From Dubai to Europe: A Driver's Journey to Success

Introduction

If you are a professional driver working in Global and you are thinking about your next big career move, Romania might be the most strategic gateway you can choose into the wider European market. Many drivers who built solid experience in places like Dubai are now finding Romania to be the ideal place to transition into EU logistics, earn competitive pay, and enjoy a manageable cost of living. Romania is a European Union member with booming transport corridors, strong demand for commercial drivers, and easier access to international routes that crisscross the continent.

This guide follows the real-world arc of a driver relocating from Dubai to Romania, then on to pan-European success. Alongside that story, you will find concrete, step-by-step instructions on visas and work permits, how to convert your license, what CPC and ADR really mean in the EU environment, and what to expect in terms of salary, benefits, and lifestyle. Whether you want to drive long-haul, operate buses in major Romanian cities like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca, or work in last-mile delivery, this is your deeply practical roadmap.

Why Romania?

EU Membership and Strategic Location

Romania is part of the European Union, which makes it an excellent launchpad for drivers who want to reach the broader EU market. The country sits at the crossroads of key transport corridors linking the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Black Sea. In practice, that means fast access to routes across Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia (non-EU but on many corridors), Austria, and beyond. The Port of Constanta connects maritime flows from the Black Sea, and logistics hubs around Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Iasi are expanding to support regional distribution and international freight.

Lower Cost of Living with EU-Earning Potential

Romania offers EU salaries that can be very competitive when coupled with lower living costs compared with Western Europe. For drivers earning per diems on international routes, the difference is particularly attractive. Rent, food, transportation, and services are generally more affordable than in many EU capitals, so you can save more while still advancing your career.

High Demand for Professional Drivers

Demand for C, CE, and D category drivers is strong, and many Romanian companies operate European-wide fleets. This creates multiple paths:

• Long-haul international trucking (EU-wide)
• Regional distribution to retail hubs
• Refrigerated and container transport linked to the Port of Constanta
• Bus and coach operations in major cities and tourism routes
• Last-mile parcel delivery for e-commerce giants

A Practical Pathway from Global to the EU

For drivers coming from Dubai and other Global markets, Romania offers a relatively straightforward legal route: an employer sponsors your work permit, you secure a long-stay work visa, and then you apply for a residence permit. With a Romanian residence and EU-compliant credentials (CPC, tachograph card, ADR if appropriate), your career can scale quickly across the continent.

A Driver's Story: From Dubai to Romania and Onward

Let us follow the composite story of "Adil" (name changed), a 34-year-old professional driver who spent eight years in Dubai operating heavy goods vehicles in intercity distribution. Like many in the GCC, Adil built strong driving discipline and familiarity with modern fleets and GPS systems. Still, he felt capped in earnings and wanted broader opportunities in Europe.

The Decision to Move

Adil spent a month researching Romania. He found that several Romanian logistics firms hired non-EU drivers and supported work permits. He chose Romania because of three factors: EU access, lower living costs compared to Western Europe, and a strong network of companies operating international routes.

First Months: Paperwork, License, and CPC

Adil secured a job offer from a trucking firm based near Timisoara that focused on automotive supply chains into Hungary and Austria. The employer applied for his Romanian work permit, then he obtained a long-stay work visa from the Romanian consulate. Once in Romania, he registered for residency and applied to convert his license. Because his original license could not be directly exchanged, he enrolled in a Romanian driving school for category CE, completed theory and practical tests, and attended initial CPC training to get Code 95.

He also obtained a digital tachograph driver card through the Romanian Road Authority (Autoritatea Rutiera Romana, or ARR) and completed basic ADR training to qualify for handling certain classes of dangerous goods.

First Job and Earnings

Adil started on regional routes: Romania-Hungary-Austria. The pay structure combined a base salary (Romanian employment contract) with daily allowances for international trips. In his first full quarter, he averaged total monthly net pay of around 1,800 to 2,200 EUR, depending on days away and route complexity. Compared with his Dubai take-home, he was earning more, while also paying European social contributions that gave him access to public healthcare and pension accrual.

