A Guide for Timișoara as a Digital Nomad Destination

by | Feb 10, 2023 | Lifestyle, Travel

A Guide for Timișoara as a Digital Nomad Destination

Timișoara (pronounced Tee mee shoa rah) is a city in western Romania built upon an area that once hosted a Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes. 

The earliest available record of the city dates back to 1212 AD. Timisoara’s charm lies primarily in its unique architectural character and pulsating cultural life. Some call it “little Vienna” owing to the evident Austrian influences in the city’s culture, food, and architecture. 

Romania’s third largest city is an advancing cosmopolitan place, home to regular musical performances, theatrical shows, museums, art galleries, and a bustling nightlife. With a population of about 320,000, Timisoara was Europe’s first city to illuminate her streets by electricity in 1884, coming second after New York globally

Overview of Timisoara
ContinentEurope 
Airbnb (median price)$1,188/ month 
Cost of living for locals$503/ month
Traffic safetyOkay
Coworking hot desk$174/ month
Power230V 50Hz
NightlifeOkay
Education levelHigh
10 RON in USDUSD 2.16
Hotel (median price)$1,262/ month
Best taxi appUber
SafetyGood
Gender ratio (nomads)male – 90%, female – 10%
Internet speed (avg)27 Mbps
Dinner$4.45 
Cost of living for nomads$1,589/ month
Air quality (annual avg)24.5 US AQI  
HospitalsGood
Gender ratio (population)male – 44%, female – 56%
GDP per capita$9,439/ year
Population320,000 people
Quality of life scoreGood
1br studio rent in center$351/ month

The number of digital nomads in Timisoara is on a steady increase, and if the trend on Nomad List is anything to go by. The city is on the way to ranking top 3 on the popular nomad website. This could be inspired by several reasons, including the low cost of living, fast internet, and the country’s stunning landscape coupled with its alluring scenery.

So, how does one enter Romania? Let’s dive deep to know this and much more. 

The Visa application 

Foreigners seeking to enter Romania for a short stay may apply for a tourist visa, categorized as the short stay visa, Type C. This document allows the holder to enter the country for a period not exceeding 90 days. However, there are countries whose citizens can enter Romania without a visa (visa-exempt countries), provided they limit their stay to under 90 days. 

What you need to acquire a Romania tourist visa

Requirements for the short-stay tourist visa may vary depending on your location, but generally, you will need to show the following;

  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, etc.)
  • Your full travel itinerary 
  • Medical insurance
  • Return or transit travel ticket 
  • Proof of sufficient income (At least 50 euros per day)

The digital nomad visa 

Since December 21, 2021, the government has rolled out the implementation of the digital nomad visa. The document permits foreign nationals to live in Romania while working for enterprises abroad. Romania introduced the visa, hoping to attract a high number of freelancers and ex-pats to boost the country’s recovery from the ravages of the Coronavirus and subsequent strains. 

If you are keen on freelancing in Timisoara or any other city, this would be your most relevant visa as it gives you 12 uninterrupted months in the country. Upon introducing this travel document, Romania joined several other Eastern Europe countries that encourage remote working in the area. They include the Czech Republic, Croatia, Montenegro, and Estonia.

Requirements for the Romania digital nomad visa 

To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must fulfill the following requirements;

  • You must have a working contract with a company abroad or be self-employed for at least three years. In either case, your earnings must be three times the average local salary. This means your income should be roughly €3700 per month. The issuing authorities calculate the average of the previous six months.
  • Purchase a minimum medical insurance coverage of 30,000 euros. 
  • Show proof of accommodation in the city, preferably a rental agreement. Lease or hotel booking.  
  • Have a valid passport..
  • Present a certificate of good conduct issued by your local police department.
  • Share your full travel itinerary. If you are driving to Timisoara, you must show your vehicle registration, driving license, and green card. 
  • Have a tax compliance certificate issued by your national revenue collection body.
The digital nomad visa application process 

There are two ways to apply for a digital nomad visa. Conveniently, you may go to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and apply through the eVisa platform. Alternatively, just visit your local Romanian embassy or consulate and apply physically. 

