Moving to a new country is exciting – but it can also feel lonely, especially in the first few weeks. One of the biggest questions Nepali workers ask before going to Romania is: “Will I feel alone there? Are there other Nepalis? How do I make friends?”
The good news: Romania now has over 20,000 Nepali workers – and the community is growing fast.
There are Nepali social groups, cultural events, food shops, even a Nepali literature corner in Bucharest library. You will not be alone.
At AMC Nepal, we have helped hundreds of workers settle into life in Romania. This guide shows you how to find community, make friends, stay connected to home, and build a social life while working abroad.
Why Community Matters When You Work Abroad
When you are far from home, your community becomes your second family. Here is why it matters:
Emotional Support
- Someone to talk to in Nepali when you feel homesick
- Friends who understand what you are going through
- Support during difficult times
Practical Help
- Learn where to buy Nepali food, send money home, find a good phone plan
- Get advice about work permits, visas, labour rights
- Help if you face problems with employer or housing
Cultural Connection
- Celebrate Dashain, Tihar, Holi with other Nepalis
- Cook and share Nepali food together
- Keep your culture alive while living abroad
Safety Net
- If you get sick, lose your job, or face emergency – community helps
- Shared knowledge about doctors, legal services, government offices
- Protection against fake agents and scams
Bottom line: Workers with strong community networks stay healthier, happier, and more successful abroad.
How Big Is the Nepali Community in Romania?
The Numbers
- Over 20,000 Nepali workers currently in Romania (2026)
- Growing by thousands every year
- Concentrated in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Brașov, Constanța
Where Nepalis Work
Most Nepali workers in Romania are in:
- Construction (biggest sector)
- Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cafes)
- Manufacturing and factory work
- Logistics and delivery
- Warehouse operations
- Cleaning services
- IT and tech (smaller but growing)
Where to Find Nepali Community in Romania
1. Facebook Groups
The easiest way to connect with other Nepalis before you even arrive in Romania.
Main Nepali Groups in Romania:
- Nepalese Community Romania – largest group, active daily
- Nepali Workers in Bucharest – job tips, housing, daily life
- Nepali Students and Workers Romania – mixed group
- Nepal Romania Connect – events, meetups, cultural programs
What These Groups Offer:
- Job postings and recommendations
- Housing tips and roommate searches
- Selling/buying furniture, phones, clothes
- Event announcements (Dashain parties, football tournaments, picnics)
- Questions and answers about life in Romania
- Warnings about fake agents and scams
Pro tip: Join these groups while still in Nepal. Ask questions. Learn from workers already there. Many people share their phone numbers to help newcomers.
2. Nepali Associations and Cultural Organizations
Several formal Nepali organizations operate in Romania:
Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Romania Chapter
- Organizes cultural events and festivals
- Provides support to Nepali workers
- Connects with Nepali Honorary Consul
- Hosts Dashain, Tihar, Holi celebrations
Nepal-Romania Friendship Association
- Cultural exchange programs
- Language classes
- Networking events
Nepali Workers Support Groups
- Informal groups run by senior workers
- Help with labour rights, contract issues
- Connect you with lawyers, doctors, translators
How to connect: Ask in Facebook groups. People will share contact numbers and meeting times.
3. Religious and Spiritual Spaces
Hindu Temples
Romania does not have large Hindu temples like in Nepal, but Nepalis gather for worship:
- Bucharest: Small prayer rooms in Nepali-owned apartments, occasional puja gatherings
- Cluj-Napoca: Informal Hindu prayer groups
- Timișoara: Community puja during major festivals
What happens: Workers organize group puja during Dashain, Tihar, Shivaratri. Someone’s apartment becomes the temporary temple. Everyone contributes food, flowers, tika.
Buddhist Centers
For Buddhist Nepalis, Romania has a few meditation and dharma centers (mostly Tibetan and Zen traditions). Not Nepali-specific but welcoming.
4. Nepali Restaurants and Food Shops
Nepali and Indian Restaurants:
- Bucharest: Several Nepali/Indian restaurants run by Nepali owners (names change, check Facebook groups for current lists)
- Cluj-Napoca: Nepali momo shops, Indian restaurants
- Timișoara: South Asian food spots
Why these matter: Restaurants become social hubs. Workers gather there on weekends. You meet other Nepalis. Share news. Find roommates. Hear about job openings.
Asian Grocery Stores:
You can find:
- Rice (basmati, Nepali varieties)
- Dal (lentils)
- Spices (cumin, turmeric, coriander, garam masala)
- Pickles (achaar)
- Noodles (Wai Wai, sometimes)
- Tea (Nepali chiya patti)
Pro tip: Some stores deliver. Ask in Facebook groups for recommendations.
5. Honorary Consul of Nepal in Romania
Nawa Raj Pokharel is the Honorary Consul of Nepal in Romania (based in Bucharest).