Career Growth

With consistent performance, safe driving records, and clean tachograph logs, Adil was assigned to higher-value routes into Germany and Italy. He later leveraged his ADR certificate to move into a specialized fleet, which increased his daily per diems. After year one, Adil negotiated better rotations to be home more often in Timisoara and explored training toward a future fleet supervisor role.

Job Market Overview in Romania

Romania's logistics sector is diverse and expanding. Drivers with C, CE, and D categories can target several segments.

1) Long-Haul International Trucking

• Most in-demand for CE drivers.
• Runs to Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, and the Balkans.
• Pay is typically structured as a base salary plus per diem for international days.
• Employers often include fuel cards, modern trucks (Euro 6 tractors), and cross-border operational support.

Representative employers and operators include:

• International Alexander
• Dumagas Transport
• Aquila
• H.Essers Romania
• Raben Logistics Romania
• KLG Europe Romania
• Arcese Romania
• DB Schenker Romania
• DSV Romania
• Vos Logistics (operating in the region)

2) Domestic and Regional Distribution

• C and CE drivers deliver to retail DCs and stores across Romania.
• Schedules are more predictable with nights at home more frequently.
• E-commerce growth provides steady workload, often with early-morning or shift-based patterns.

Employers and sectors:

• Retail distribution for chains like Lidl and Kaufland (via logistics partners)
• FMCG and pharma distribution
• Port of Constanta-related container drayage

3) Passenger Transport (Bus and Coach)

• D category drivers are in demand for city networks and intercity coaches.
• Large city operators include STB in Bucharest and municipal companies in Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.
• Private carriers run intercity and international coaches, including tourism routes and charter services.

4) Courier and Last-Mile Delivery

• Category B drivers operate vans for parcel delivery.
• Parcel networks include Fan Courier, Sameday, and Cargus, with high seasonal peaks around sales and holidays.

5) Specialized Transport

• ADR hazardous goods, petroleum products, chemicals.
• Temperature-controlled (reefer) shipments for food and pharma.
• Oversize and heavy haul for construction and industrial projects.

Legal Requirements for Global Citizens

For non-EU citizens, the legal path involves three main steps: a Romanian work permit, a long-stay work visa, and a residence permit.

Step 1: Work Permit (Aviz de munca)

• Your Romanian employer applies for your work permit with the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
• The employer must submit documents such as your passport copy, employment offer/contract, proof of accommodation, and possibly a labor market check (requirements can vary by category and shortage lists).
• There is an annual national quota for non-EU work permits. Logistics often falls within approved allocations due to driver shortages.
• Processing times vary; allow several weeks to a couple of months.

Step 2: Long-Stay Work Visa (Type D/AM)

• Once the work permit is approved, you apply for a long-stay work visa at a Romanian consulate or embassy in your region.
• Documents typically include: valid passport, work permit approval, employment contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance for the visa period, and a criminal background certificate from your last country of residence.
• The D/AM visa usually allows multiple entries and is typically valid for 90 days for you to enter Romania and finalize your residency.

Step 3: Residence Permit (Single Permit)

• After arrival, you apply for a residence permit with IGI. This is often called a single permit, combining work and residence authorization.
• You must apply within the timelines advised by IGI (commonly within 30 days of arrival under the visa).
• Validity is commonly 1 year for standard employees, renewable. Some categories can receive up to 2 years.
• Family reunification options exist but depend on your status, income, and housing.

Other Essentials

• CNP (Personal Numeric Code): Issued upon residency; required for taxes, banking, healthcare registration.
• Health Insurance: Employees are covered by mandatory social health contributions via payroll; private insurance is optional for extra coverage.
• Taxes: Romania applies a flat personal income tax rate on wages (commonly 10%), plus social contributions. Exact take-home depends on your gross salary, diurnas, and benefits; confirm with your employer's payroll.

Certification and License Recognition

Transitioning to EU professional standards is both mandatory and a key to your success. Plan for these steps.

Converting or Obtaining a Romanian License (C, CE, D)

• Romania may exchange certain foreign licenses depending on bilateral agreements and compliance with international conventions. Eligibility varies by country of issuance.
• If your original license cannot be exchanged, you will need to attend a Romanian driving school for your target category (C, CE, or D), pass theory and practical exams, and complete the medical and psychological assessments required for professional drivers.
• Authority: DRPCIV is the Romanian authority responsible for driving tests and licenses. Schools help book your exams and manage documentation.