The digital nomad eVisa application process 

The online application process entails the following steps:

  1. Create an account on the eVisa platform.
  2. Go to the “Requirements” section and read through the documents checklist. 
  3. Click “apply” to fill out the requested information 
  4. Pay the application fee
  5. Wait for approval. This takes roughly ten to fourteen working days.

To apply at your local embassy, book an appointment during which you will submit all the requirements. You will then pay and wait for the approval. 

Attachments

Have all attached documents in original and copy form when you visit the local embassy or consular post. It is also advisable to have them translated into English or Romanian by an authorized translator. If you are submitting via the e-Visa platform, observe the following; 

  • A document must be under 2 megabytes. 
  • Use only Latin characters in the file name.
  • Upload the documents in the following formats pdf, jpg, RTF, BMP, tif, txt, or png. 
The cost of applying for the visa 

After submitting your application, the immigration department takes roughly 10-14 working days to process the visa. However, to be on the safer side, give yourself a few more days in case of a delay. Apparently, the government website needs to specify the required fees. Nonetheless, it is expected to be affordable, ideally at par with digital nomad visas in other countries.

The visa application difficulty 

Once you do all the paperwork correctly and submit it in time, you should get your DN visa in about two weeks. However, the highest hurdle for some applicants in this process is the requirement for a nomad to demonstrate that their activity generates a monthly income three times the local average salary. 

What makes Timisoara city a popular tourist destination?

Timisoara city center is beautiful with many attractions, especially after undergoing a recent restoration courtesy of EU funding. Its beauty is partly powered by a rich architectural mix of Neoclassical, Art-Nouveau, Baroque, and communist-inspired buildings. 

Chosen as the European capital of 2023, the city is a haven of activity, boasting a rich culture, mouth-wetting cuisine, and history to unravel on every street corner. But, perhaps the most enticing thing about Timisoara is the low cost of living compared to most US and European cities. Most nomads would prefer to keep their budget low, which is why such a pocket-friendly town is of keen interest to them. Moreover, it is a tech-savvy city with fast internet speeds and other nomad-friendly infrastructure. 

Cost of living and Cost of living arbitrage

As you would expect, Timisoara’s living cost is expensive compared to most third-world countries. However, living there is much cheaper if you come from pricey cities like Lisbon, Zurich, or New York. For example, you will need roughly $2100 in Timisoara to maintain a lifestyle that would cost you about $8100 in Zurich. Timisoara is roughly 71.2% cheaper than Zurich, yet 40% more expensive than Cairo, Egypt. 

 TimișoaraZurichDifference
meal (inexpensive restaurant)6.49 $ (30.00 lei)26.97 $ (25.00 Fr.)     +315.23%
1 bedroom apartment in city center396.52 $ (1,831.75 lei)2,092.27 $ (1,939.74 Fr.)     +427.65%
heating, electricity, cooling, water, and garbage for 85m2 apartment139.85 $ (646.02 lei)252.51 $ (234.10 Fr.)     +80.56%
average monthly net salary (after tax)808.52 $ (3,734.95 lei)6,845.83 $ (6,346.76 Fr.)     +746.71%
taxi 1km (normal tariff)0.65 $ (3.00 lei)5.39 $ (5.00 Fr.)     +730.46%

Accommodation

Like most other cities, you will find accommodation in hotels, rental apartments, Airbnb hosting, hostels, and co-living spaces. No doubt finding a suitable place to stay is a challenge, especially in a new country. However, that becomes easier if you search for one using reputable real estate websites like Housingtarget.com,airbnb.com, Booking.com, and Cocohub.com

According to Nomad List, hotel rooms in Timisoara cost a median price of $1235 a month, while a one-bedroom studio downtown goes for about 343 dollars per month. Airbnb hosting, which is suitable for longer stays, may cost you $ 52 per night, with some going for as low as $18. 

