Sending Money Home: Best Remittance Options for Drivers

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania can be an exciting step for professional drivers who want steady work, European routes, and a lower cost of living without giving up competitive pay. But there is another priority that sits right alongside your job search: how to move your money efficiently. If you are supporting family back home, every euro or leu saved on fees and exchange rates matters. Choosing the right remittance method can put real money back in your pocket each month.

This guide blends two critical goals for drivers considering Romania: getting set up for success on the road and sending money home in the most cost-effective, secure way possible. You will find:

A clear overview of the Romanian transport job market and in-demand roles for C, CE, and D license holders
Step-by-step legal requirements for work permits, visas, and residence
How to validate or convert your driving credentials, including CPC and ADR
Realistic salary ranges, benefits, and how pay is structured for Romanian and international routes
Cost of living insights for Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi
Cultural integration tips to help you fit into the workplace fast
Most importantly, a deep dive into the best ways to send money home from Romania, comparing bank transfers, money transfer apps, cash pickup, mobile wallets, and more

Whether you want to drive domestic routes, join a Western Europe haul rotation, or move into delivery or passenger transport, this guide gives you the tools to plan your finances and your career.

Why Romania?

Romania is an EU member with a growing logistics sector, improving road infrastructure, and persistent demand for professional drivers. It offers a practical balance of EU employment standards and a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe.

Key reasons drivers choose Romania:

EU membership: Work standards align with EU rules on working time, rest, and tachographs. Romania is in the EU and SEPA area, which supports standardized euro transfers, even though the local currency is RON.
Driver demand: Logistics and e-commerce growth keep transport companies hiring. International trucking and last-mile delivery are both expanding.
Lower cost of living: Housing, food, and local transport are generally cheaper than in Western Europe, while driver pay can be competitive, especially for international routes.
Strategic location: Romania connects Eastern and Central Europe, with major corridors to Hungary, Bulgaria, and beyond. Many companies base international fleets here.
Quality of life: A mix of modern cities, nature, and a friendly culture. English is increasingly common in the workplace, especially in logistics.

Job Market Overview

Professional drivers in Romania are employed across several segments:

International trucking (CE): Long-haul routes to Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Central Europe. Rotational schedules are common, such as 4 to 6 weeks on, followed by home leave.
Domestic trucking (C/CE): Distribution between Romanian cities, FMCG delivery, and regional logistics.
ADR hazardous goods: Tanker and dangerous goods transport for drivers with ADR certification.
Urban and regional bus (D): Municipal bus operators in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, as well as intercity and tourism routes.
Last-mile delivery and courier: Vans and light trucks for e-commerce and parcel services.

Representative employers and sectors in Romania:

Logistics and trucking: DB Schenker Romania, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, DHL, Aquila, Dumagas, International Alexander, and numerous mid-size Romanian fleet operators
Courier and delivery: Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus, and DHL Express partners
Passenger transport: STB (Bucharest), CTP Cluj-Napoca, and regional bus companies; intercity services and tourism operators

Where to find jobs:

Job portals: eJobs, BestJobs, Hipo, and LinkedIn
Direct company careers pages
Recruitment agencies specializing in logistics and transport
Driver forums and expat communities in Romania

Legal Requirements (Work Permits and Visas for Global Citizens)

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you typically need a work permit and a long-stay visa to work legally in Romania. The process is employer-driven, but you must prepare documents and follow each step carefully.

Step 1: Secure a job offer

Romanian employers usually initiate the work permit process.
They must show that they could not find a suitable candidate locally and are authorized to hire non-EU workers.

Step 2: Employer applies for your work permit

The employer applies through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Documents often include your passport copy, CV, proof of qualifications, police clearance, medical certificate, and the signed job offer or contract.
Processing can take around 30 days, sometimes longer.

Step 3: Apply for a long-stay D visa for employment

With your work permit approved, apply for the D visa at the Romanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
You will typically submit: passport, work permit approval, employment contract, proof of accommodation, criminal record check, medical insurance, and visa fees.
Once granted, travel to Romania within the visa validity period.

Step 4: Residence permit after arrival

Within 90 days of entry, apply for a residence permit with IGI in Romania.
Submit the employment contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, passport, and other required documents.
The residence permit allows you to live and work in Romania for the contract duration.

Important notes:

Keep copies of all documents and translations. Certified translations may be required.
The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled professions and is usually not the route for drivers.
Always verify current requirements on official Romanian government websites or with your employer and embassy.

