Cultural Differences to Know Before Moving to Romania

Published on May 3, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Romania means immersing yourself in a country where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with European modernity. However, before packing your bags, it’s essential to understand certain key cultural nuances that can make all the difference in your daily experience.

From the importance of formal greetings to local customs around the table, every interaction becomes a learning opportunity. Knowing these subtleties will not only help you integrate more easily but also appreciate the richness of a sometimes overlooked culture that holds precious societal treasures.

Understanding Romanian Traditions

Romanian culture is rooted in a rich heritage of traditions and customs, present in daily life, holidays, family rituals, and artistic expressions.

Religious Practices and Orthodox Holidays

• Major Orthodox holidays like Easter mark the year. The midnight mass, blessing of foods, sharing of painted eggs and cozonac symbolize rebirth and family solidarity.
• Christmas traditions include going door-to-door singing “colinde,” strengthening community bonds.

Family Customs, Weddings, and Rites of Passage

• Family is central. Sunday meals bring together multiple generations, and children participate in rituals and celebrations from a young age.
• Weddings are marked by lavish ceremonies, dances (hora), songs, traditional costumes, and customs like the symbolic kidnapping of the bride.
• Rites of passage into adulthood, though more subdued today, persist in villages with blessing rituals and the transmission of values.

Folk Arts: Music, Dance, and Festivals

• Folk music and traditional dance (especially hora and călușari) are at the heart of festivities. Festivals like those in Sibiu or Maramureș celebrate these arts through performances, workshops, and craft markets.
• Embroidered costumes, weaving, and wood carving are passed down through generations, each motif or object telling a story unique to its region.

Romanian Hospitality

Hospitality is a defining trait: it’s common to spontaneously invite visitors to share a meal or coffee, even during a simple visit. In villages, offering bread and salt symbolizes welcome and goodwill.

Contemporary anecdote: During holidays, it’s not unusual to see neighbors dropping off traditional dishes for the elderly or isolated, perpetuating mutual aid and conviviality.

Regional Differences

Through these traditions, Romania asserts its identity, balancing respect for the past with adaptation to modernity, each region adding its own color to this cultural patchwork.

Good to know:

Romania celebrates National Day on December 1st with parades and cultural events, while Dragobete celebrates love on February 24th, an alternative to Valentine’s Day. Orthodox holidays, like Easter with its painted eggs, and folk music at weddings highlight Romanian hospitality, with each region having its own variations of traditions, such as colorful costumes in Maramureș or dances in Transylvania.

Social Norms to Master

Greeting Conventions in Romania

• A firm handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact, is the most common form and is considered a sign of respect, especially in first professional or social meetings.
• Kisses on the cheeks are reserved for close personal or family relationships; they generally do not apply in professional contexts.
• It is important to wait for the elder or the person in a higher hierarchical position to initiate the gesture (greeting, handshake).

Table Manners and Etiquette

• It is appreciated to arrive with a small gift for the host: flowers (in odd numbers), chocolate, wine, or local specialties.
• When toasting (“noroc”), raise your glass while briefly making eye contact with the other guests.
• It is customary to wait for the host to start eating before serving yourself.

Punctuality

In professional settings, punctuality is essential; arrive a few minutes early.

For informal social events (meals with friends), some flexibility exists, but it’s still best to avoid significant delays.

Eye Contact and Gestures

Direct eye contact indicates sincerity and respect; avoiding eye contact can be perceived as a lack of confidence.

Excessive gestures can be considered inappropriate: keep your hands visible but discreet on the table or resting on your lap during meetings.

Body Posture

Adopting an upright posture shows your engagement; slouching can be interpreted negatively.

Core Cultural Values

• Family is central, often extended to grandparents, uncles, and cousins. Important decisions are made through family consultation.
• Respect for elders is shown through honorific titles (“domnul” for Mr. / “doamna” for Mrs.) and by consulting them before any major decision.
• Social hierarchy is still marked at work: professional titles and ranks are strictly respected.

Hospitality & Modesty

Warm hospitality is an integral part of the Romanian way of life: it’s not uncommon for coffee/tea to be spontaneously offered even during an unannounced visit.

