Cash Handling and Fraud Prevention for Drivers

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional driver is an exciting career move. Romania is one of the fastest-growing logistics markets in the European Union, with expanding road infrastructure, strong demand for licensed drivers, and competitive salaries relative to the cost of living. Yet the road to success is not only about driving skill, EU regulations, and route knowledge. It is also about staying safe and financially secure in your daily transactions.

Whether you are a long-haul truck driver handling cash-on-delivery (COD) payments, a courier collecting fees at the doorstep, or a bus driver taking fares, you will deal with money, fuel cards, toll receipts, and digital transactions. Cash handling and fraud prevention are critical skills that protect your earnings, your employer, and your legal standing in the EU. In Romania, you will encounter Romanian leu (RON) banknotes, increasingly common card payments, and specific local procedures for receipts, invoices, and tolls.

This comprehensive guide gives you practical, step-by-step advice for preventing payment fraud, spotting counterfeit cash, and managing company funds safely. It also walks you through the Romanian job market, legal requirements, license conversion and CPC, ADR certification, salary expectations, cost of living, and integration tips. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to relocate, secure a quality job, and operate safely and confidently on Romanian roads.

Why Romania?

Romania offers a strong combination of EU market access, solid wages for drivers, and a cost structure that allows your earnings to stretch further than in many Western EU countries.

• EU membership and market access:

  • Romania is part of the European Union, allowing qualified drivers to work with EU-compliant standards, technology, and protections. You can join international routes across Central and Western Europe, serving clients in Germany, Italy, France, Poland, and beyond.
  • Romania sits on key Pan-European corridors and hosts the Port of Constanta, a strategic Black Sea hub linking EU trade with Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

• Lower cost of living:

  • Compared with Western Europe, Romania offers more affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses. This helps drivers save more from their take-home pay.

• Growing demand for drivers:

  • Rapid growth in e-commerce, manufacturing, automotive parts, and retail distribution increases demand for C, CE, and D category drivers.
  • Domestic and cross-border logistics operators actively recruit licensed drivers, often supporting work permit processes for non-EU citizens.

• Quality of life:

  • Romanian cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer modern amenities, diverse food scenes, cultural events, and easy access to nature. Work-life balance is achievable, especially if you choose roles with predictable routes or city-based schedules.

Job Market Overview

Romania's transportation and logistics ecosystem covers international trucking, domestic distribution, dedicated shuttle routes for factories, city bus networks, intercity coaches, and last-mile deliveries.

• International trucking (CE category):

  • Roles involve EU-wide routes with multi-day or multi-week rotations. Drivers often earn a base salary in RON and daily allowances in EUR for days spent abroad.
  • Employers: H.Essers Romania, DB Schenker Romania, KLG Europe Romania, International Alexander, Aquila, DSV partners, and many medium-sized Romanian fleets based near Timisoara, Arad, Oradea, and Bucharest.

• Domestic trucking and regional distribution (C/CE category):

  • Routes cover national networks from hubs in Bucharest-Ilfov, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, supplying retail chains, factories, and warehouses.
  • Employers: Domestic carriers partnered with Carrefour, Kaufland, Lidl, Dedeman, and logistics providers servicing automotive plants.

• Courier and last-mile delivery (B/C category):

  • High-volume parcel delivery with COD handling, mobile POS usage, and route optimization.
  • Employers: Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DPD Romania, DHL Romania. Many roles are contractor-based, with vehicle provided or owned by the driver.

• Passenger transport (D category):

  • Urban bus operations offer regular schedules and predictable shifts. Intercity and international coach services demand hospitality and cash/card fare management.
  • Employers: STB (Bucharest), CTP Cluj-Napoca, STPT Timisoara, local municipal operators, and private carriers running intercity routes and EU coach services.

• Specialized freight (ADR hazardous goods):

  • Fuel tankers, chemicals, and medical supply routes require ADR certification and strict compliance culture. Wages are typically higher due to added responsibility.