Certification and License Recognition

Recognition of your driving credentials depends on where they were issued.

EU or EEA license holders: Your license is recognized across the EU. If you are resident in Romania, you can continue using your license until it expires or exchange it for a Romanian license. EU CPC (Code 95) is recognized if valid.
Non-EU license holders: If you become a resident in Romania, you will likely need to exchange your license for a Romanian one. Some countries have agreements that allow exchange without testing; others require theory and practical exams. Confirm with the Romanian Driving License Authority in your county.

Professional requirements:

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): For EU professional driving, you must hold valid CPC. If your CPC is non-EU, you may need to obtain the EU version in Romania. Periodic training is 35 hours every 5 years. The Code 95 marking will appear on your license.
Digital tachograph card: Issued in Romania by the appropriate authority for residents. You need this to legally operate tachograph-equipped trucks and buses.
ADR certification: For hazardous goods transport. Training is provided by approved centers in Romania, and you will pass an exam to obtain the certificate. ADR is recognized EU-wide.
Medical and psychological checks: Required for professional drivers in Romania. Your employer will guide you through approved clinics.

Tips:

Bring original training certificates, translated and legalized if needed.
If you plan to take CPC or ADR in Romania, schedule early to avoid delays in starting work.
Ask your employer whether they reimburse training fees or provide in-house training sessions.

Salary and Benefits

Pay varies by role, route type, experience, and employer. The figures below are typical ranges to help with planning. Actual offers may differ.

Truck drivers (C/CE):

Domestic routes: Approximately 3,500 to 6,500 RON net per month (about 700 to 1,300 EUR), depending on region and experience.
International routes: Often structured as a base salary in RON plus daily allowances while abroad. Monthly take-home can range from about 1,500 to 2,800 EUR equivalent when including allowances. Variations depend on the rotation, destination countries, and employer policy.

Bus drivers (D):

Municipal operators: Roughly 3,000 to 5,500 RON net per month (about 600 to 1,100 EUR), with overtime opportunities.
Intercity and tourism routes: Potentially higher during peak season; pay depends on company and route length.

Delivery drivers and couriers:

Van and light truck roles: Usually 3,000 to 5,000 RON net per month (about 600 to 1,000 EUR), with performance bonuses in some companies.

Common benefits:

Per diem allowances for international trips
Overtime pay and night shift bonuses
Paid leave and sick leave according to Romanian labor law
Medical check coverage, work gear, and training cost support
Accident and health insurance policies, depending on employer

Taxes and social contributions:

Income tax in Romania is a flat rate of 10% for salaries. Social contributions apply and are typically withheld by the employer.
Your employer will handle payroll taxes. Ask for a monthly payslip breakdown to understand base pay versus allowances.

Cost of Living in Romania

Romania offers a lower cost of living compared to Western EU countries, but prices vary by city.

Housing (monthly rent for a modest 1-bedroom apartment):

Bucharest: 400 to 700 EUR (about 2,000 to 3,500 RON)
Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 600 EUR (about 1,750 to 3,000 RON)
Timisoara: 300 to 500 EUR (about 1,500 to 2,500 RON)
Iasi: 300 to 450 EUR (about 1,500 to 2,250 RON)

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet):

80 to 150 EUR per month, depending on the season and apartment size

Transport:

Public transport monthly pass: 15 to 25 EUR in major cities
Fuel: Prices fluctuate; plan around mid-range EU prices per liter

Groceries and daily expenses:

A modest monthly grocery budget for one person can be 150 to 250 EUR
Mobile plan with data: 7 to 15 EUR per month

Saving opportunities for drivers:

Choose city outskirts or shared apartments for lower rent
Cook at home and shop at supermarkets and local markets
Use monthly passes for public transport when off-duty

Cultural Integration

Romanian workplaces value punctuality, reliability, and straightforward communication. You will find a practical culture that appreciates people who keep commitments and drive safely.

