Might move from Istanbul to Bucharest for work… good idea or mistake?
Posted by LevelOk8516@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Might move to Bucharest for work, not sure how to feel about it
Hey everyone, I’m currently living in Istanbul and there’s a chance I might move to Bucharest for a job. It would be a solid step up for me career-wise (internal move, hybrid), so I’m seriously considering it, but I feel quite unsure.
I’ve also been wanting to move somewhere in Europe for a while, which is part of why this opportunity is appealing. At the same time, I’m not sure if Romania is the right fit, especially since it’s not in the eurozone.
I’ve been doing some research and the opinions seem really mixed. Some people say it’s a great city and totally worth it, while others mention things that make me hesitate.
I think my main concerns are around infrastructure, cleanliness, safety, healthcare, and just overall quality of life compared to Istanbul. It’s hard to tell what’s exaggerated and what’s actually true.
I also don’t know my salary yet, which probably makes a big difference in how good the experience would be. (Any baselines will be good, in cybersecurity for 5 years)
For context: I’ve lived in Istanbul for 20+ years, and also spent some time in Amsterdam, Germany, and Budapest, all of which I really enjoyed.
I’m not too into nightlife or partying. I care more about cafés, parks, nature, fitness, culture, and having a good everyday lifestyle. I like cities that are walkable and have a nice vibe, especially in the summer. That mix of Balkan + European feel is something I really enjoy.
Would really appreciate honest experiences especially from people who’ve lived there. What does daily life actually feel like?
Archaeopteryx111@reddit
Bucharest is very safe; crime is much lower than in Istanbul. Infrastructure is improving rapidly, due to EU funding. Quality of life is high by Eastern European standards. Why don’t you go visit it and see whether you like it?
No-Specialist5122@reddit
Lived in Romania for a 9 months and I would say hell yeah why not? In Bucharest, you can both feel balkanic and european vibes at the same time. For socialising, it might be difficult for you if you are not extrovert person and easily make friend. Lastly and most importantly for me, Romania in schengen area which means you can feel free to travel wherever you want. City is cheap compared to Istanbul but salary is low as well.
Archaeopteryx111@reddit
I think salaries in Bucharest are higher than in Istanbul these days.
YngwieMainstream@reddit
Hey man, go to Germany or Switzerland, be with your kind.
Substratas@reddit
You thought you ate with this comment. 🙄
YngwieMainstream@reddit
You are with your kind, aren't you? Why shouldn't he be with his.
Super-Owl2829@reddit
Man don't worry just one of us will not conquer your country (Again).
LevelOk8516@reddit (OP)
What is my kind :D, exactly what I want to know if I fit in or not and why?
YngwieMainstream@reddit
If you are a highly skilled professional, go to Ireland. Otherwise there's nothing good for you here. I am assuming you don't want to be a currier, driver or to slice shaormas.
Substratas@reddit
As opposed to a beggar jingling coins inside a papercup at LIDL’s entrance?
Substratas@reddit
u/YngwieMainstream this anytime over the rattle sound coming from the papercups.
AskBalkans-ModTeam@reddit
Greetings,
Your post/comment was removed because it breaks Rule 6 of r/AskBalkans "No trolling or baiting".
Lighthearted questions and comments are allowed within reason*. Posts or comments that are more controversial and could be considered outright trolling (posting inflammatory and/or offensive content) or baiting (posting provocative messages aiming to elicit angry responses out of other users) will be removed, and repeat offenders banned.
*Mod discretion applies (check wiki page)
YngwieMainstream@reddit
An ambulance that's not on fire? Quick, call the swedish (lol) -albanian to enhance the culture.
AskBalkans-ModTeam@reddit
Greetings,
Your post/comment was removed because it breaks Rule 6 of r/AskBalkans "No trolling or baiting".
Lighthearted questions and comments are allowed within reason*. Posts or comments that are more controversial and could be considered outright trolling (posting inflammatory and/or offensive content) or baiting (posting provocative messages aiming to elicit angry responses out of other users) will be removed, and repeat offenders banned.
*Mod discretion applies (check wiki page)
AskBalkans-ModTeam@reddit
Greetings,
Your post/comment was removed because it breaks Rule 6 of r/AskBalkans "No trolling or baiting".
