Hello everyone,
Why did you choose to retire in Romania? What are the advantages compared with your home country?
What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc..
Are there any specific formalities you had to go through as a retiree moving to Romania (for example, is there a particular retirement visa)?
What is Romania's healthcare like? Have you had any good or bad experiences dealing with healthcare professionals?
Do you have any tips for other retirees in Romania?
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Priscilla
I'm not retired per se, but I am disabled and receive my disability and living in Romania. The biggest advantage is cost of living of course, followed by convenience of locations for holidays or travel. Foods are fresh, mostly healthy too.
My wife is a Romanian, I am an American. I lived here for two years before she moved to the US for about two and a half years. My disability income goes much farther here than it ever would back in the US, and we are close to her family as well.
I am on a Permis de Sedere, which is a family immigration visa that is valid for 5 years. I believe there is always one for 10 years, but I haven't gotten that one yet. I renew my residency card next year.
From my experience, more money equals better health care. I know a lot of people in my wife's family are scared to make emergency room visits because they don't have money on hand to get treated quickly. I had excellent international insurance and when I went to the emergency room in 2014, they wanted cash first and told me to request reimbursement from my insurance company.
For retirees, or other disabled/veterans living or wanting to live in Romania. You can go a longggg way if you manage a good budget, and save. I find that buying land or apartments is very experience, most people rent, and I do not enjoy having to report to a landlord who can come in for inspections any time they want. Do your research on some of the more quiet and affordable places to live, but also safe if you choose to live in Bucharest or any of the larger cities. Brasov was beautiful and quiet compared to inner city Bucharest. Many people can speak a touch of English, but you really should go out of your way to learn as much of the Romanian language as you can, it shows respect. Romanians have VERY different traditions and cultural things that most people aren't used to. Familiarize yourself with how to greet the elderly, what to expect when people do little odd things that look like witchcraft (They're just prayers and such, scared me at first), and whatever you do, don't ever pay an authority figure on the spot to get out of trouble, bribes are a big thing here and you have the right to dispute an accused violation.