Language basics:

Romanian is the official language. Many dispatchers and logistics staff speak English, but learning basic Romanian will help with day-to-day tasks, road interactions, and service stations.
Useful phrases: Buna ziua (good day), Multumesc (thank you), Va rog (please), Dreapta (right), Stanga (left), Statie (station), Factura (invoice)

Workplace culture tips:

Be on time for starts, loading windows, and restarts
Keep your paperwork organized and clean
Respect rest periods and safety protocols
Ask for clarification when unsure; colleagues appreciate proactive communication

Community and lifestyle:

Romania is friendly and family-oriented
Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer cafes, parks, and growing international communities
Join expat groups and driver forums for advice, carpools, and social events

Practical Steps to Relocate

Research employers and roles
- Decide between domestic, regional, or international routes
- Shortlist companies and check for driver reviews
Prepare your documents
- Valid passport, CV, driving license(s), translations, police clearance, medical certificate, training certificates (CPC, ADR), and reference letters
Get a job offer
- Clarify pay structure, rotation schedule, training support, and who pays for visa and relocation costs
Employer applies for your work permit
- Provide requested documents quickly to avoid delays
Apply for your D visa at the embassy
- Book your visa appointment and gather originals and copies
Travel to Romania and complete onboarding
- Sign employment contract, register with authorities, and start residence permit application
Arrange housing and local bank account
- Ask HR or colleagues for areas with good transport links and driver-friendly landlords
Set up your financial plan
- Choose your remittance method, budgeting app, and separate savings for emergencies
Complete any required training
- CPC periodic training, tachograph card, ADR if needed
Start your route and review after 90 days

Evaluate your earnings, costs, and remittance fees, and optimize where needed

EU Driving Regulations and Romanian Road Laws

Understanding the rules keeps you safe and protects your earnings from fines or downtime.

Key EU rules for professional drivers:

Driving time: Maximum 9 hours per day, with two days per week allowed at 10 hours
Weekly limit: 56 hours driving per week, and 90 hours over two consecutive weeks
Breaks: At least 45 minutes break after 4.5 hours driving, which can be split 15 + 30 minutes
Daily rest: Normally 11 hours, can be reduced to 9 hours a limited number of times
Weekly rest: Regular weekly rest of 45 hours; reduced rest allowed with compensation
Tachograph: Proper use is mandatory. Keep records and understand manual entries

Romanian road and toll rules:

Driving side: Right-hand side of the road
Rovinieta: Road vignette required for national roads and motorways. Purchase online or at gas stations
Additional tolls: Some bridges and specific road sections have extra tolls; pay at booths, online, or designated kiosks
Winter driving: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow or ice. Snow chains may be required on mountain routes when indicated
Speed limits: Follow posted limits; common limits are 50 km/h in cities unless otherwise posted, higher on national roads and motorways
Alcohol and safety: Strict drink-driving limits and seatbelt enforcement

Working time directive:

Average weekly working time should not exceed 48 hours, calculated over a reference period
Working time includes driving and other duties like loading and paperwork

Sending Money Home From Romania: Best Remittance Options for Drivers

When your pay starts arriving, you need a reliable, low-cost remittance plan. Romania uses RON, but many drivers are paid partly in EUR for international work. Your approach will depend on your salary currency, destination country, and whether your family needs bank deposits, mobile wallet funds, or cash pickup.

Step 1: Set Up Your Romanian Banking and Payment Tools

Local bank account: Open a current account in RON, and optionally EUR. Major banks include Banca Transilvania, BCR, BRD, ING Romania, Raiffeisen, and UniCredit. Requirements vary, but a passport, residence permit, and proof of address are common. Some banks can open non-resident accounts, but benefits improve with residence
Multi-currency apps: Consider Wise, Revolut, and similar services. These apps let you hold RON and EUR, convert at competitive rates, and send to many countries, often cheaper than banks
Payroll options: Ask your employer whether they pay in RON, EUR, or split. If they can pay part of your salary in EUR, SEPA transfers within the EU can be fast and low cost

Step 2: Understand Total Cost of a Transfer

Focus on the total amount your family receives, not only the fee advertised.

Fee: Fixed or percentage charge per transfer
Exchange rate margin: The mark-up over the mid-market rate often costs more than the visible fee
Delivery method: Bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet can change the cost and speed
Transfer time: Urgent transfers may cost more

Rule of thumb: Compare providers on the same day for the same amount and destination. Small differences add up across a year of monthly transfers.