What the Honorary Consul helps with:
- Emergency passport and travel document issues
- Legal advice and referrals
- Contact with Romanian authorities
- Helping with serious problems (unpaid wages, accidents, deaths)
- Coordinating with Nepal embassy in Berlin
Note: Nepal’s official embassy for Romania is in Berlin, Germany. For serious consular matters, you may need to contact Berlin. But the Honorary Consul in Bucharest is the first point of contact.
6. Sports and Recreation Groups
Nepalis love football. In Romania, many cities have Nepali football teams and weekend matches.
Where to find them:
- Ask in Facebook groups
- Look for announcements about “Nepali Football Tournament Bucharest” or “Sunday Football Cluj”
- Many groups play in public parks or rented fields
Other activities:
- Cricket (smaller community, but growing)
- Hiking groups (Romania has beautiful mountains – Carpathians)
- Volleyball, badminton
Why join: Easy way to make friends. Good exercise. Fun weekends.
How to Make Friends as a Nepali Worker in Romania
Tip 1: Join Facebook Groups Before You Arrive
Introduce yourself. Say which city you are going to. Ask for tips. People respond. You already have connections before landing.
Tip 2: Attend Community Events
Dashain parties, Tihar celebrations, football matches, picnics. Show up. Even if you are shy. People are welcoming.
Tip 3: Connect With Coworkers
If your employer hires many Nepalis, you instantly have a social circle. Eat lunch together. Share phone numbers. Help each other.
Tip 4: Use WhatsApp and Viber Groups
Most Nepalis in Romania use WhatsApp or Viber. Once you join Facebook groups, people will add you to city-specific or workplace-specific chat groups.
Tip 5: Help Newcomers
Once you settle in, help the next batch of arrivals. This is how community works. People who helped you were once new too.
Tip 6: Learn Basic Romanian
Romanians appreciate when foreigners try to speak Romanian. Even a few phrases help. You make Romanian friends too – not just Nepali.
Simple Romanian Phrases:
- Bună ziua – Hello (formal)
- Salut – Hi (informal)
- Mulțumesc – Thank you
- Cu plăcere – You’re welcome
- Vorbești engleza? – Do you speak English?
- Nu înțeleg – I don’t understand
Celebrating Nepali Festivals in Romania
Dashain
The biggest celebration for Nepalis in Romania. Happens in September/October.
What happens:
- Community gathers (100–500 people depending on city)
- Tika ceremony organized
- Nepali food prepared (sel roti, mutton curry, rice)
- Music, dancing, cultural programs
- Some cities organize football tournaments during Dashain week
How to join: Check Facebook groups in early September. Event details posted there.
Tihar
Celebrated in October/November, usually smaller gatherings than Dashain.
What happens:
- Bhai Tika ceremony for brothers and sisters
- Deusi-Bhailo singing groups
- Traditional sweets shared
Holi
Color festival in March. Some cities organize outdoor Holi events in parks.
Buddha Jayanti
For Buddhist Nepalis. Smaller gatherings. Meditation and prayer sessions.
New Year (Naya Barsha)
Mid-April. Picnics, gatherings, cultural programs.
Staying Connected to Home
Calling and Video Chat
- Viber – most popular for Nepal-Romania calls (free over WiFi)
- WhatsApp – video calls, voice calls
- IMO – backup option
- Regular calls: Buy Romanian SIM with international minutes (some packages include Nepal)
Sending Money Home
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) – low fees, fast
- Revolut – if you have Revolut account
- IME Remit – Nepali remittance service
- Western Union / MoneyGram – available but higher fees
- Bank transfer – slower, higher fees
Pro tip: Ask other Nepalis which service they use. They know the best deals.
Nepali News and Media
- Online Nepali newspapers – Kantipur, Onlinekhabar, Setopati (free)
- YouTube channels – Nepali news, entertainment, music
- Nepali TV apps – some paid streaming services available
- TikTok – many Nepali workers in Romania post daily life videos
Challenges You Might Face (And How Community Helps)
Challenge 1: Language Barrier
Solution: Nepali community offers informal Romanian language classes. Senior workers teach basics. Some employers provide free Romanian courses.
Challenge 2: Homesickness
Solution: Regular community gatherings. Video calls home. Cooking Nepali food with friends. Talking in Nepali.
Challenge 3: Cultural Differences
Solution: Other Nepalis explain Romanian customs, workplace culture, social norms. Learn together.
Challenge 4: Work Problems (Unpaid Wages, Bad Employer)
Solution: Community has activists, experienced workers who know labour rights. They connect you with lawyers, Honorary Consul, labour inspectors.
Challenge 5: Housing Issues
Solution: Nepali groups share housing tips, warn about bad landlords, help find affordable apartments.
Challenge 6: Feeling Isolated in Small Towns
Solution: If you work in a smaller Romanian town with few Nepalis, stay connected online. Visit Bucharest or Cluj on holidays. Join online chat groups.
Mental Health and Community Support
Working abroad is hard. Distance from family. Pressure to send money home. Language stress. Workplace challenges.
