Nomad Watch
Notifications
Loading…
View all notifications
Log in / Join free
RO

Craiova digital nomad guide

Overview Economics Demographics Politics Environment Cities Map Jobs Visas Taxes Groups
Nomad score 6.3/10

44.3190, 23.7966 Europe/Bucharest #2981

Log in to rate Save Compare

Researched Updated Oct 31, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

City
Craiova, Dolj County, Romania 4
Population
234,140 residents within city limits (2021 census). 4
Internet Speed
Digi FiberLink 1000 advertises up to 940 Mbps download and 450 Mbps upload, with average download of 850 Mbps; check availability at your accommodation address. 6
Currency & Banking
Romanian leu (RON). Reference exchange rate dated 19 October 2026: 1 EUR = 5.3264 RON; 1 USD = 4.7417 RON. 17
Tap Water
Tap water is generally potable, but most people drink bottled water instead. 5
Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Europlug and Schuko (types C and F). 5
SIM Card
Orange PrePay physical SIM or eSIM: 3 euro credit for 150 GB national data and 2,000 minutes over 28 days, or 5 euro credit for unlimited national data and 4,000 minutes over 30 days. Neither starter bundle includes roaming; prices are euro credit, not a verified lei checkout price. 1
Banking for Expats
Banca Transilvania, BRD, Raiffeisen Bank, Revolut (highly popular)
Accommodation
Modern apartments via Airbnb, local sites like Storia.ro or Imobiliare.ro
Cashless Friendly
Yes, cards and contactless payment accepted in most shops, cafes, and taxis
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb, Booking.com (Central areas like Calea București or Nicolae Titulescu)
Budget Accommodation
Hotel Bavaria (approx. €45/night) or Pensiunea Nicolas (€35/night)
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Old Town (Centrul Vechi) and near Nicolae Romanescu Park
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Centrum/Calea București for proximity to cafes, or Brazda lui Novac for quiet residential vibes

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
CraiovaHUB, Strada Arieș 1, Bloc ABCD: 50 RON for an eight-hour weekday or 600 RON for 21 weekdays of eight hours, including internet, water, coffee and tea. 3
Best Cafe for Work
English Park Cafe (Strada A.I. Cuza) or Starbucks (Electroputere Parc Mall)
Networking Events
Startup Craiova meetups and IT community events at the University of Craiova
Social Events for Expats
Expats in Craiova Facebook Group, InterNations Craiova community

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Bolt (approx. €3-€5 for city rides), Uber
Bike/Scooter Rental
Lime and Bolt electric scooters (approx. 0.70 RON per minute)
Best Beach Nearby
None nearby; Danube river banks at Calafat (90 km) or Constanța (Black Sea, 6 hours away)
Top Regional Airline
TAROM, Animawings
Top International Airline
Wizz Air (direct flights to London, Milan, Rome, Madrid from Craiova Airport)
Highway Access
Expressway DX12 connecting to Pitești and the A1 highway to Bucharest
Main Train/Transit Hub
Gara Craiova (Piața Gării) - Direct trains to Bucharest and Timișoara
Public Transport Passes
RAT Craiova: 4 RON per urban trip; 120 RON for a personal monthly pass on all urban lines, or 200 RON for a transferable monthly pass (2026). 2
Regional Travel
CFR Călători (Trains), Softrans (private trains with free Wi-Fi)

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Spitalul Clinic Județean de Urgență Craiova; Private: Regina Maria or Sanador 14
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Lotus Yoga Craiova (Strada Romul), Wellness Club Craiova
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Stay Fit Gym (Electroputere Parc), 7card accepted widely (approx. €40/month)
Laundry Services
Self-service laundry at Jeff’s Clean (Bulevardul Decebal)