Documents commonly required:

• Passport and residence permit (or proof of legal stay)
• Existing driving license and translations if required
• Medical check and psychological assessment at authorized clinics
• Proof of training completion from a licensed driving school

CPC: Certificate of Professional Competence (Code 95)

In the EU, professional drivers must hold CPC. There are two paths:

• Initial Qualification: For those new to the EU system or changing categories. In Romania, this can be a course with examinations, after which Code 95 is added to your license.
• Periodic Training: 35 hours of training every 5 years to maintain qualification. This updates you on EU regulations, safety, eco-driving, and tachograph compliance.

Important: Non-EU CPC or GCC experience does not replace EU CPC. You must get EU-recognized CPC in Romania for your professional category.

Digital Tachograph Driver Card

• All EU professional drivers use digital tachographs to record driving and rest time.
• In Romania, you apply for a driver card through ARR. You will need a passport/residence ID, proof of residence, a photo, and a fee.
• Keep your card secure. Never share it or use another driver's card. Replacements can take time, and misuse carries heavy penalties.

ADR Certification for Hazardous Goods

• ADR training is required for drivers carrying dangerous goods by road. The basic course covers general requirements; specialized modules exist for tanks, classes of dangerous goods, and specific hazards.
• Training is offered by accredited centers in Romania, and certification is issued upon passing exams. Validity is typically 5 years with refresher courses required.

Medical Fitness and Driver Qualification Checks

• Professional drivers must maintain valid medical and psychological clearance. Clinics authorized for commercial drivers provide the necessary certificates.
• Periodic checks are part of staying compliant. Keep all documents updated and accessible in case of inspections.

EU Driving Regulations You Must Know

The EU rules on driving and rest are standardized. If you have been driving in Dubai, some of these will be new or stricter.

Key points under EU Regulation 561/2006 and related regulations as updated by the EU Mobility Package:

• Daily driving limit: 9 hours; can be extended to 10 hours twice per week.
• Weekly driving limit: 56 hours.
• Two-week driving limit: 90 hours.
• Breaks: After 4 hours 30 minutes of driving, take at least 45 minutes of break (can be split into 15 + 30 minutes if needed).
• Daily rest: At least 11 hours, which can be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests.
• Weekly rest: Regular rest of 45 hours, with possible reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours if compensated later.
• Tachograph: Smart tachographs are mandatory in newer vehicles, and retrofit deadlines apply for international operations. Log entries must be accurate.

Additionally, the EU Working Time Directive for mobile workers limits average weekly working time to 48 hours (over a reference period), with specific rules for night work and break scheduling. Romania applies these standards during inspections.

Salary and Benefits

While pay varies by employer, route, and your qualifications, the following ranges give a realistic picture. Figures are approximate and can change with market conditions and tax rules.

International Trucking (CE)

• Base gross salary under Romanian contract plus daily per diem for international trips.
• Typical total net monthly earnings for active international drivers: approximately 1,400 to 2,500 EUR, depending on days out, route mix, and whether ADR is involved.
• Per diem rates often range from 40 to 70 EUR per day on the road. The number of days away is the main driver of monthly totals.
• Benefits can include accommodation on layovers, modern trucks, private medical add-ons, and performance bonuses.

Domestic and Regional Distribution (C/CE)

• Net monthly earnings: roughly 800 to 1,400 EUR, with more predictable schedules and home time.
• Some employers offer meal vouchers, attendance bonuses, and weekend overtime.

Bus and Coach Drivers (D)

• City bus drivers: approximate net 700 to 1,200 EUR, depending on city, shifts, and overtime.
• Intercity/coach drivers can earn more, particularly during peak seasons and with international routes.

Courier/Delivery (B)

• Category B van drivers: approximate net 600 to 1,000 EUR, plus performance-based bonuses.
• Own-van contractors can earn more but assume fuel and maintenance costs.

Comparing With Dubai

• Many Dubai heavy drivers report stable but plateaued earnings and limited path to EU access. Romania offers a European contract, social protections, and the ability to grow into higher-paying specialized routes.
• While you will pay EU social contributions and taxes in Romania, your net can be higher due to per diems and strong demand for international drivers.