Key takeaway: You can choose from stable city-based roles with set shifts or higher-earning international rotations. Each role demands different cash handling practices, from COD to company fuel cards and expense reconciliation.

Legal Requirements

If you are a Global citizen (non-EU/EEA/Swiss), you must secure legal authorization to work in Romania. The process involves a work permit, a visa, and a residence permit.

1. Employer-sponsored work permit

• Romanian employers typically initiate the work permit application with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
• Documents often required from you:
  • Valid passport (with adequate validity)
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country
  • Medical certificate stating fitness for employment
  • Proof of qualifications: driving license categories (C, CE, D), CPC, ADR where applicable
  • Employment contract or job offer
• Processing times vary but commonly range from 30 to 45 days after submitting complete documentation. Annual quotas apply to non-EU workers; reputable employers plan ahead.

1. Long-stay visa for employment (D/AM)

• Once the work permit is approved, you apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate or embassy.
• Bring your work permit, passport, proof of accommodation, travel health insurance, and any additional documents requested by the consulate.
• Visa processing may take 10 to 20 working days.

1. Residence permit in Romania

• After arriving in Romania, apply for a residence permit at IGI within the allowed timeframe on your visa. This permit allows you to live and work legally.
• You will need your employment contract, accommodation proof, health insurance, and biometric data.
• Typical validity aligns with your employment contract and can be renewed.

1. Registration with authorities and tax

• You may need a personal numeric code (CNP) for administrative processes.
• Ensure your employer registers you for social security contributions, health insurance, and taxes in Romania.

1. Compliance on the road

• Romania enforces EU driving time and rest rules (Regulation 561/2006) and tachograph requirements (Regulation 165/2014). The State Inspectorate for Road Transport Control (ISCTR) performs roadside checks.
• Keep your driver card, license, CPC proof, vehicle documents, and company authorization accessible at all times.

Important: Always verify the latest requirements with your employer, IGI, and the Romanian consulate, as procedures and quotas can change.

Certification & License Recognition

To work professionally in Romania, you must ensure your driving credentials are valid and recognized.

• License recognition and exchange

  • EU/EEA/Swiss licenses: Generally recognized without exchange. If you become a resident, exchanging to a Romanian license is optional but can be beneficial in the long term.
  • Non-EU licenses: If you become a Romanian resident, you typically need to exchange your license through the Romanian Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DRPCIV). Exchange feasibility depends on reciprocity with your country. For some countries, theoretical and practical exams may be required.
  • Documents: Passport, residence permit, original license, official translation (if needed), medical and psychological fitness certificates, photos, and application forms.

• CPC - Certificate of Professional Competence

  • EU requirement for professional drivers in categories C, CE, and D.
  • If you already have a valid EU CPC, it is typically recognized across the EU. Non-EU drivers may need to complete initial qualification or periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) in Romania to obtain the Romanian driver qualification card/attestation.
  • Romanian training and attestation are overseen by Autoritatea Rutiera Romana (ARR). Choose an authorized school to avoid delays.

• Digital tachograph driver card

  • Required for vehicles subject to tachograph rules. Apply in Romania once you have legal residence.
  • Issued by ARR upon application with identification, proof of residence, photos, and a fee. Processing can take 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Training on digital tachograph operation is highly recommended, covering downloads, printouts, manual entries, and compliance with cross-border rules.

• ADR certification

  • Mandatory for transporting dangerous goods. Romania recognizes ADR training from authorized centers and issues ADR certificates via ARR.
  • ADR increases job opportunities and pay, especially for fuel and chemical logistics.

• Medical and psychological exams

  • Professional drivers must pass periodic medical and psych evaluations conducted at authorized clinics. Keep certificates current to avoid penalties.

Tip: Begin your exchange and certification steps as soon as your residence status is in process to avoid job start delays.

