Romania; best known
for Transylvania, the legendary home of Count Dracula, Romania
is steeped in history, myth and folklore.
Romania, Bordered by the Black Sea (which is being called “The
Next Riviera”) and the Danube River, with the Transylvanian
Alps and Carpathian Mountains nestled in the center of the country,
Romania has long stretches of seacoast, mountains, forests, medieval
villages and gothic castles galore, giving it all the makings
of a fairytale setting.
French is the most widely spoken second language, and English
is spoken by many of the younger generation.
Romania is the next country for the adventure seeking but budget-conscious
North American and European retirees; the real estate prices are
some of the lowest in all Europe and the cost of living is related
to that.
Below you find a list of standard everyday
expenditures in Transylvania.
All prices are in euros and approximate.
Rental Accommodation (These are town prices.
Village prices would be less expensive)
Studio apartment - 100/150 € per month
One-bedroom apartment - 150/250 € per month
Two-bedroom apartment - 200/400 € per month
House - 200/500 € per month
Utilities (Based on a rented one-bed apartment)
Electricity - 15 € per month (no heating)
Gas - 45 € per month (including central heating)
Water - 6 € per month
TV/Internet/Telephone
TV - 9 € per month (cable)
Internet (24 hour connection) - 13 € per month (cable)
Telephone (average use) - 40 € per month (cable)
Cigarettes
Between 1.30 and 1.60 € per pack
Alcohol
Vodka - 7 € per bottle
Brandy - 7 € per bottle
Red Wine - 6 € per bottle
Beer - € pe bottle
Basic Foods (These are based on supermarket prices. Local markets
offer better value)
Bread - 0.30 € per loaf
Milk - 0.70 € per liter
Eggs - 0.80 € per dozen
Beef - 3.5 € per kilo
Chicken - 3.8 € per kilo
Pork - 3 € per kilo
Eating Out/Take-Away
A 3-course meal for two with alcohol is approximately 20 euros
Pizza - 3 euros
Travel
Trains are inexpensive (always travel first-class). Trains are
usually on time. If possible, take drinks and food with you and
guard your belongings carefully - never leave them in the compartment!
On the IC trains, there is usually a good restaurant car. Take
a list of the intermediary stops so you get off at the right station,
as sign posting is not that clear in Romania.
Coaches are very inexpensive, but they tend to be uncomfortable
with no toilets etc. Good for short trips. They tend to stop every
two hours.
|