Coliving spaces are more popular with digital nomads as they are designed to cater to specific digital nomad needs. Most of these boarding houses double up as coworking spaces providing all facilities a nomad requires in one place. 

Cafes with reliable Wi-Fi and hotspots 

Many cafes, restaurants, and bars worldwide offer free Wi-Fi, and Timisoara is no exception. Therefore, if you stay around any of these joints, you may take advantage of their free data. 

  • Quick Smile Coffee–  Street address- Strada Divizia 9 Cavalerie 66-68, Timișoara 300254, Romania  (Phone +40721233910).
  • Berăria 700Street address- Strada Coriolan Brediceanu 4, Timișoara 300081, Romania (Phone 0256- 70 67 67).
  • Porto ArteStreet address- Splaiul Nicolae Titulescu, Timișoara, Romania (+40728893331 ).

Utilities 

Data from Numbeo.com shows that the cost of electricity (heating and cooling), water, and garbage in an 85m2 apartment would amount to approximately $137, roughly 646.02 lei per month. Meanwhile, you will spend roughly $0.060 (0.28 Leu) to make a 1-minute call on a local prepaid tariff, while 60 Mbps of unlimited data will cost you approximately $8.84 (41.48 Leu) per month.  

Groceries

Groceries in Timisoara are approximately 69% cheaper than in New York City. For example, I kg of Apples costs $5.52 in NY, but you will buy a similar quantity at just $0.96 in Timisoara. Similarly, a kilogram of Oranges retails for $4.98 in NY, while in Timișoara, it is only $1.29. Consider the following Table. Such a significant difference in cost makes the Romanian city a favorable destination for nomads keen on saving.  

 TimișoaraNew York, NYDifference
regular milk (1 liter)5.61 lei (1.21 $)5.81 lei (1.26 $)     +3.67%
regular eggs (12)12.46 lei (2.70 $)18.16 lei (3.93 $)     +45.77%
white rice (1kg)5.72 lei (1.24 $)36.33 lei (7.86 $)     +534.72%
beef round (1kg)36.80 lei (7.97 $)93.24 lei (20.18 $)     +153.34%
chicken fillets (1kg)24.32 lei (5.26 $)82.61 lei (17.88 $)     +239.72%
loaf of fresh white bread (500g)3.78 lei (0.82 $)18.97 lei (4.11 $)     +401.90%
apples (1kg)4.54 lei (0.98 $)25.68 lei (5.56 $)     +466.02%
domestic beer (0.5 liter)3.84 lei (0.83 $)14.57 lei (3.15 $)     +279.36%
lettuce (1 head)2.73 lei (0.59 $)12.36 lei (2.68 $)     +352.38%

Internet

Romania’s major cities have a reputation for competitive internet speeds. Compared to the capital cities of the four countries bordering Romania, Timisoara’s median internet speeds are slightly higher but closely challenged by Serbia’s Belgrade city.  

As of October 2022, speedtest.net reported Timisoara’s median mobile download speeds at 52.52 Mbps and uploads at 13.37 Mbps. Fixed broadband speeds run at impressive download speeds of 210 Mbps and uploads of 147 Mbps. 

Best coworking spaces

Unlike some jurisdictions, Romania favors crypto and the blockchain concept. It is no surprise that major cities like Bucharest and Timisoara have a growing number of well-equipped coworking spaces where digital nomads work and interact. Some popular coworking centers in the city include;

According to Nomad List, a coworking hot desk in Timisoara averages $172 / month 

The Crypto Community

Romania has responded well to Blockchain technologies, with the most active sectors being the financial, health tech, and supply chain. Recent research revealed that four of ten people who know about cryptocurrencies own or have been involved in crypto before. Accordingly, eight people who have heard of crypto intend to own some in the future and almost 50% of Romanian internet users aged 18-55 appeal to Romanian banks to offer crypto services. According to global legal insights, over 10% of Romanians (roughly 2 million) are registered crypto holders. 

