Knowing whether Bucharest is safe for remote workers is an extremely important consideration for anyone looking to visit Romania’s capital. The number of remote workers and digital nomads already here however, serve as a testament to the city’s safety and accessibility for all. Bucharest has a good, developing security infrastructure and local authorities are usually helpful to tourists and visitors in need of assistance.
Of course, as with any major city, it will be important to keep your wits about you and practice the usual precautions one would employ when staying in a major city.
By far, the most common form of crime in Bucharest and the one most likely to affect visitors is petty theft - pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, in particular. To avoid becoming a victim of these crimes, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and always have them as close to your person as possible. If you carry cash, make sure to keep it hidden and in separate spaces by using a money belt. Bag-snatchers are also more likely to strike if you look distracted or lost, so make sure to always be alert and avoid using headphones when walking along busy streets.
Despite the fact Bucharest is safe for remote workers, scams do tend to occur regularly in the city. Always remember it is not a good idea to exchange money on the street and opt for banks or legitimate exchanges, instead. In line with this, also make sure you use ATMs located inside banks instead of those on sidewalks as this can make you the victim of credit card and identity theft.
Overpricing in restaurants, bars and by street vendors can also be common and it is recommended to avoid places without prices on the menu and to firmly establish prices with street vendors before accepting goods.
Public transport in Bucharest is safe for remote workers, too. With such an extensive network and so much to see around the city’s different neighborhoods, remote workers here will certainly make good use of the public transport system. Indeed, it is generally safe and reliable, although pick-pocketing and bag-snatching do occur on occasion. In general, it is a good idea to keep your belongings close to you and to be particularly vigilant during busier periods on the network.
On long-haul train journeys you should also keep an eye on your things to avoid being robbed while you sleep or if you are distracted. Taxis in the city are also plentiful but if you hail one in the street, make sure its meter is running to avoid being overcharged. It's best to use Uber or a taxi app such as Star Taxi.
Bucharest is also safe for remote workers traveling solo. As long as you follow general advice on keeping safe in a big city, it is unlikely you will face any incidents here. Violent crime, terrorism and social unrest are extremely rare in the city, and you will cherish the laid-back nature of life here. Of course, if you are a solo female traveler you might want to avoid walking alone around areas away from the city center, and to use Ubers when traveling at night. Equally, LGBTQ+ remote workers in Bucharest should be aware that, while homosexuality is legal in Romania, discrimination and prejudice outside of the city center does exist.
For more information about living in Bucharest as a remote worker, check out our complete Bucharest guide.