According to Eurostat, in 2023 5.9% of Romania's residents reported crime, violence or vandalism in their area, against an EU average of 10%.
Romania ranked 45th of 163 countries. The US State Department places it at Level 1, "exercise normal precautions".
European Commission figures for 2025, against an EU average of 43. This is the real big risk.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake killed more than 1,400 people in Bucharest. In an older building, check the year and the seismic class.
One number for police, ambulance and fire service, in Romania as in every EU country.
Is Bucharest a safe city?
Yes, by most official measures. The US State Department places Romania at its lowest advisory level, "exercise normal precautions", and according to Eurostat only about 6% of Romania's residents reported crime, violence or vandalism in their area, against 10% on average in the EU. The risks worth knowing are different ones: road accidents, pickpockets in crowded places, and earthquake risk in older buildings.
Almost every family considering a purchase in Bucharest asks me this, usually towards the end of the call and in a slightly lower voice: "And tell me, Moti, is it safe there?" It is a legitimate question, and it deserves an answer with numbers, not "I live there and I'm fine". So here are the numbers, including the less pleasant ones.
What international measures say about Bucharest and Romania
| Measure | What it measures | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| US State Department | Travel advisory for US citizens | Level 1 of 4: "exercise normal precautions" |
| Global Peace Index 2026 | Safety, conflict and militarisation in 163 countries | 45th place |
| Eurostat, 2023 | Self-reported crime, violence or vandalism in the area | 5.9%, against an EU average of 10% |
In practice: violent crime against foreigners is not common in Bucharest, and most everyday risks can be managed with simple habits.
The real big risk: the road
Here the data is less flattering. According to the European Commission's preliminary figures for 2025, Romania recorded 68 road deaths per million inhabitants, against 43 on average in the EU. That is one of the highest rates in Europe, even though the figure fell by 12% compared with 2024.
What this means for you:
- Drive carefully on intercity roads, especially single-carriageway roads and at night.
- Child seats and seatbelts always, even on a short taxi ride.
- Pedestrian crossings: don't assume the driver will stop.
When you choose a neighbourhood, it is also a question of infrastructure: pavements, lighting and a safe route to school.
Pickpockets and taxis: normal capital-city caution
In Bucharest, as in most European capitals, the common problems are small ones:
- Pickpockets on crowded public transport, in the Old Town and at Gara de Nord station.
- Overcharging taxis, mainly drivers who approach you at the airport or in the street. Book through Bolt or Uber, or at an official stand.
- Street "currency exchange" scams. Change money only at a bank or a proper exchange office, or pay by card.
My rule for visitors: phone in an inside pocket, taxis only from an app, and bag in front on the metro.
The risk buyers forget: earthquakes and older buildings
This is the most important topic in this article, especially if you are buying an apartment.
Bucharest lies in an active seismic zone because of the Vrancea source. In the earthquake of 4 March 1977, magnitude 7.4, more than 1,400 people were killed in Bucharest, and most of the destruction was concentrated in older tall buildings.
To this day, buildings assessed and found to be at the highest risk are marked with a round red sign at the entrance ("Clasa I de risc seismic"). The Municipal Agency for Seismic Risk Reduction (AMCCRS) keeps a list of classified buildings.
It is a legitimate question, and it deserves an answer with numbers.
What to do about it:
- Check the year of construction. Buildings put up before 1977, and especially before the Second World War, are the main risk group.
- Check whether the building is classified. Look the address up in the list, and ask your lawyer.
- In new construction, ask to see that the design follows Romania's current seismic design code.
One more layer of protection: in Romania, under Law 260/2008, every owner of an apartment or house must hold basic compulsory home insurance against earthquakes, floods and landslides (PAD), managed by the PAID insurance pool. The insured sum is 100,000 or 50,000 lei (roughly €20,000 or €10,000) depending on the type of building, so most owners add regular building and contents insurance on top. After signing, make sure both policies are in your name.
We cover the legal checks to make before signing in our legal checklist.
Israelis and Jews in Bucharest
Bucharest has a long-established Jewish community, with synagogues and community life, and Romania has maintained continuous diplomatic relations with Israel since 1948. Many Israelis live and do business in the city. Read about the community, the synagogues and Jewish life in our guide to the Jewish community of Bucharest.
As anywhere in the world, the practical advice for Israeli travellers is to follow the travel recommendations of Israel's National Security Council (in Hebrew) before a trip.
Choosing a neighbourhood through a safety lens
Safety is not only about crime. When families choose a neighbourhood, these are the questions that come up:
- The route to school: how long in traffic, and is there a pavement?
- Type of building: an older building in the centre versus new construction in the suburbs.
- Surroundings: a quiet residential neighbourhood versus a nightlife street.
- Time to hospital: especially with young children. On the health system, read our healthcare guide for expats in Romania.
And one number to remember: 112, the single emergency number across the EU, Romania included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bucharest safe for tourists?
Yes, by most measures. The US State Department places Romania at Level 1, "exercise normal precautions". The common problems for tourists are pickpockets in crowded places and overcharging taxis, both avoidable with simple habits.
How does Romania rank in the Global Peace Index?
In the 2026 Global Peace Index, Romania ranked 45th out of 163 countries. The index looks at domestic safety, conflict and militarisation.
What is the crime level in Romania compared with the EU?
According to Eurostat, in 2023 5.9% of Romania's residents reported crime, violence or vandalism in their area, against 10% on average in the EU.
Is there an earthquake risk in Bucharest?
Yes. Bucharest lies in a seismic zone, and the risk is concentrated in older buildings. Before buying an apartment, check the year of construction and whether the building is classified as a seismic risk on the city's lists.
What is the emergency number in Romania?
112, the EU's single emergency number, for police, ambulance and fire service.
The bottom line
Bucharest is a safe city to live in and raise a family, according to the data and not just to feeling. The real risks are the road, pickpockets and older buildings, and all three can be managed with the right choices.
If you are choosing a neighbourhood or checking a specific building, book a half-hour call with me. We'll go through the area, the type of building and the questions to ask before signing.
Moti Azulay, Compass Group Romania
Sources and data: US State Department, travel advisories · Global Peace Index, Institute for Economics and Peace · Eurostat · European Commission, transport and road safety · Municipal Agency for Seismic Risk Reduction, Bucharest (AMCCRS) · Israel National Security Council · PAID, Romania's compulsory home insurance
This article is for general information only and is not security, engineering or legal advice. Before travelling, check current travel advice, and before buying, commission an engineering and legal check of the property.
Now you know more.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult local professionals before any transaction.