As in other cities, blockchain enthusiasts here organize events and meetups to interact, learn and sometimes have fun. The following groups may interest you;

Legal status 

Romania still needs to fully clarify or regularize her cryptocurrency legal regime. Nevertheless, the use and movement of digital currencies have been technically legal since 2020. Accordingly, the Romania Criminal Code protects crypto owners from fraud and embezzlement as it does to other owners of movable goods. Digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges are legal as long as they are duly registered with the relevant authorities

As in other jurisdictions worldwide, these virtual currencies are neither legal tender nor electronic money. Instead, they are considered digital assets playing a limited role as currency. Apparently, most people in this space regard cryptocurrencies as alternative payment instruments. 

Best places to buy | sell crypto 

Blockchain technology and the cryptocurrency use case have been on an adoption cruise mode for a while, with Romania featuring among the top achievers. Some popular centralized exchanges available are; 

  • ClubSwan
  • Binance.com
  • Crypto.com
  • Coinbase.
  • Bitcoin Romania
  • eToro

Others include Bitstamp, BitPanda, and Coinsmart. 

Crypto Start-Ups 

Timisoara’s Startup Ecosystem ranks 542 globally, although it has registered some negative momentum since 2021. It ranks 3rd nationally and 37th in Eastern Europe. The city is host to several data, food tech, health, and software startups, including:

  1. 123ContactForm– A web and mobile form builder leveraging the WYSIWYG interface to enable you to create forms and surveys easily.  
  2. Helpers– App for booking tutors, pet-sitters, baby sitters and house-helps. 
  3. Rayscape– An application that helps radiologists analyze and get accurate interpretations of x-ray images 
  4. Homefresh– A leading meal kit delivery service in Timisoara. 
  5. Elapseit– Software for resource planning, project management, and time tracking. 

Crypto taxation 

The law 30/2019 that sought to amend the fiscal code categorized cryptocurrency earnings as “income from other sources,” therefore subjecting it to income tax. Accordingly, you must declare your crypto earnings in an annual income statement. Those earning under 50 dollars have a reason to smile since they are exempt from tax, but anyone earning over $150 must pay the requisite 10 percent income tax. 

The nomad communities 

Although it ranks top ten on the Nomad List, Timisoara needs growth to match the nomad populations in popular cities like Lisbon. At the time of this writing, the city had only 200 nomads registered on the Nomad List. Nonetheless, they are highly organized, as you will find regular events involving like-minded individuals around the city. Some prefer to find a hot desk and accommodation in spaces (coliving & coworking) dominated by their kind for easier interaction and exchange of ideas.

Expat communities 

Timisoara has a sizable number of learned professionals, artists, and skilled workers among its population. Unfortunately, it is challenging to access credible data showing the exact number of expats in most cities, including Timișoara. However, activity on forums like Internations, LinkedIn, expat.com, Facebook, and other social media outlets could offer significant insight into that. The difficulty in deriving such statistics may be attributed to the vague definition of an expatriate in most jurisdictions.  

Popular recreational activities and fun spots

Many people refer to Timisoara by several names, i.e., The city of flowers, little Vienna, and The heart of Banat. Such colorful depictions can only speak of an attractive place worth any visitor’s attention. Even though most visitors touring the region end up in larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj, or Serbia’s Belgrade, some of Timisoara’s hidden gems compel 7% of the city’s visitors to return. 

Tour Roses Park 

Have you ever wondered why Timisoara bears the nickname “The City of Flowers?’’. Well, it is inspired by parks like this one, together with gardens along the Bega river. Designed in 1891, Rose Park also offers a stage for concerts, Opera festivals, and summer movie screenings. Its beauty peaks in summer and spring when thousands of rose varieties bloom, beautifully wrapping around pergolas. 