Cash Handling and Fraud Prevention Essentials in Romania

Your driving job can involve cash, cards, fuel vouchers, and digital payments. Fraudsters target drivers because they operate outside the office, often under time pressure. Protect yourself and your employer with the following best practices.

Understand Typical Payment Flows by Role

• International truck drivers (CE):

  • Less day-to-day cash handling, but you may carry advances for tolls, parking, or emergency repairs. You will manage fuel cards, diesel receipts, and border tolls.
  • Occasional COD at warehouses or for returned goods.

• Domestic distribution (C/CE):

  • More frequent COD collections at retail stores or customers, especially in wholesale and FMCG distribution.

• Couriers and last-mile drivers (B/C):

  • Daily COD is common. You will handle significant small-denomination cash and mobile POS payments.

• Bus and coach drivers (D):

  • City buses increasingly use contactless cards and prepaid passes, but certain routes still accept cash. Intercity and private shuttle services may take both cash and card.

Knowing your payment mix lets you prepare the right tools: counterfeit detection, sealed cash bags, POS terminal procedures, and reconciliation checklists.

Spotting Counterfeit RON and EUR

Romanian currency (RON) banknotes are polymer and include robust security features. International routes may involve EUR cash. Learn the basic checks.

• RON banknotes security basics:

  • Polymer feel: Smooth plastic-like texture with a firm, slightly stiff feel.
  • Transparent window: A clear window area with printed details. Look for sharp edges, not hazy or fuzzy printing.
  • Raised printing: Rub your fingers over main text and portraits to feel slight relief.
  • See-through register: Hold to light to check if incomplete patterns align perfectly to form numbers or symbols.
  • Microtext and fine lines: Inspect with a magnifier. Counterfeits often show blurred lines or smudges.
  • UV features: Under ultraviolet light, certain elements fluoresce while the polymer remains mostly unchanged.

• EUR banknotes security basics:

  • Paper feel: Distinct cotton-paper texture with crispness.
  • Watermark: Hold to light to see a portrait and value.
  • Security thread: Dark line embedded in the paper with euro symbol and value.
  • Hologram patch or stripe: Tilt to see changing images and colors.
  • Raised printing: Feel raised ink on the edges and main design.
  • Microprinting: Clear, sharp small letters under magnification.

• Quick field tests:

  • Look: Inspect alignment, color quality, and clear security zones.
  • Feel: Raised print and specific texture on RON polymer and EUR paper.
  • Tilt: Holographic or color-shifting elements should change consistently.
  • Light: Transparent windows (RON) or watermarks and threads (EUR) should be sharp.

If in doubt, do not accept the note. Politely ask for another form of payment or a different banknote. Report suspicious notes to your dispatcher and follow company policy for documenting and handing them to authorities.

Cash Acceptance, Counting, and Storage Procedures

• Before you accept cash:

  • Confirm the amount due and method of payment in your delivery app or manifest.
  • Prepare a clean, well-lit counting surface if possible. Use a portable UV torch for quick checks when your company permits.

• During collection:

  • Count out loud and confirm the total with the customer before issuing a receipt.
  • For large amounts, count in bundles, verify denominations, and separate suspect notes.
  • Use a company-provided POS when card is chosen. Always print or send a digital receipt.

• Issue receipts immediately:

  • Your receipt is your accountability shield. Use the company system to generate a timestamped receipt with order ID.

• Secure storage:

  • Keep cash in a lockable pouch or sealed bag. Never leave coins and notes visible in the cab.
  • Avoid counting cash in public or in poorly lit areas where theft risk increases.

• End-of-shift reconciliation:

  • Reconcile cash with the app or manifest at the depot. Double-check discrepancies before signing.
  • Deposit cash in designated safe-drop boxes or hand it to authorized staff against a signed handover.

• Route changes and returns:

  • If a customer refuses delivery or changes payment method, follow company protocol before leaving. Get written or digital confirmation from dispatch.