Note: Employers structure packages differently, and diurna taxation rules have evolved in recent years. Ask detailed, written breakdowns of base salary, per diem, overtime, and allowances before signing.

Cost of Living in Romanian Cities

Living costs differ by city. The figures below are ballpark estimates for a single person and can vary based on lifestyle and exchange rates.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• Bucharest: 1-bed apartment
  • Outside center: 400 to 700 EUR
  • City center: 600 to 900 EUR
• Cluj-Napoca: 350 to 650 EUR
• Timisoara: 300 to 550 EUR
• Iasi: 300 to 500 EUR

Shared apartments reduce costs by 30 to 50 percent. Landlords often ask for a 1 to 2 month deposit.

Utilities and Connectivity

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, trash): 80 to 150 EUR/month for a modest apartment.
• Internet: 7 to 15 EUR/month for high-speed fiber in major cities.
• Mobile plans: 5 to 15 EUR/month for SIM-only plans with generous data.

Food and Daily Expenses

• Groceries: 150 to 250 EUR/month for one person cooking at home.
• Eating out: 6 to 10 EUR for a casual meal; 12 to 20 EUR for mid-range.
• Coffee: 2 to 4 EUR; a liter of milk: around 1 to 1.5 EUR; bread: 0.7 to 1.5 EUR.

Transportation

• Public transport monthly pass: 80 to 150 RON depending on city and coverage; Bucharest integrated passes typically cost more than smaller cities.
• Fuel: Prices fluctuate; expect roughly 1.3 to 1.6 EUR per liter equivalent.
• Taxis and ride-hailing are affordable but costs add up; many drivers rely on public transit or company shuttles when not on the road.

Taxes and Savings

• With prudent budgeting, a CE driver on international routes can save several hundred euros monthly after rent and living expenses, especially outside Bucharest or in shared housing.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

Romanian is the official language, Latin-based and approachable if you speak other Romance languages. While many logistics professionals and younger Romanians speak English, learning basics helps both at work and in daily life.

Useful phrases:

• Buna ziua (hello)
• Multumesc (thank you)
• Va rog (please)
• Unde este...? (where is...?)
• Cat costa? (how much does it cost?)

Apps and evening classes in major cities are affordable and effective. Your employer may also offer language support.

Workplace Culture

• Punctuality and reliability matter. Dispatchers value proactive communication.
• Written instructions and confirmations by WhatsApp or email are common.
• Safety and compliance are emphasized; do not cut corners with tachograph rules.

Driving Climate and Road Culture

• Romania drives on the right, like most of continental Europe. If you come from a left-driving country, schedule adaptation practice before taking heavy vehicles on public roads.
• Winter conditions can surprise drivers from warm climates. Learn to use engine braking on ice, maintain safe distances, and follow chain requirements in mountain areas.
• Keep reflective vests, warning triangles, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle per local regulations.

Healthcare and Safety

• With a Romanian employment contract, you contribute to public health insurance and can access state hospitals. Private clinics are widely available for faster service at reasonable costs.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Here is a step-by-step checklist to move from Global (for example, Dubai) to a driving career in Romania:

1. Research Employers and Roles

• Target companies operating the routes you want (international CE, domestic C, passenger D, delivery B).
• Prepare a CV emphasizing categories held, years of experience, clean record, ADR exposure, and familiarity with GPS and EBS/ABS systems.

1. Secure a Job Offer

• Interview online; confirm salary structure in writing: base pay, per diems, overtime, bonuses, and benefits (medical, accommodation support, meal vouchers).
• Clarify equipment (truck model year, Euro class), route patterns, home time, and parking policies.

1. Employer Applies for Your Work Permit

• Share required documents: passport, criminal record from your last country of residence, education certificates, driving license scans, medical clearance if requested.
• Track timelines; ask for updates on IGI processing.

1. Apply for Long-Stay Work Visa (D/AM)

• Book an appointment at the Romanian consulate. Prepare: visa form, passport, work permit approval, employment contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, criminal record.
• Wait for visa issuance; processing varies by consulate.