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Wolt delivers restaurant meals in Craiova; it replaced Tazz in May 2025. 7 8
Best Local Dish to Try
Sarmale (cabbage rolls) and Mici (grilled meat rolls) at Epoca Steak House
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
The Manor Restaurant (Old Town) - offers creative plant-based options
Best Dessert Spots
Iva Gâteau (Strada Împăratul Traian) for artisanal cakes
Affordable Shopping Spots
Piața Centrală (Central Market) for fresh local produce
E-commerce/Online Store
eMAG.ro (Romania's Amazon), Fashion Days
Grocery Delivery
Freshful, Bringo (shopping from Carrefour/Auchan)
Bar/Nightlife Area
Centrul Vechi (Old Town) - specifically Strada Lipscani
Local Brewery
Craiovița (Mainstream); Craft options at SteamPunk Pub
Wine Bars
Curtea Berarilor (though named a brewery, great wine selection) or 1500 Wine & More
Street Food Stalls
Piața Veche area for traditional Covrigi (pretzels) and Fornetti
Popular International Cuisine
Trattoria Il Calcio (Italian), Akropolis (Greek)

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Nicolae Romanescu Park (the 3rd largest natural park in Europe)
Museums & Art Venues
Craiova Art Museum (housed in Jean Mihail Palace, featuring Brâncuși sculptures) 13
Historical Sites
Băniei House (oldest non-religious building in the city, 1699)
Religious Sites
Madona Dudu Church, Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Demetrius
Annual Events
Craiova Christmas Market (ranked top in Europe), Shakespeare International Festival
Cultural Districts
Old Town (Centrul Vechi) pedestrian zone
Theater Venues
Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova 13
Local Markets
Piața Centrală (Farmers Market) for seasonal honey and cheeses
Music Scene
Filarmonica Oltenia for classical; Cult Music Club for alternative gigs
Street Art
Graffiti murals near the Faculty of Law and Calea București underpasses
Cooking Classes
Workshops at various local restaurants (seasonal/by request)
Art Galleries
Galeria Vollard (Calea Unirii)
Historic Buildings
City Hall (Primăria Craiova) on Strada A.I. Cuza
Local Heritage
Oltenian rug weaving (UNESCO heritage) and traditional ceramics

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Jianu Lake within Nicolae Romanescu Park
National Parks Nearby
Buila-Vânturărița National Park (approx. 2 hours north)
Cycling/Walking Paths
Suspended Bridge paths and lake loops in Romanescu Park
Scenic Viewpoints
The Enchanted Castle (Castelul Fermecat) terrace in the park
Birdwatching Locations
The reed beds of the Jiu River outskirts
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Designated camping sites in the nearby Preajba area lakes

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Fan Courier, Sameday (Easybox lockers are everywhere), DPD 15
Tech Repair Services
ESD Romania (official service for Samsung/Apple) in Electroputere
Table Tennis Spots
Ping Pong Club at Sala Polivalentă Craiova
Language Classes
Lectorate at the University of Craiova (Romanian for foreigners)
Libraries & Study Spots
Alexandru și Aristia Aman County Library
Community Centers
Craiova Cultural House (Casa de Cultură a Studenților)
Gaming Lounges
The Hive Gaming Center
Casino & Gaming Halls
Princess Casino, Metropolis Sports Bar

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €1,850 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €74,000)
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €56,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €1,750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €105,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €78,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €1,650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €132,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000)
Corporate Tax
16% tax on profit. Qualifying micro-companies can pay 1% of revenue instead, subject to a EUR 100,000 revenue ceiling in 2026, an employee requirement and other eligibility conditions. 9
Dividend Withholding Tax
16% withholding on dividends paid to individuals from 2026. 10
Tax System
Resident worldwide income; 10% Flat Income Tax for most earners 12
Highest Income Tax Bracket
10% (Flat tax environment) 12
VAT
21% standard VAT; an 11% reduced rate covers qualifying food, human medicines, books, hotel accommodation and restaurant meals, with exclusions including alcohol and certain drinks. 11
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes, EU-based ATAD rules apply 16
Property Tax
Yes, local tax based on size/location (avg. €100-€300/year for central apartments)
Property Transaction Tax
For an individual selling property, transfer income tax is 3% of the transaction value when held up to three years inclusive, or 1% when held longer. Notary fees are separate. 10
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
The digital-nomad visa does not grant a blanket tax exemption. Relief on qualifying foreign employment income is limited to stays under 183 days in 12 months; residents generally pay 10% on worldwide ordinary income, subject to treaty rules. 12

