networks like Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rental agencies, and platforms like Spotahome. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted at most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Terenuri is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The City Center, which is close to landmarks like the St. Michael's Church. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The comuna Mănăștur or the Central area, known for co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | OFFICE in Cluj is a popular coworking space offering various amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop near the Botanical Garden provides a great work atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups happen through platforms like Meetup.com, particularly in the tech sector. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups on Facebook such as 'Cluj Expats' host regular social events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Cluj-Napoca for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | FreeNow offers electric scooters for easy mobility around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Tarnița is approximately 30 minutes away, offering scenic spots for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tarom operates domestic flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Wizz Air offers numerous international routes from Cluj-Napoca Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major road connections include E576 and A3 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cluj-Napoca Central Station serves as the main train hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly transport passes are available for around 60 RON. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses are available for regional travel to cities like Sibiu and Târgu Mureș. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Cluj County Emergency Hospital for comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Garden offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class Fitness is a popular gym chain in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Clean & Fold laundromat provides convenient washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Takeaway.com are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sarmale (cabbage rolls) is a traditional Romanian dish to seek out. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nuka serves a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mihai's Cakes offers a variety of delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cluj-Napoca Market for local produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | eMAG is the largest online retailer in Romania for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Cora and Mega Image provide grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town area offers a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cluj Craft Brewery provides local craft beer experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Crama Manastirească is recommended for local wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Răsărit Food is known for its delicious street food offerings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta e pastai serves quality Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. Michael's Church and the National Museum of Transylvanian History are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Art showcases both historical and contemporary pieces. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Hoia Forest is known for its paranormal activities and beautiful scenery. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Reformed Church is a notable historical site in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | TRANSILVANIA International Film Festival takes place every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Ivy League is known for its artistic vibe and events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater is a hub for arts and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market connects local farmers and consumers for fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cluj hosts various music festivals such as Electric Castle. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Downtown areas feature vibrant street art contributing to the city’s character. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at The School of Cooking for local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria Limitless features contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Banffy Palace is a historic building with elegant architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cluj-Napoca is rich in historical events, showcasing the diverse cultures through centuries. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Apuseni Natural Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Retezat National Park is about two hours away, great for outdoor adventures. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Someș River offers scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Feleacu Hill provides panoramic views of Cluj-Napoca. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Turda Gorge is great for observing local wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Lake Tarnița offer bonfire opportunities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Fan Courier provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers phone and gadget repair services across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sport Arena hosts table tennis sessions and tournaments. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Babel Language School offers Romanian classes for beginners and advanced learners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library is an ideal place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de Cultura is a vibrant community space for various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone provides a space for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Platinum Casino offers gaming options in a lively setting. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €168,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 16% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Romania has CFC rules applicable to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 3% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Romania provides favorable tax policies for digital nomads, including the potential for tax residency status. |