Visit the National Romanian Opera house 

It is located within Victoria Square, where opera plays and theatrical performances are organized regularly. Therefore, if theater is your favorite pastime, enjoy the fun. 

Go to Unirii Square for a drink 

Unirii Square is a popular joint for outgoing people since several bars, pubs, and restaurants are evenly distributed around the square. It is a great place to stop by after a busy day. 

Go clubbing 

If you find fulfillment in clubbing, Timisoara has enough decent joints for you to chill out. These include 

  • Coco – it has a nice setting creating an ambient atmosphere, and the DJs play nice vibes. 
  • Heaven – A wonderful place to party. Great people patronize Heaven, it is pocket-friendly, and its DJs deliver nice music. The joint registers a high client return rate. 
  • Hugo – Nice club delivering beautiful music, drinks, and cocktails. The employees are very professional.

For those with higher energy levels, a day trip to Danube, Banat, or Transylvania would do. Alternatively, you could take a boat tour and enjoy water sports, including river rafting and tubing. Canyoning and Rappelling Tours are a great option, too, especially for dare-devils with a risk appetite and high adrenaline. 

Transportation

Like most cities in Eastern Europe, Timisoara’s transport infrastructure comprises air, rail, road, and river transport. 

Main Airport 

Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport is the city’s main airport. Opened in 1964, the facility has taken on different names, with the current one being in honor of Traian Vuia. Traian was a Romanian flight pioneer. It is the 3rd busiest Romanian airport (in terms of air traffic) and the region’s main air transportation hub. An airport taxi takes roughly 25 minutes to drop you at the city center. 

Train

Timisoara’s railway infrastructure is good but doesn’t match cities like Berlin. However, it compares well with Serbia’s Belgrade city. Nord Railway station is the city’s main train station, serving over 100 trains to different Romanian cities. Some trains cross the border to external destinations like Budapest in Hungary. Timisoara Nord Station is easy to access from the city center since it is only 1.5 kilometers away from the main square. It is well equipped with facilities such as; 

  • Waiting areas for 1st and 2nd class passengers
  • A drugstore 
  • Automated Teller Machines
  • Ticket office 
  • Cafes

Road transport 

The city’s road transport is quite extensive, comprising buses, trolley buses, and trams. 

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses are the most prevalent form of ground transport in Timișoara. They are pocket friendly, comfortable, and run more frequently

Trams

This is another popular means of public transport. They are a good solution for tourists looking to crisscross the city without a guide. 

Modern buses 

The city boasts a fleet of modern buses heading to destinations where neither trams nor trolley buses go. To get details about bus, trolleybus, and tram routes and schedules, you may visit resourceful websites like moovit. Timisoara also experiences rush hours like other cities, especially early morning and evening. Even then, you hardly see the kind of overcrowding witnessed in some major European cities. 

Taxis

The list of taxi companies in Timisoara is long, speaking of just how established the industry is. Moreover, the introduction of app-hailing taxis was well-received in Romania, giving users a more convenient option. The city’s leading app taxis firms are:

  • Uber
  • Bolt 
  • Star taxi 
  • Tudo taxi 

They are available on Android and iOS  

Distance (km)Estimated priceDistance (km)Estimated priceDistance (km)Estimated priceDistance (km)Estimated price
15.7 lei1444.70 lei2783.70 lei40122.70 lei
28.7 lei1547.70 lei2886.70 lei41125.70 lei
311.70 lei1650.70 lei2989.70 lei42128.70 lei
414.70 lei1753.70 lei3092.70 lei43131.70 lei
517.70 lei1856.70 lei3195.70 lei44134.70 lei
620.70 lei1959.70 lei3298.70 lei45137.70 lei
723.70 lei2062.70 lei33101.70 lei46140.70 lei
826.70 lei2165.70 lei34104.70 lei47143.70 lei
929.70 lei2268.70 lei35107.70 lei48146.70 lei
1032.70 lei2371.70 lei36110.70 lei49149.70 lei
1135.70 lei2474.70 lei37113.70 lei50152.70 lei
1238.70 lei2577.70 lei38116.70 lei51155.70 lei
1341.70 lei2680.70 lei39119.70 lei52158.70 lei

Is Timisoara safe?