Lighthearted questions and comments are allowed within reason*. Posts or comments that are more controversial and could be considered outright trolling (posting inflammatory and/or offensive content) or baiting (posting provocative messages aiming to elicit angry responses out of other users) will be removed, and repeat offenders banned.
*Mod discretion applies (check wiki page)
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
AskBalkans-ModTeam@reddit
Greetings,
Your post/comment was removed because it breaks Rule 6 of r/AskBalkans "No trolling or baiting".
Lighthearted questions and comments are allowed within reason*. Posts or comments that are more controversial and could be considered outright trolling (posting inflammatory and/or offensive content) or baiting (posting provocative messages aiming to elicit angry responses out of other users) will be removed, and repeat offenders banned.
*Mod discretion applies (check wiki page)
LevelOk8516@reddit (OP)
I will have the job in my company they will relocate me to Romania.
Realistic-Ad-4372@reddit
Bro... You're getting trolled...
YngwieMainstream@reddit
So highly skilled professional then. Arcelik? Drones? What?
YngwieMainstream@reddit
Turks. Or maybe you are Armenian. Then I would recommend Los Angeles
LevelOk8516@reddit (OP)
I am Turk and I would consider myself a highly skilled cybersecurity professional (good roles, certs, masters etc.) but still Romania is on the table and will be offered to me, any other country I have to convince a company to give me a visa, and from experince its really hard to do without a big salary cut
YngwieMainstream@reddit
Ireland bro, what's to think about. Everyone is going there, even the westerners.
retzulian@reddit
Bucharest is a big ass concrete and barely breathable during summer(as is Istanbul I suppose) That said, the city is big enough to offer pretty much what you want. You have big parks, caffes, museum, all sorts of street festivals etc. The people are nice, but in true balkan fashion they will not greet you with a smile most of the times. You need to have initiative, but in a few minutes they will light up to you. I personally dislike it cuz it has all the problems a big city has. Huge traffic, hard to get from point A to B etc and it is uglier than most big ones. It still have it's beauty and charm but you gotta explore some more for this. It is no Istanbul for sure.
Don't listen to the lil cucks around here, romanians are welcoming people and bucharest especially since it is more aligned to western values. I think the city has what you require even if it has it's own problems and even if you dislike, you are a big and important sector and I am sure you can find a different job.
Good luck mate!
st4lk33r@reddit
I visited Budapest after a couple months later visit Turkey. My route, Western Germany, Amsterdam, Brussel, Barcelona, Venice and Budapest. When i go to Aldi, i assumed prices closer the Germany, bu my mind blown away. Budapest way expensive than Turkey even all of them. Beautiful city, beautiful people but i think living in Turkey way easier than Hungary.
If you go there, visit Veli Bej bath, and Turkiz Restaurant, Turkiz has epic place and epic meals :)
LevelOk8516@reddit (OP)
From my research Budapest is around 20-30 percent cheaper than Istanbul but salary is a big thing that will make me decide. Thanks for the advices even if I dont move there its my next visit with this much research tbh.
st4lk33r@reddit
I'm sorry, i read Bucharest as Budapest sorry :)
Bucharest is relatively more balanced, some companies have production facilities there, and the region has growing potential. The only problem I encountered there was with the passport officer. I can’t say city was excellent, but it wasn’t terrible either.
Latter-Explorer-5301@reddit
go save yourself
inflamesc@reddit
Im not gonna say its big mistake, but its a mistake. Corrupted country, highest inflation rate in european union. Cant even keep up with Bulgaria. Taxes are raising everyday like Turkiye. The number of parliament members are too high comparing to other european countries therefore most of the taxes are spent on public employment and politicians. Infrastructure remains from 1990s. There are even problems public transportation.
Its not going to be pleasant. If you have a chance go other part of the europe. Not romania.
LevelOk8516@reddit (OP)
For now there is no other country that is ready but everything you said is Turkiye, but in the European Union, so I am still thinking it's a move up, assuming the offer has a good salary.
inflamesc@reddit
Yes everything about corruption similar to Turkiye of course much smaller scale. But still puts big weight on peoples shoulders. And politicians really dont care. The infrastructure wouldnt even develop at slightest if it wasnt for eu funds.
If you have family anything less than 3000 euro will be at the limit. If youre single then its good money.