1. Arrive in Romania and Register Residency

• Within the permitted timeline, apply for your residence permit (single permit) at IGI.
• Obtain your CNP (personal numeric code) as part of the residency process; you will need it for taxes and banking.

1. Open a Bank Account and Set Up Mobile/Internet

• Choose a bank convenient to your employer's payroll. Bring passport, residence proof, and employment contract.
• Get a local SIM to stay reachable by dispatch.

1. Address Licensing

• Check if your foreign license can be exchanged. If not, enroll in a driving school for C, CE, or D as needed.
• Complete medical and psychological checks at authorized clinics.
• Book theory and practical exams with DRPCIV.

1. CPC and ADR

• Schedule initial CPC if you are new to EU Code 95, or periodic training if applicable.
• Consider ADR Basic to improve job options and pay.

1. Tachograph Driver Card

• Apply to ARR for your digital driver card. Keep a photocopy of your application in case of inspection while you await the card, as advised by ARR procedures.

1. Company Induction and Route Familiarization

• Complete safety induction. Learn company policies on rest, refueling, breakdowns, and incident reporting.
• Practice EU driving routines, especially tachograph entries, ferry or tunnel procedures, and border processes when exiting/entering the EU.

1. Accommodation and Local Registration

• Choose housing near your depot or along a good transport line. Consider shared apartments at the start to reduce costs.
• Register your address as required by local authorities.

1. Begin Operations and Keep Records

• Keep copies of your contract, payslips, tachograph data downloads, and expense receipts.
• Log any issues with route planning, tolls, or equipment. Communicate early with dispatch.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Adapting to Winter

• Invest in proper footwear and thermal clothing for chains and checks in bad weather.
• Learn winter braking and traction techniques on training grounds if possible.
• Monitor weather apps for mountain passes. Plan fuel and rest before heavy snow zones.

Navigating Tolls and Vignettes

• Romania: passenger vehicles and light vans require a rovinieta for national roads. Heavy trucks must comply with applicable road usage charges and specific bridge tolls (e.g., A2 Fetesti) which can be paid electronically.
• International: each EU country may have different toll systems (e.g., HU-GO in Hungary for trucks, GO-Box in Austria, vignettes in some countries). Your employer may provide on-board units and accounts. Learn each country's rules to avoid fines.

Tachograph and Working Time Discipline

• Never risk violations. The fines and career consequences are severe.
• Plan breaks after 4 hours 30 minutes of driving. Use split breaks when needed, but document accurately.
• Keep your driver card clean and protected. Report card faults immediately.

Right vs Left Driving

• Romania and most of Europe drive on the right. If you come from a left-driving country, arrange a short adaptation period in a training vehicle before operating heavy equipment on public roads.

Bureaucracy and Timing

• Build patience into your plan. Work permits, visas, residence, license exams, and CPC scheduling can take weeks.
• Keep digital and paper copies of all documents. Make checklists and follow up politely but persistently.

Success Tips from Other Expats

• Target reputable employers: Ask current drivers about payment reliability, equipment, home time, and dispatch culture.
• Get ADR and keep CPC current: These credentials widen your options and improve earnings.
• Maintain a perfect compliance record: Clean tachograph data, no fines, and on-time deliveries are your best leverage for better routes and pay.
• Prioritize winter training: One or two days of targeted instruction can prevent accidents and protect your job.
• Budget the first 3 months: Expect upfront costs (deposits, courses, exams). Keep a cushion from your Dubai savings.
• Learn basic Romanian: Even simple phrases build trust with colleagues, security staff at depots, and service station personnel.
• Document everything: If a toll device fails or a route is changed, note times, locations, and instructions received.
• Choose your base city strategically: Timisoara and Arad are near the Hungary border for fast EU access; Bucharest offers the biggest labor market; Cluj-Napoca is dynamic with a high quality of life; Iasi is growing with links to Moldova and northeastern routes.

Conclusion: Your Road to a European Future Begins in Romania

Relocating from Dubai or elsewhere in Global to Romania is a practical, proven path into the European logistics ecosystem. With the right visa strategy, a supportive employer, and EU-compliant credentials (CPC, tachograph card, ADR), you can move quickly from local adaptation to international routes and higher earnings. Many drivers have made this transition successfully, building stable lives in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi while driving across Europe.