Timisoara is generally safer than other Romanian cities. Compared to most cities in the region, it has recorded much less burglary and street crime. Earlier, though, the biggest concern was stray dog attacks, but the authorities have worked to resolve the issue. If you are traveling with a dog, let it stay close by, preferably on a leash. 

Data about the city’s safety, as shared on Numbeo.com, reveals the following;

  • The city’s crime rate – is 17% (low)
  • The risk of being attacked – 18%(low)
  • Property vandalism and theft – 29%(low)
  • Risk of assault and armed robbery- 13%(low)
  • Safety walking alone during the day – 86%(very safe)
  • Safety walking alone during the night -72%(very safe)

Like other cities, pickpockets also operate here, meaning you have to be extra-cautious with your valuables, especially in crowded places. The city isn’t prone to natural disasters, although the region experiences earthquakes occasionally. 

Cultural and social norms

Cultural and social norms differ from one society to another. Therefore, knowing how a society behaves before joining them is important since such knowledge protects you from making innocent mistakes.

It is a hierarchical society

Owing to the society’s hierarchical mindset, age and position are recognized in Romania. Older people are trusted to adjudicate over weighty matters and make important decisions since they are thought to have acquired life experience. Titles are upheld among Romanians as they denote respect. Therefore, you are expected to use the person’s title and last name until they invite you to use their first name. 

You are to address someone (ideally your senior) by their honorific title, which is “Doamna” for Mrs and “Domnul” for Mr, and their surname. Close friends can use the honorific title and the first name, while family members may alert each other by the first name without invoking the honorific title. 

Some people are reserved 

Romanians are generally reserved and take some time to trust strangers. However, once you interact positively, they gradually open up to you. This means that some relationships may take longer to mutualize. Therefore, if finding love is an item on your mission in Timisoara, it will help to know this. 

Greetings 

A formal greeting comprises a steady handshake, complemented by direct eye contact and a suitable greeting for the time of the day. Kissing is an acceptable but optional element in the greeting ritual, and once in a while, you will spot an older Romanian kissing a woman’s hand or close friends hugging and kissing. However, foreign men should not kiss a local woman’s hand; even friends only hug and kiss if their friendship is at a certain level of intimacy.  

Gifting 

Gifts are highly appreciated in this part of the world, which is why several customs exist around the practice. For example, when buying flowers for a normal occasion, get an odd number of flowers because even numbers apply for funerals. And, when invited to a local’s home, some chocolates, flowers, and imported liquor would be a good gift to carry along.   

Dining etiquette 

  • Ensure to arrive on time for dinner while dressed appropriately. However, a 15-minute delay for a good reason is excusable. 
  • Upon arrival, observe to confirm if some shoes are at the door. If so, it means you should remove yours. 
  • Don’t allocate yourself a seat. Instead, wait to be directed where to sit. 
  • Begin eating after the host has said “pofta buna,” meaning “good appetite.”
  • Feel free to accept the second or third helpings. However, it is good manners to decline such additional offers. 
  • Cross your fork and knife on your plate to that you are still eating
  • When done eating, place your fork and knife across your plate with the handles facing right and prongs facing down. 

Religion 

Romania doesn’t have a state religion, but all registered religious denominations are entitled to state financial support. At the height of communist rule, religion was considered a strictly personal matter. Moreover, belonging to a religious entity was seen as a threat to the communist party. Accordingly, the government initiated efforts to pin down religion in favor of science and pragmatism. However, after the regime’s downfall, it became clear that the people’s faith remained active despite the outward suppression. 