Prevent Fuel Card and Expense Fraud

Fuel cards and advance payments are major fraud targets.

• Fuel cards best practices:

  • Treat the card like cash. Memorize the PIN and do not write it down.
  • Only refuel the assigned vehicle. Cross-check license plate and odometer entries.
  • Keep receipts with time, station name, liters, and price. Photograph receipts in case of loss.
  • Beware of skimming. Use stations with good lighting and cameras. Inspect card readers for tampering.

• Personal advances and expenses:

  • Track every euro or leu spent. Use your company expense app when available.
  • Separate personal money from company advances in different pouches.
  • Never lend your fuel card or buy fuel for other drivers unless explicitly authorized and documented.

• Cab and load security at stations:

  • Lock the cab and cargo doors. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with cash inside.
  • Park where CCTV is visible. Carry cash on your person if you must leave the vehicle.

Digital Payments, POS, and Chargebacks

• POS usage for couriers and passenger drivers:

  • Ensure the amount is correct before the customer taps or inserts their card.
  • Check the name on high-value transactions if the company policy allows. For contactless beyond limit, customers must enter a PIN.
  • Always provide a receipt. If a customer asks to cancel and retry, void the transaction properly and keep the void receipt.

• Chargebacks:

  • Customers may dispute card charges. Your best defense is complete documentation: signed delivery notes, photo proof of delivery, GPS-stamped records, and POS receipts.

• QR and online links:

  • Only use company-approved links or codes. Fraudsters can trick customers with fake payment links.

Recognize Logistics and COD Scams

• Bogus pickup and identity fraud:

  • Scammers may impersonate a dispatcher or warehouse. Always verify pickup codes, reference numbers, and contact numbers through the official company system.
  • Check vehicle license plates or IDs at gates. If something feels off, pause and call your dispatcher.

• COD manipulation:

  • A customer may claim a different amount is due. Check your device and call dispatch before accepting a changed sum.
  • If a customer insists on overpaying and asking for change from a large denomination, re-count carefully. Break the transaction into smaller steps or refuse if unsafe.

• Fake returns:

  • Someone may present a package for return or exchange. Accept returns only if your route and system authorize it, and always issue a return receipt.

• Invoice phishing:

  • Never accept instructions from unexpected emails or messages to deliver to a new address or collect payment in a different way. Verify with your company through official channels.

ATM, Cash In, and On-the-Road Safety

• Withdrawals and deposits:

  • Use ATMs in bank branches or well-lit malls. Cover the keypad and inspect for skimmers.
  • Avoid carrying large sums for long distances. Deposit at your depot as soon as possible.

• Personal safety:

  • Do not display cash publicly. Keep small amounts in a decoy wallet and larger sums in a hidden money belt if necessary.
  • If approached aggressively, prioritize safety and call 112 (the EU emergency number).

Reporting Fraud and Incidents in Romania

• Emergencies: Call 112 for police assistance, theft, or immediate danger.
• Non-urgent fraud: File a complaint at the nearest police station with all evidence (receipts, photos, messages). Inform your employer immediately per company policy.
• Internal reports: Use your company's incident form. Timely reporting can limit financial loss and protect you from liability.

Recordkeeping and Taxes When Handling Cash

• Keep detailed records of all cash receipts and handovers. Photograph receipts and manifests if your company allows.
• Romania's tax rules require employers to account for all payments and allowances. Your clean documentation helps avoid misunderstandings during audits or internal checks.
• For international per diems paid in EUR, maintain a daily log with dates, countries visited, and receipts when required.

Salary & Benefits

Romanian driver compensation varies by role, route type, experience, and certifications. The ranges below are realistic but indicative. Exchange rate reference: 1 EUR is approximately 5 RON.