Warning signs you or a friend might need help:
- Extreme sadness or hopelessness lasting weeks
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Not eating, or eating too much
- Avoiding friends and community
- Feeling worthless or thinking about self-harm
What to do:
- Talk to trusted friends in the community
- Contact Honorary Consul
- Call a mental health helpline (Romania has multilingual helplines)
- Reach out to family back home
- See a doctor (covered by health insurance if you are legally employed)
Tragic reality: The Nepali community in Romania has lost workers to suicide. Mental health is serious. If you or someone you know is struggling – speak up. Ask for help. You are not alone. Read more about mental health support for workers abroad.
Resources:
- Romania Mental Health Helpline: 0800 801 200 (free, 24/7)
- Honorary Consul of Nepal: (contact via Facebook groups for current number)
- Community activists: Known workers help connect people to services
Women in the Nepali Community in Romania
The majority of Nepali workers in Romania are men, but the number of Nepali women workers is growing.
Sectors where Nepali women work:
- Hospitality (hotel cleaning, laundry, kitchen help)
- Elderly care
- Cleaning services
- Restaurants
- Warehouse packing
Special challenges for women:
- Smaller support network
- Safety concerns
- Balancing work and family (if children)
How women connect:
- Separate WhatsApp groups for Nepali women in Romania
- Women-only gatherings during festivals
- Mutual support for childcare, housing, safety tips
AMC Nepal’s advice: Women should connect with established female workers before arriving. They share honest experiences, safe housing options, and employer recommendations.
How AMC Nepal Supports Your Social Integration
At AMC Nepal, we don’t just send you abroad and forget you. We prepare you for social life in Romania too through our comprehensive services.
Pre-Departure Orientation
We cover:
- How to find Nepali community
- Facebook groups to join
- What to expect culturally
- How to stay safe and connected
Contact Information
We give you:
- Phone numbers of AMC Nepal alumni already in Romania
- Facebook group links
- Honorary Consul contact
Follow-Up Support
After you arrive:
- We check in during first month
- Help if you face problems
- Connect you with community resources
Partnership With EJS Europe
Our partner EJS Europe in Romania also:
- Introduces you to other Nepali workers at same company
- Provides information about local Nepali community
- Helps with first-week settling (SIM card, groceries, transport)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will I be the only Nepali at my workplace?
Not usually. Many Romanian employers hire multiple Nepali workers at once. Ask your recruiter before going.
Q2: Do I need to speak Romanian to make Romanian friends?
No, but learning basic Romanian helps a lot. Many young Romanians speak English.
Q3: Is there a Nepali temple in Bucharest?
Not a formal temple. But Nepalis organize puja gatherings in apartments during major festivals.
Q4: Where can I buy Nepali food in Romania?
Asian grocery stores in big cities. Also, some Nepali restaurants sell groceries. Check Facebook groups for current lists.
Q5: How do I send money home from Romania?
Wise, Revolut, and IME Remit are popular. Low fees. Ask other Nepalis which they use.
Q6: Are there Nepali doctors in Romania?
A few Nepali medical professionals, but not many. Romanian public healthcare covers you if legally employed.
Q7: Can I celebrate Dashain in Romania?
Yes! Large community gatherings in Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara every year. Hundreds of Nepalis attend.
Q8: What if I feel lonely or depressed?
Join community groups. Attend events. Talk to friends. Call home. If serious, contact Honorary Consul or mental health helpline.
Q9: Do Nepalis face discrimination in Romania?
Experiences vary. Most Romanians are welcoming. Some workers report occasional stares or rude comments, but serious discrimination is not common. Community support helps.
Q10: How do I find other Nepalis when I first arrive?
Join Facebook groups before leaving Nepal. Post your arrival date and city. People respond. You will have contacts waiting.
Final Thoughts
You are not alone in Romania. Over 20,000 Nepalis are already there – working, living, celebrating festivals, helping each other, building futures.
Community makes everything easier:
- You have friends who speak your language
- You celebrate your culture and festivals
- You get help when you face problems
- You feel less homesick
- You stay mentally and emotionally healthy
AMC Nepal’s advice:
- Join Facebook groups before you leave Nepal
- Attend community events in your first month
- Help newcomers once you settle in
- Stay connected with family back home
- Build friendships with both Nepalis and Romanians
- Take care of your mental health
Working abroad is a big step. It is not always easy. But with a strong community around you, you can succeed, grow, and build a better future – while staying connected to your roots.
Get in Touch With AMC Nepal
AMC Nepal (Kathmandu office):
- 📍 KG Tower, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
- 📞 +977 971 202 3455
- 📧 info@amcnepal.com
- 🌐 www.amcnepal.com
- 📞 Contact Us
Our Romania partner – EJS Europe:
Disclaimer: Community groups, contacts, and organizations change over time. Always verify current information through official sources and active community members. AMC Nepal provides this guide for informational purposes to help workers prepare for social life abroad.