Religious composition 

Christianity is dominant in Romania, with approximately 81.9 percent of the population identifying with the Romanian Orthodox denomination. The other faiths follow in these percentages.; 

  • Protestants – 5.8 % 
  • Roman Catholic – 4.3% 
  • Greek Catholics – 0.7% 
  • Atheists and Agonists – 0.2%
  • Muslims, Judaists, and others 8%   

Political and economic stability

Romania runs on a parliamentary democracy with two legislative chambers. In 2021 the world bank assessed and reported Romania’s political stability and the absence of violence & Terrorism at 62.26%. 

According to the European Union’s official website, Romania’s economy might slow down, with its GDP at roughly 2 percent, probably until the end of 2024. This is mainly due to high inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the tight financial conditions caused by myriad other factors. Inflation is forecast to remain high in 2023 before easing in 2024. 

Here is a quick summary:

  • Through the forecast period (2022-2024), unemployment will play at 5-6% 
  • The government deficit is expected to fall gradually to 4.8% in 2024, driven by improved revenues and a reduction of current expenditure.
  • The debt –to –GDP ratio is projected at 47.6% in 2024. 

Overall, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is set to grow by 

  • 5.8% in 2022
  • 1.8 % in 2023 
  • 2.2% in 2024. 

Language and language barriers 

Romanian is the country’s official language and is spoken by over 89% of the population. Other common languages are English (29%), Hungarian (7%), German, French (24%), Turkish (0.1%), Tatar, Bulgarian, Serbian, Slovak, and Croatian 

Romania’s English proficiency is impressively high. Globally It ranks 17 out of 111 countries and 15 out of 35 in Europe. This effectively eliminates the prospects of a language barrier for a digital nomad staying in Timisoara. 

Healthcare

The Romanian public health sector plays a bigger role in providing healthcare services than the private sector. Apparently, the government owns the majority of hospitals through which it provides universal health coverage to almost every citizen. Only foreign nationals with a residence permit are entitled to national health coverage as established by law. Moreover, foreign citizens under the following categories are privileged to access free health insurance:

  • Those under 18 years 
  • 18-26-year-old students without an income 
  • Those certified as persons living with a disability
  • Pregnant women with an unstable source of income
  • Co-insured couple without a source of income  

Reliable hospitals in Timisoara 

  • Medici’s Hospital  
    Street address- Strada Ciprian Porumbescu 9, Timișoara 300236, Romania 
  • Emergency Room
    Street Address: Str. Dr. Ioan Mureșan 110, Timișoara, Romania. 

Common infectious diseases

A report on the UK government website marks the incidence of Tuberculosis in Romania as “high,” being approximately 40-499 cases in 100,000. It also pins a red flag on Hepatitis B and C, marking them as intermediate and high incidence, respectively. Therefore, before traveling to Romania, ensure to get immunized against these and other diseases, including;

  • Flu (influenza)
  • Polio
  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Shingles
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Tick-borne Encephalitis  
  • COVID-19 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given Romania a clean bill of health regarding the dog rabies virus. However, the virus may still be found in wildlife species like bats. Therefore, the CDC recommends only select professionals working directly with animals to take the rabies jab before traveling. They include; 

  • Lab workers handling species from Mammalian species 
  • Field biologists 
  • Animal handlers 
  • Veterinarians 

Electronic standards  

Romania is associated with two plug types, i.e., type C and F. Plug F has 2 round pins with 2 earth clips on the sides, while plug C only has 2 round pins. The country runs on 230 V (supply voltage) and 50Hz.