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 31, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. Orange PrePay SIM and eSIM starter bundlesOfficial
  2. RAT Craiova urban tickets and passesOfficial
  3. CraiovaHUB coworking offers and addressOfficial
  4. Craiova census population and geographyReference
  5. Romania practical travel guideSecondary
  6. Digi FiberLink 1000 advertised speedsOfficial
  7. Wolt Craiova restaurants and shopsOfficial
  8. Wolt replaces Tazz in RomaniaOfficial
  9. Romania corporate and micro-company taxesProfessional
  10. Romania dividend and property transfer taxesProfessional
  11. Romania VAT ratesProfessional
  12. Romania personal income taxationProfessional
  13. Craiova culture and park guideSecondary
  14. Craiova county emergency hospitalOfficial
  15. FAN Courier servicesOfficial
  16. Romania controlled foreign company rulesProfessional
  17. ECB reference exchange ratesOfficial

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Digital Nomad Visa available; 0% tax if tax resident elsewhere, or 10% if local The digital-nomad visa does not grant a blanket tax exemption. Relief on qualifying…
    • Best Coworking Space Inkubator (Strada Ștefan cel Mare) - starting at approx. €150/month CraiovaHUB, Strada Arieș 1, Bloc ABCD: 50 RON for an eight-hour weekday or 600 RON for 21…
    • Best Food Delivery App Glovo, Tazz (by eMAG), Bolt Food Wolt delivers restaurant meals in Craiova; it replaced Tazz in May 2025.
    • Corporate Tax Standard 16% (Micro-enterprises pay 1% or 3% on turnover) 16% tax on profit. Qualifying micro-companies can pay 1% of revenue instead, subject to a…
    • Currency & Banking Romanian Leu (RON). 1 EUR ≈ 4.97 RON, 1 USD ≈ 4.58 RON Romanian leu (RON). Reference exchange rate dated 19 October 2026: 1 EUR = 5.3264 RON; 1…
    9 more changes
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 8% 16% withholding on dividends paid to individuals from 2026.
    • Internet Speed 950 Mbps (Fiber Optic widely available via Digi) Digi FiberLink 1000 advertises up to 940 Mbps download and 450 Mbps upload, with average…
    • Population 270,000 234,140 residents within city limits (2021 census).
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets 230 V, 50 Hz, Europlug and Schuko (types C and F).
    • Property Transaction Tax Approx. 1-3% notary and land registration fees For an individual selling property, transfer income tax is 3% of the transaction value…
    • Public Transport Passes RAT Craiova: 2.5 RON per trip; 100 RON (~€20) for a monthly pass RAT Craiova: 4 RON per urban trip; 120 RON for a personal monthly pass on all urban lines…
    • SIM Card Orange, Vodafone, Digi.Mobil (Approx. €5-€10 for 50GB+) Orange PrePay physical SIM or eSIM: 3 euro credit for 150 GB national data and 2,000…
    • Tap Water Drinkable, though many locals prefer filtered or bottled water (e.g., Bucovina) Tap water is generally potable, but most people drink bottled water instead.
    • VAT 19% (reduced rates of 9% and 5% for food/books) 21% standard VAT; an 11% reduced rate covers qualifying food, human medicines, books…

    retry fix pass aligned Currency & Banking reference wording, Tap Water national guidance, Power voltage and socket wording, and SIM Card national-data and minute allowances with the country prep and comparison cities; refreshed research provenance. Marked Best Coworking Space address, working-day access, prices and inclusions unverified after its source failed to load; clarified the historical exchange-rate limitation for Currency & Banking and the changed cost-file comparison. (en.wikivoyage.org) (orange.ro) (craiovahub.ro).

Continue exploring Craiova

Free views Sign up free