• International long-haul (CE):

  • Typical net earnings: 1,800 to 2,800 EUR per month (9,000 to 14,000 RON), combining a base salary in RON with daily allowances in EUR. Experienced drivers on demanding routes can exceed this range.
  • Benefits may include paid accommodation during layovers, performance bonuses, modern vehicles, and training support.

• Domestic trucking and regional distribution (C/CE):

  • Typical net: 4,500 to 8,000 RON per month (roughly 900 to 1,600 EUR), varying by region, hours, and overtime.
  • Night shift premiums, meal vouchers, and safety bonuses are common.

• Couriers and last-mile delivery (B/C):

  • Employed drivers: 3,500 to 6,000 RON net (700 to 1,200 EUR) plus per-stop incentives.
  • Owner-operators: Income depends on volume, expenses, and vehicle costs; gross monthly income may be higher but with fuel and maintenance to deduct.

• Bus and coach drivers (D):

  • City bus drivers in Bucharest: 4,000 to 6,500 RON net (800 to 1,300 EUR) with overtime potential and public sector benefits.
  • Intercity and private shuttles: 4,000 to 7,500 RON net (800 to 1,500 EUR) depending on routes and seasonality.

• ADR-specialized roles:

  • Typically 10 to 25 percent higher than comparable non-ADR routes due to specialized training and risk.

• Extras and allowances:

  • Meal vouchers (tichete de masa), performance bonuses, referral bonuses, accommodation on long trips, and paid CPC or ADR renewals.

Always confirm whether published salaries are net (take-home) or gross. Clarify how per diems and overtime are calculated and taxed under Romanian law.

Cost of Living

Your cost of living will vary by city and lifestyle, but Romania remains cost-effective relative to Western EU countries.

• Housing (monthly rent):

  • Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment in center 500 to 800 EUR; outside center 350 to 550 EUR.
  • Cluj-Napoca: 450 to 700 EUR center; 300 to 500 EUR outside.
  • Timisoara: 400 to 650 EUR center; 300 to 500 EUR outside.
  • Iasi: 350 to 600 EUR center; 280 to 450 EUR outside.

• Utilities and internet:

  • Utilities for a small apartment: 80 to 150 EUR per month depending on season.
  • High-speed internet and mobile plan: 8 to 20 EUR per month.

• Food and essentials:

  • Groceries for one person: 200 to 300 EUR per month with moderate shopping.
  • Eating out: Lunch menus 6 to 10 EUR; mid-range dinner 10 to 20 EUR per person.

• Transport costs:

  • Public transport monthly pass: 12 to 25 EUR depending on city.
  • Fuel: Roughly 6.5 to 7.5 RON per liter for diesel (about 1.3 to 1.5 EUR). Prices fluctuate.
  • Intercity travel: Affordable trains and coaches connect major cities.

• Family and schooling:

  • International schools exist mainly in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca with higher fees. Local public schools are free but require Romanian language integration.

With net salaries from driving roles, it is common for expats to save a meaningful portion of their income, especially if housing is shared or company-provided on rotation.

Cultural Integration

Adapting to Romanian culture and workplace norms will accelerate your success.

• Language basics:

  • Romanian is the national language. In logistics hubs and large companies, many dispatchers speak English. Learning basic Romanian helps with customers, police checks, and daily life.
  • Useful phrases:
    • Buna ziua - Hello
    • Multumesc - Thank you
    • Va rog - Please
    • Cat costa? - How much is it?
    • Bon, va rog - Receipt, please

• Workplace culture:

  • Punctuality is valued. Always arrive early for loading, briefing, and vehicle checks.
  • Documentation is formal. Keep your papers organized and respond promptly to requests.
  • Direct but polite communication is appreciated. Do not hesitate to clarify instructions.

• Safety culture:

  • Compliance is essential. ISCTR and police enforce EU driving time rules, tachograph usage, and cargo safety.
  • Fraud prevention is taken seriously. Proper cash reconciliation, counterfeit checks, and fuel card discipline are part of your performance metrics.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Use this step-by-step roadmap to move from interest to employment in Romania.

