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Romania: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Romania
Business culture in Romania is generally formal during initial meetings, though relationships often become warmer and more personal over time. Handshakes are the standard greeting, and business cards are commonly exchanged.
Titles and professional positions are usually respected, particularly in traditional industries and government-related settings. Meetings may initially appear formal, but establishing personal trust and rapport is often considered important for long-term business relationships.
Punctuality is appreciated, especially in larger cities and international companies, although meetings do not always begin exactly on time. Dress standards tend to be smart and conservative in professional environments.
Romanian is the main business language, though English is widely used in international companies, tourism, technology and among younger professionals. French and German may also be encountered in some business sectors.
Business entertaining often takes place over meals or coffee, and hospitality can play an important role in relationship-building. Conversations may become more relaxed once formal introductions have been completed.
Romania has one of the largest economies in Central and Eastern Europe and has experienced significant economic growth since joining the European Union in 2007. The economy is diverse, with strong sectors in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, services and energy.
Industry remains an important part of the economy, particularly automotive manufacturing, machinery, electronics and chemicals. Romania has become a major production base for several international companies, especially in the automotive sector.
The services sector has expanded rapidly, particularly in information technology, telecommunications, finance and outsourcing. Cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara have developed growing technology and start-up sectors supported by a well-educated workforce.
Agriculture continues to play a significant role in rural regions, with products including wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, vegetables and wine. Romania also possesses important natural resources, including natural gas, oil, timber and hydroelectric potential.
Economic development remains uneven between regions. Bucharest and several major cities have seen rapid modernisation and rising living standards, while some rural areas continue to face lower incomes and outward migration.
Romania's economy is closely integrated with the European Union, which is its largest trading partner and main source of foreign investment.
Machinery and transport equipment, vehicles and automotive parts, electrical equipment, and textiles.
Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Keeping in Touch in Romania
Mobile phone coverage in Romania is generally good, particularly in cities, towns and along major roads and rail routes. Coverage in remote mountain regions and parts of the Danube Delta may be weaker, though service has improved considerably in many rural areas.
The main mobile network operators are Orange Romania, Vodafone Romania, Digi and Telekom Romania. Prepaid SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available at airports, supermarkets, convenience stores and mobile phone shops. A passport or official identification may be required for SIM card registration.
As Romania is a member of the European Union, EU roaming regulations apply. Visitors using SIM cards from other EU countries can generally use their phones in Romania without additional roaming charges, subject to their provider's fair usage policies.
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Romania in hotels, cafés, restaurants, shopping centres and public spaces, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. Internet speeds are generally very good, and Romania is known for having some of the fastest broadband connections in Europe.
Many cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi for customers, while accommodation providers usually include internet access as a standard service. Mobile data coverage is also generally reliable in urban areas.
Internet access may become less consistent in remote mountain villages and isolated rural regions, though connectivity continues to improve across much of the country.
Romania has a diverse media landscape consisting of television, radio, newspapers and digital news platforms. Romanian-language media dominate, though minority-language publications and international media are also available in some regions.
Television remains an important source of news and entertainment, with both public and private broadcasters operating nationally. International channels are widely available through cable and satellite services in hotels and private accommodations.
Online news websites and social media play an increasingly important role in daily life, particularly among younger generations. Romania generally has a lively and competitive media environment, though political influence over parts of the media sector is sometimes a subject of debate.
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