Step 3: Choose the Best Channel for Your Situation

Below is a practical comparison of common remittance channels used by drivers in Romania. Features and availability can change, so verify in-app before sending.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Strengths: Transparent fees, mid-market exchange rate, good for bank-to-bank transfers. Supports RON and EUR accounts and many destination countries
Best for: Regular transfers to bank accounts; larger amounts where exchange rate savings are significant
Speed: Often same day to 1-2 business days, depending on route

Revolut

Strengths: Multi-currency accounts, instant transfers between Revolut users, competitive FX on weekdays, virtual and physical cards
Best for: Splitting income, holding EUR, and sending to Revolut users in supported countries; useful for budgeting with Vaults and analytics
Speed: Instant to Revolut users; bank transfer speed varies by country

Remitly

Strengths: Cash pickup networks and mobile wallet payouts, economy or express options
Best for: Family who need cash pickup in countries like the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and many others
Speed: Express can be minutes with a card payment; economy is cheaper but slower

Western Union and MoneyGram

Strengths: Extensive global cash pickup networks, even in rural areas
Best for: Emergency transfers or destinations with limited banking access
Cost: Often higher fees and wider FX margins than digital-first providers; compare before using
Speed: Minutes for cash pickup in many corridors

Bank transfers via SEPA or SWIFT

SEPA (EUR transfers within the EU/EEA): Low-cost or sometimes free, fast clearing. Works if both accounts are in EUR and within SEPA
SWIFT: For transfers outside the EU; fees can be higher and intermediary banks may deduct charges. Better for larger, less frequent transfers when you need bank-to-bank security

WorldRemit, XE, and other online providers

Strengths: Competitive FX and fees on many corridors, flexible delivery options
Best for: Non-EU destinations where SEPA is not applicable and when cash pickup or mobile money is needed

Choosing Based on Your Family's Needs

Family has a bank account and can wait 1-2 days: Wise or a SEPA transfer is usually most cost-effective
Family needs instant cash: Remitly express, Western Union, or MoneyGram for urgent pickup
Family uses mobile wallets: Services that deposit to M-Pesa, GCash, Paytm, or similar
You and family both use the same app: Revolut to Revolut may be instant and low-cost in supported countries

Real-World Scenarios

Sending to the EU: If your spouse has a euro account in another EU country, ask to be paid part of your salary in EUR, hold it in EUR, and use a SEPA transfer. This minimizes FX costs
Sending to non-EU countries: Convert RON or EUR to your home currency using Wise or a similar app with a transparent rate, then deliver to a bank account or cash pickup
Small weekly transfers: Use an app with low minimum fees; schedule transfers on the same weekday to keep habits and track totals
Large quarterly transfers: For a house project or tuition, compare rates the week before. A small improvement in the exchange rate can add up to significant savings

How Currency Choice Affects Cost

Paid in RON but family needs USD or other currency: Convert RON to the target currency using a provider with a tight FX margin
Paid partly in EUR, family needs USD: Some providers have better EUR to USD rates than RON to USD; run both comparisons to choose the cheapest path
Avoid double conversions: Do not convert RON to EUR at a poor rate and then EUR to your home currency again. Go directly where possible

Practical Cost-Cutting Tips

Compare providers each month for your corridor and amount
Use SEPA for EUR within the EU
Send larger transfers less frequently to reduce per-transfer fees, if safe for your family's budget
Use weekday FX windows with better rates when your provider charges weekend markups
Avoid dynamic currency conversion when using cards abroad; always pay in local currency and let your app handle FX
Keep a small emergency balance in your family's home country account to avoid costly express transfers

Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

KYC and AML checks: Providers must verify identity and may request proof of income or source of funds for larger transfers
Keep records: Save payslips, contracts, and transfer receipts. This helps if a transfer is flagged for review
Remittances are not taxed by Romania as transfers, but your wages are taxed via payroll. Check tax rules in your home country for any reporting obligations

Setting Up a Smooth Remittance Workflow

Open a Romanian bank account and a multi-currency app account
Ask payroll about currency options and payment dates
Decide fixed transfer dates aligned with payday
Create two transfers each month: one scheduled for family needs, one for savings or debt payments at home
Track rates and fees; switch providers if costs rise
Review quarterly: Are you meeting financial goals? Do you need to adjust amounts or frequency?