1. Research roles and employers (2 to 3 weeks)

• Identify your target role: international CE, domestic C/CE, courier B/C, or passenger D.
• Shortlist employers like H.Essers Romania, International Alexander, DB Schenker Romania, KLG Europe, Fan Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DPD Romania, and municipal bus operators.
• Read reviews, check fleet age, route patterns, and salary structure (base vs per diem).

1. Prepare documents (1 to 2 weeks)

• Valid passport and driver license.
• Proof of CPC, ADR, and any training certificates.
• Updated resume with EU-style format (include categories, years of experience, route types).
• Police clearance and medical certificate (if available early).

1. Apply and interview (2 to 4 weeks)

• Highlight your safety and compliance record, cash handling experience, and tachograph proficiency.
• Ask targeted questions: payment split in RON/EUR, cash-on-route procedures, fuel card policy, and fraud incident handling.

1. Work permit and D/AM visa (6 to 10 weeks total)

• Employer files the work permit with IGI.
• After approval, you apply for the long-stay employment visa at the Romanian consulate.
• Keep communication clear and respond to document requests quickly.

1. Arrival and residence permit (2 to 4 weeks)

• Register your address and apply for a residence permit at IGI.
• Open a Romanian bank account (IBAN) for salary payments. Bring passport, residence proof, and employment contract.

1. Licensing, CPC, tachograph card (2 to 6 weeks)

• If needed, start license exchange at DRPCIV. Complete medical and psych tests.
• Enroll in CPC periodic training or initial qualification as required.
• Apply for a digital tachograph driver card through ARR.

1. Company onboarding (1 to 2 weeks)

• Vehicle induction, route training, and safety briefings.
• Cash handling protocols, POS operation (if courier or bus), and fuel card instructions.
• Issuance of uniforms, device logins, and emergency contacts.

1. Accommodation and local setup (ongoing)

• Secure housing near the depot or routes. Short-term rentals are common while you explore neighborhoods.
• Learn basic Romanian phrases. Download navigation, toll, and fuel apps.

Success Tips (From Other Expats)

• Choose an employer with formal cash and card procedures. If the company has no clear process for COD reconciliation or fuel card audits, consider it a red flag.
• Keep a cumulative trip log: cash collected, POS receipts, fuel liters, tolls, and parking. Back it up with photos where allowed.
• Use company-approved truck stops and fuel stations, especially on international corridors. They are safer and easier to audit.
• Practice winter driving early. Romania's Carpathian routes can be challenging; chains and proper tires are essential.
• Respect EU working time directives. Do not let anyone pressure you into non-compliance. Your tachograph data protects you.
• Build relationships with dispatchers. Clear communication resolves payment disputes quickly.
• Learn enough Romanian to handle deliveries, ask for receipts, and interact with police.
• Network with other expat drivers in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Word-of-mouth reveals which employers pay on time and handle permits well.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

• Driving on the right side:

  • If you come from a left-driving country, practice in low-traffic areas. Adjust mirrors carefully, and be extra cautious at roundabouts and when turning across traffic.

• Winter conditions:

  • Carry chains and check weather along mountain corridors. Plan extra time and keep emergency gear in the cab.

• Toll and vignette systems:

  • Romania uses an e-vignette (rovinieta) for national roads and has specific toll points such as Danube bridges (for example, Fetesti on A2). Heavy vehicles require valid road usage fees and, on international routes, you will face varied tolling systems (Hungary, Austria, etc.). Your company will brief you on payments, transponders, or receipts needed.

• EU working time and tachograph compliance:

  • Plan breaks ahead. Know daily and weekly driving and rest limits (EU Regulation 561/2006). Keep printouts and annotations when needed.

• Language barriers at delivery points:

  • Use translation apps and prepared Romanian phrases for receipts, signatures, and COD sums.