If you are ready to start, shortlist employers now, gather your documents, and map out the steps in this guide. The European road network awaits, and Romania is your on-ramp.

FAQ

1) Can I exchange my Dubai or other non-EU driving license directly in Romania?

It depends on where your license was issued and whether Romania has an exchange arrangement. Some non-EU licenses are exchangeable; many are not. If yours is not exchangeable, you will need to enroll in a Romanian driving school, pass theory and practical exams for your target category (C, CE, D), complete medical and psychological checks, and then obtain EU CPC (Code 95). Check the current DRPCIV list or ask a driving school to assess your case.

2) How long does the work permit and visa process take?

Timelines vary. After your employer files for a work permit with IGI, approvals often take several weeks to a couple of months depending on quotas and workload. The D/AM long-stay work visa at the consulate can also take several weeks. Build a 2 to 3 month buffer if possible. Once in Romania, apply promptly for your residence permit.

3) What is CPC Code 95 and do I need it?

Yes. CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is mandatory for professional drivers in the EU. Code 95 on your license indicates you have the required initial qualification or periodic training. Without Code 95, you cannot legally operate commercial vehicles professionally in the EU. Plan for initial CPC if you are new to the EU system, and remember periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) to keep it valid.

4) What are typical salaries for CE drivers on international routes from Romania?

A common range for total net monthly earnings is roughly 1,400 to 2,500 EUR, depending on days on the road, the route network, your experience, and whether you hold ADR. The structure is usually a base salary plus per diem per day worked internationally. Request a written breakdown and clarify tax treatment of allowances.

5) Will I need ADR certification to get hired?

Not always, but ADR significantly expands your options and can improve pay. Many fleets handle standard freight without ADR requirements, but petroleum, chemical, and some pharma shipments require ADR. If you aim for higher-value routes, plan to complete ADR Basic and add specializations as needed.

6) How hard is winter driving in Romania compared with Dubai?

It is a major change. Expect snow, ice, fog, and mountain roads. Invest in proper clothing, learn how to fit chains, practice gentle throttle and braking, and increase following distances. Your employer may provide winter training; ask for it if not offered.

7) What are the EU rules on driving and rest I must follow?

Core rules include: maximum 9 hours driving per day (10 hours twice weekly), 56 hours weekly driving, 90 hours in two weeks, a 45-minute break after 4 hours 30 minutes, daily rest of at least 11 hours (reducible to 9 hours under conditions), and weekly rest of 45 hours with limited reductions and compensation. Your tachograph records must reflect exact activity. Penalties for violations can be steep.

8) How do tolls work in Romania and nearby countries?

In Romania, light vehicles need a rovinieta for national roads; heavy vehicles must comply with road usage charges and pay specific bridge tolls such as on the A2 at Fetesti, which can be paid electronically. Internationally, each country has its own system (e.g., HU-GO in Hungary, GO-Box in Austria). Your employer typically provides on-board units or accounts. Always confirm route-specific rules before departure to avoid fines.

9) What is the cost of living like in Bucharest versus other cities?

Bucharest is the most expensive, with center one-bedroom rents around 600 to 900 EUR and outside-center 400 to 700 EUR. Cluj-Napoca is slightly cheaper; Timisoara and Iasi are more affordable still. Utilities range from 80 to 150 EUR monthly, and groceries for one person average 150 to 250 EUR. You can save more by sharing accommodation or living outside city centers.

10) Can my family join me in Romania?

Family reunification is possible once you have valid residence and meet income and housing conditions. Your spouse and minor children can apply under family reunification rules. Processing times vary. Plan ahead with official guidance, and ensure your accommodation meets requirements.

11) How do I get a digital tachograph driver card in Romania?

Apply through ARR. Submit identification (passport/residence), a photograph, and a fee. The card is personal and must always be used correctly. Apply for renewal in advance as processing times can take days to weeks. Never drive professionally without a valid card in situations where it is required.

12) What English or Romanian level do I need?

Basic English is widely used in international logistics, and many dispatchers in larger companies communicate well in English. Romanian basics help with day-to-day life and local operations such as depot security and service stations. Investing a few hours per week in language learning will pay off quickly.