Romania is the European champion in price increases, and inflation is practically 5 times higher than the average in the European Union states. In desperation, Romanians often seek to do their shopping in neighboring countries or on online platforms abroad.
Romania dominates the European charts in terms of price increases, so the family budget has become an increasingly complicated equation. Because of this, Romanians are constantly in a race against the clock to find special offers and discounts. It’s just that these also seem to be increasingly rare in Romania, and the offers of the supermarket chains in the country are usually less tempting than those that the same stores have abroad.
With inflation that defies any community logic, five times higher than the euro zone average, Romanians are no longer waiting for miraculous solutions from home. Many of them, however, embarked on a veritable “hunt” for offers across borders. But it should not be confused with shopping for pleasure, because in reality it is more of an economic survival strategy and a desperate search for quality that seems to have disappeared from local shelves.
What solutions do the Romanians find?
In fact, debates on shopping abroad take place on social networks, and internet users come up with ideas and tips for those who are looking for better prices.
Recently, such a debate took place on a Facebook group where those who are constantly looking for offers to make the family budget more efficient are active.
“Good evening. Has anyone practiced shopping from Bulgarian, Hungarian, etc. neighbors? Thanks!”was the message of an internet user. The post went viral and people tried to give him an answer and come up with ideas.
“In Bulgaria only luxury products are bought Tobacco and diesel and some bottled water the rest of the products are more expensive”someone wrote.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina. There the prices are more decent than here, or the surrounding countries. Only you cannot bring some products to the Schengen countries, only with a limit”, came another reply.
“Products are cheaper in Turkey, but it’s worth the trip only if you want to have a vacation there. We go to Istanbul very often because it’s a cheap city and you can find accommodation and food at decent prices.” someone said. “Cigarettes are cheaper in Bulgaria by 12-14 lei/pack. 4 cartridges per person are allowed”, came another with ideas.
Superior quality products at others
“We go shopping about once a month in Ruse, in Lidl and Metro. There is not a big difference in price, but there is a very big difference in the quality of the products. Plus we buy their Bulgarian products, not the ones that we have, because our sausages, dairy products and even vegetables are full of chemicals and we can’t eat them”was a point of view.
“The same for us, for local Bulgarian products. Especially the dairy products, which are much better quality. We still buy cigarettes which, even now, even if they have switched to the euro, are still worth more than in Romania”someone proved him right.
“In the Republic of Moldova it is worth shopping, low prices and good quality”, there was another opinion. It was immediately completed by another netizen who elaborated: “Moldova for frozen fish at low prices, Bucuria candies at half price, 3 bottles of wine/adult, 2 packs of cigarettes. According to the law, you are only allowed to eat fish and not other animals, but my goodness, their dry salamis are so good! I too buy Russian home and care products. Cheap and super good.”
“From Hungary I get pork sausages without enhancers and other wonders, bacon, ham, smoked ribs. Also from there and different types of cheeses at good prices plus specifically Hungarian products.” there was another tip.
“I recommend Tesco (no – British hypermarket chain present in Hungary), they have products with a 75% discount every weekend. I go about twice a month and it’s worth it”added another.
“Hungary and Serbia (in fact, almost the entire European Union apart from Bulgaria) have access to products similar to ours, but with varied assortments (such as Coca Cola without caffeine) and clearly superior quality. From Serbia, I got Nutella made in Italy, and from us made in Poland. They pay more attention to those with different diets, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, veggie, etc. and even though we are in 2026, we are still deprived of many high-quality products”one netizen said. “In Ukraine, in Chernivtsi“, wrote another.
We are European champions in price increases and inflation
Romania is the country with the highest inflation in the European Union, and the situation remains the same year after year. According to Eurostat, in December, inflation in Romania was 8.6%. As a comparison term, in the European Union, in the euro area, the inflation rate was 1.9%. Moreover, during the year 2025, inflation was permanently close to 10%. Compared to Romania, inflation in Bulgaria was 2.3%.
