Safety in Romania
Romania is a safe country, with the most crime being petty and non-violent. Corruption remains an ongoing concern and is an unfortunate reality across many aspects of life in Romania. Despite this, expats who familiarise themselves with Romania will feel secure in their new home.
Crime in Romania
Like most countries, crime is a reality in Romania, particularly in the larger cities. However, it's generally opportunistic in nature. The most common forms of crime in Romania are petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Institutional crime, such as corruption, continues to be a problem and new arrivals are advised to be wary of officials demanding bribes or issuing fines. There are certain areas within cities that expats should avoid. The most notorious in Bucharest, being the Ferentari district, which is a predominantly socially disadvantaged area in the southern part of the city.
In recent years, the Romanian government has tried to crack down on all forms of crime, including corruption and institutional crimes. This has been evident in a recent spate of high profile arrests.
Racial prejudices are also sometimes an issue in Romania, particularly with regard to the Roma people, who are often stereotyped as being thieves.
Credit card fraud in Romania
Credit card fraud is an ongoing problem for foreigners in Romania, especially as they are specifically targeted for fraud. Although most services in urban centres offer credit card payments, many expats prefer to use cash when making purchases in the country.
Stray dogs in Romania
Stray dogs are common in Romania, especially in Bucharest. Many people like to feed them, and as a result, dog bites are extremely common. The Romanian government has made a concerted effort in recent years to control the stray dog population. However, it's come under increasing criticism for the cruelty of its campaign, with thousands of dogs being culled.
Expats are advised to avoid stray dogs whenever possible as some can be aggressive and may have rabies.
Emergency numbers in Romania
If expats find themselves in an emergency in Romania they should dial 112. English-speaking operators are available.