Telephone and internet plans 

The Romanian telecom market is growing fast, with the country’s four leading mobile service providers collectively having over 27 million connections. These are, 

  • Vodafone
  • Telecom
  • Orange
  • Digi Mobil 

A recent mobile network experience report by Open Signal reveals Orange telecom in the lead after scooping the most awards in the following categories;  

  1. Upload speed experience
  2. Download speed experience
  3. Video app experience 
  4. Video experience 
  5. 4G coverage experience

The cost of a prepaid SIM card depends on the service provider. For example, Telecom and Orange sell theirs at approximately $ 6, while Vodafone gives it for about $7. A Digi SIM card is slightly cheaper, going for roughly $5. However, some service providers give you a free SIM card if you top up immediately. 

There is a lot of free Wi-Fi, but if you are off the Wi-Fi range, Mobile data will cost you as little as $0.02 per megabyte, while outgoing calls average at $0.49 per minute.  

Payment services infrastructure 

Romania ranks among the largest e-commerce markets in Eastern and Central Europe, which is why cards and other forms of contactless payments are popular. Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express are widely used, with digital wallets also making an aggressive entry. Some Romanians still prefer fiat payments despite the momentous shift toward digital payment. 

Currencies and exchange rates  

The Romanian Leu is the country’s official currency. As of mid-December 2022, 1 Leu is equivalent to USD 0.21. 

Climate and seasons

Several reasons make Timisoara a city worth vacationing in. The city has a lot to offer, from its varied natural wonders and a blend of architectural styles to charming local traditions. Nonetheless, knowing the right time to visit would help you make the most of your time in Romania’s third-largest city. Here is the annual weather cycle;

  • Spring begins from March to May.
  • Summer takes over from June to August. It’s usually dry and hot
  • Autumn runs from September to November, featuring the rains
  • Winter completes the cycle from December to February. The cold is quite harsh, usually characterized by frequent snowfall. 

Interestingly, there is something positive about each season here. For example, you may do sightseeing in May and bask under the sun on the beaches in August. Being a rainy season, you may indulge in indoor activities like reading, watching your favorite movies, or, better still, completing your projects in September. December is snowy, so you take advantage of the weather to learn skiing or another snow-related activity. 

Popular Cuisine

Romanian cuisine is a curious blend of dishes from different traditions with which it has interacted. There are conspicuous elements of Turkish dishes and culinary traits originating from Eastern and Central Europe. Some must-taste foods in Timisoara include;  

Ciorbă de burta (tripe soup)

The main ingredient in this recipe is beef tripe. It is boiled for several hours, after which hot peppers, bell peppers, carrots, parsley and celery, and garlic are introduced to crown it with flavor. It is very aromatic

Fiesole cu carnati 

This mouthwatering Romanian stew comprises either sausage and beans or pork and beans. Some vary the ingredients by replacing sausages with smoked meat. The army usually prepares and serves for free during the December 1 National Day celebrations in Alba Iulia and Bucharest.  

Fifty

This traditional meat aspic is prepared with meat parts, preferably chicken or pork. It is boiled along with chopped vegetables, carrots, bay leaves, garlic, and other ingredients. 

The list of Romanian dishes is lengthy. Therefore, you will discover many more recipes as you pop into eating joints and interact with locals. Other finger-licking foods you may sample are, Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls), Lahnie, Tochitură Moldovenească, Salată de boeuf, and many more. 

Tax requirements on digital nomads 

According to an article published by Enescu & Cuc law firm, Digital nomads holding the Romania digital nomad visa are under no obligation to pay taxes because of the foreign nature of their business activities

Common concerns

Timisoara is a great city, but as the saying goes, “there are two sides to every coin .”Some of the concerns raised by visitors to the city include the following;

  • Air pollution 
  • Noise pollution
  • Crazy traffic 
  • A limited number of English-only schools

Apart from these, it is a wonderful, nomad-friendly destination anyone would want to return to, even in the company of a friend.

Club Swan Disclaimer: The information provided is not tax and/or legal advice. The statements do not constitute legally binding offers. The company does not guarantee or endorse any third-party links, websites, or goods and/or services. Seek your own professional advice.
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