Common Challenges for New Drivers in Romania

Right-hand driving: If you come from a left-hand driving country, book practice sessions and take short city routes before long highway hauls
Winter conditions: Use winter tires and chains when required. Plan mountain routes in daylight where possible and monitor weather alerts
Toll systems: Buy the rovinieta in advance and keep proof. For bridges or special tolls, pay online or at authorized points. Ask your fleet manager about company procedures
EU working time directives: Respect driving hours and breaks. Learn your tachograph menus and manual entry rules
Paperwork: Keep hard copies of license, CPC card, ADR certificate, tachograph card, and employment documents in a safe folder

City Snapshots for Drivers

Bucharest: The biggest job market and busiest traffic. Good pay potential with large fleets and couriers. Higher rent but many room-share options
Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech and logistics presence. Less congested than Bucharest, with a growing expat community
Timisoara: Western gateway near Hungary and Serbia. Attractive for international routes and manufacturing logistics
Iasi: Academic hub with lower rents and increasing regional logistics jobs

Success Tips From Other Expat Drivers

Start with a company known for training and clear pay statements, even if the base rate is slightly lower
Get your tachograph card and CPC sorted early to avoid idle time
Use a dual-account strategy: local bank for salary and a multi-currency app for remittances
Ask for route preferences that match your experience, then expand to new regions after 3 months
Build a small emergency fund in both Romania and your home country
Keep your documents backed up digitally and on paper, including translations

Conclusion and Call to Action

Romania offers a practical path into the EU transport market with steady demand for skilled drivers, achievable living costs, and routes that can grow your income. With the right plan, you can move your money efficiently and keep more of what you earn working for your family and your future.

Your next steps:

Shortlist three employers and confirm their support for work permits and training
Prepare your documents, especially CPC, tachograph card plans, and ADR if applicable
Open a local bank account and a multi-currency app account as soon as you arrive
Pilot two remittance providers with small transfers, compare results, and then scale up with the cheaper option

Drive safely, plan smartly, and make every transfer count.

FAQ

1) What is the cheapest way to send money from Romania to my home country?

There is no single cheapest option for every corridor. For bank-to-bank transfers, Wise often has transparent, low-cost conversions. For EUR within the EU, SEPA transfers can be very cheap. For cash pickup or mobile wallets, Remitly, WorldRemit, or Western Union may fit your needs, but check total cost including exchange rate. Compare providers for your exact route and amount on the day you send.

2) Can I open a bank account in Romania as a non-EU citizen?

Yes, but requirements vary by bank. Many banks ask for a passport, residence permit, and proof of address. Some offer accounts for non-residents with additional checks. Your employer's HR department can recommend banks familiar with expat onboarding. Consider opening both RON and EUR accounts if your employer pays in EUR for international trips.

3) How long do international money transfers take from Romania?

SEPA transfers in EUR within the EU typically arrive within one business day. Wise and similar providers often deliver in hours to 1 to 2 business days, depending on the destination. Cash pickup services can be near-instant once funded. SWIFT transfers outside the EU may take 2 to 5 business days.

4) Are remittances taxed in Romania?

The transfer itself is not taxed. Your salary in Romania is taxed via payroll. Your home country may have reporting rules for money received, but most countries do not tax remittances as income for the recipient. Check your home country's rules for any forms or thresholds.

5) Do I need CPC and a tachograph card to drive in Romania?

Yes. To work as a professional driver on EU roads, you need a valid CPC (Code 95) and a digital tachograph card. If your CPC is from outside the EU, you may need to obtain EU-compliant CPC in Romania. Apply for your tachograph card after you have residence status.

6) How do I get ADR certification in Romania?

Enroll with an approved training center, complete the course, and pass the exam. ADR certification is recognized across the EU. Employers that operate tankers or dangerous goods routes often reimburse or co-fund ADR training for committed drivers.

7) What are typical salaries for international truck drivers in Romania?

International CE drivers commonly earn a base salary in RON plus daily allowances while abroad. Monthly take-home totals can range roughly from 1,500 to 2,800 EUR equivalent, depending on rotation length, destination countries, and company policy. Always request a written breakdown of base, allowances, and overtime.

8) How do Romanian road tolls work for trucks?

All vehicles using national roads need a rovinieta (vignette) valid for a specific period. Heavy vehicles have categories with different prices. Some bridges and road sections carry separate tolls. Buy the rovinieta online or at fuel stations, and keep proof. Ask your fleet manager about company accounts or reimbursement procedures.

9) Is winter driving in Romania difficult?

Conditions vary by region and season. Mountain passes and northern areas can see heavy snow and ice. Use winter tires when required, carry chains when signs indicate, reduce speed, and extend following distance. Check forecasts and allow extra time for braking and rest.

10) What if my family needs cash pickup instead of a bank deposit?

Choose a provider with a wide cash pickup network in your home country, such as Remitly, Western Union, MoneyGram, or WorldRemit. Compare the total cost. Cash pickup is fast but often more expensive than bank transfers. Consider maintaining a small emergency fund at home to minimize urgent express transfers.