• Conflicting instructions:

  • If a client pushes a different amount or unauthorized destination, call dispatch immediately and document the event.

Conclusion: Your Next Step

Romania offers a rare combination of opportunity, affordability, and EU-standard safety and compliance. If you bring strong driving skills, a proactive approach to cash handling, and a fraud-aware mindset, you will thrive. Start by shortlisting employers, preparing your documents, and planning your licensing path. When you arrive, follow company procedures for COD, fuel cards, and receipts meticulously, and keep your records clean. You will protect your earnings, build trust, and advance faster.

Ready to move from research to action? Contact reputable Romanian logistics firms, schedule interviews, and ask direct questions about payment procedures and fraud prevention. With the right employer and disciplined habits, Romania can be your springboard to a secure, rewarding driving career in the EU.

FAQ

1) Can I work in Romania with my non-EU driving license?

If you are a non-EU citizen and become a resident, you typically must exchange your license through DRPCIV. Whether you can exchange without retesting depends on reciprocity with your home country. Be prepared for a medical and psychological evaluation and, in some cases, theoretical or practical exams. EU/EEA/Swiss licenses are generally recognized, and exchange is optional but often recommended.

2) How are international trucking salaries structured in Romania?

International CE roles typically pay a base salary in RON and daily allowances in EUR for time spent abroad. Combined, net monthly earnings often range from 1,800 to 2,800 EUR, depending on routes, experience, and company policy. Always confirm what is considered net, how per diems are taxed, and how overtime is calculated.

3) What is CPC and do I need it in Romania?

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is an EU requirement for professional drivers in C, CE, and D categories. If you hold an EU CPC, it should be recognized in Romania. Non-EU drivers usually need to complete initial qualification or periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) in Romania through an authorized center overseen by ARR.

4) How do I prevent counterfeit money when collecting COD?

Use the look-feel-tilt-light approach. For RON, confirm the polymer feel, transparent window, raised print, and UV features. For EUR, check watermark, security thread, and hologram. Handle large bills carefully, count aloud, and do not accept suspect notes. When in doubt, request a different payment method and report the incident per company policy.

5) Are fuel cards safe to use in Romania?

Yes, if you follow best practices. Keep your PIN confidential, refuel only the assigned vehicle, keep all receipts, and prefer reputable stations. Inspect card readers for tampering. Never lend your card or purchase fuel for others unless your company authorizes it in writing.

6) What are the key immigration steps for Global citizens?

Your Romanian employer applies for a work permit from IGI. After approval, you obtain a D/AM long-stay employment visa at a Romanian consulate. Upon arrival, you apply for a residence permit. Keep all documents current and ensure your employer registers you for taxes and social contributions.

7) How do tolls and vignettes work for heavy vehicles?

Romania requires road usage fees for heavy vehicles, and certain bridges and highways have additional tolls (for example, the Fetesti toll on A2). Your employer will provide transponders or accounts when applicable and will detail procedures for paying and documenting tolls in Romania and neighboring countries.

8) What are typical costs in Bucharest and other cities?

In Bucharest, a 1-bedroom apartment can cost 500 to 800 EUR in the center. Utilities are around 80 to 150 EUR monthly. Groceries for one person average 200 to 300 EUR. Fuel is about 6.5 to 7.5 RON per liter. Other major cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi are slightly cheaper on average.

9) How do I handle a customer who disputes the amount due on delivery?

Do not change the amount based on verbal claims. Check the amount in your company device. If the figure is different from what the customer believes, call your dispatcher for clarification before accepting payment. If the situation escalates, prioritize safety, document the event, and follow company procedures.

10) Can I be paid in EUR in Romania?

Your base salary is typically paid in RON to a Romanian bank account. Per diems for international trips are often paid in EUR. Clarify payment currency, pay dates, and whether your employer offers partial EUR payments for allowances. Ensure all payments are documented for tax and compliance purposes.