Modesty is expressed by restraint in talking about personal successes; avoid any ostentatious attitude that might make your interlocutor uncomfortable.

• Always say thank you after receiving something (“mulțumesc”).
• Avoid directly addressing sensitive topics like politics or religion unless invited to do so by your Romanian interlocutor.

Good to know:

In Romania, it’s important to greet with a firm handshake in professional contexts, while cheek kisses are common in social circles; meals are marked by frequent toasts and offering a gift to the host is well-regarded. Punctuality is valued and eye contact during conversations is crucial, and hierarchy and respect for elders are fundamental values to observe, while adopting a modest and hospitable attitude.

Tips to Avoid Cultural Faux Pas

Appropriate Greetings

• A firm handshake is the norm for formal or professional meetings. It is often accompanied by direct eye contact.
• Between close friends or family members, a light kiss on the cheek (usually once on each side) may be exchanged, especially between women or between a woman and a man.
• Polite phrases vary by time of day:
  • Bună dimineața (good morning)
  • Bună ziua (good afternoon)
  • Bună seara (good evening)
  • Noapte bună (good night)
• To show respect, Domnule (Sir/Mr.) or Doamnă (Madam/Mrs.) is often added after the greeting.
• Anecdote: During a first professional meeting, a handshake that is too limp can be perceived as a lack of confidence or respect.

Table Manners and Etiquette

• It is customary to bring a small gift when invited to friends’ homes, such as flowers (always in odd numbers) or a good bottle of wine.
• Wait for the host to start the meal or make a toast before touching the food.
• Toasts (“Noroc!” for “Cheers!”) are frequent, and it is polite to look other guests in the eye when clinking glasses.
• Concrete example: Arriving at friends’ without a small token can be frowned upon, while a simple box of chocolates is always appreciated.

Gestures to Avoid

• Never point your finger at someone; this gesture is considered rude.
• Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets during a formal conversation.
• Certain hand gestures, like showing the palm forward (similar to “stop”), can be perceived as offensive.
• Anecdote: A tourist who used the “stop” gesture to decline a proposal was misunderstood and made his interlocutor uncomfortable.

Punctuality and Appointments

• Punctuality is appreciated in professional contexts. Arriving late without notice can be considered a sign of disrespect.
• In a friendly setting, a slight delay (up to 15 minutes) is generally tolerated, but it’s still advisable to notify if you are running late.
• Example: During a job interview, being on time is a sign of seriousness.

Respecting Local Traditions and Participating in Festivities

• Taking part in traditional festivals, like Mărțișor (March 1st, where a small talisman is offered to celebrate spring), is a sign of integration and respect for the culture.
• During religious or family holidays (Christmas, Easter, weddings), it is appreciated to follow local customs, such as sharing traditional dishes.
• Example: Wearing a mărțișor or offering one to colleagues on March 1st creates a friendly atmosphere and strengthens bonds.

Conversation Topics to Approach Carefully

• Bringing up politics, recent history (the communist period), or certain national stereotypes can be delicate.
• It is best to wait for the topic to be introduced by a local interlocutor before giving your opinion.
• Discussions about family, gastronomy, culture, or sports are generally welcome.
• Anecdote: An expatriate who brought up local politics during a dinner noticed a sudden awkwardness among the guests.

Hierarchy and Professional Relationships

• Respect for hierarchy is important: use titles (Mr., Mrs., Doctor) until you are invited to use the informal “you” or first name.
• Taking the initiative to address a superior informally can be perceived as a lack of respect.
• During meetings, give priority to the oldest or highest-ranking individuals to speak.
• Concrete example: In a Romanian company, a young executive who directly addressed a director by his first name was corrected for a lack of formality.

In summary: A mix of courtesy, small gestures, respect for traditions, and caution in communication helps avoid most cultural misunderstandings in Romania.

Good to know:

In Romania, an appropriate greeting ranges from a firm handshake to a light kiss on the cheek, depending on the context; always offer flowers or wine when visiting friends and avoid pointing your finger to avoid offense. Be punctual for appointments, respect local traditions like Martisor, and approach sensitive topics such as politics or historical stereotypes with caution.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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