As a visitor to Romania, you may be wondering what the currency is and what it takes to spend money in the country. The official Romanian currency is the Leu, which is divided into 100 bani. It is abbreviated RON, which stands for Romanian New Leu. Before the leu, Romania used the old leu, which was abbreviated ROL. For the most part, in the countryside it is Cash Only, but in the big cities when you are out shopping, however, you will find that most stores are accepting credit cards.
When it comes to exchanging money, you might find it easier to visit a bank or an exchange office. You can exchange money in airports, but the exchange rate is usually not very favorable. It is important to note that Romania is not (yet) part of the Eurozone and therefore does not accept Euros. The exchange rate may fluctuate and it is important to keep a close eye on the exchange rate when exchanging money.
When it comes to spending money, it is important to note that prices in Romania are generally similar to the ones in the European Union. This is because Romania, although poorer than western countries still has to adhere to the same regulations and taxes. This means that prices for food, accommodations, and other goods and services are comparable to the ones in the rest of the EU. It is important to be aware of this when budgeting for your trip.
Finally, it is important to note that Romania is still a cash-based society. This means that it is important to have some cash on you whenever you are out and about. It is also important to note that most places will not accept foreign currency and it is best to only use the Romanian currency when making a purchase.
The official currency in Romania is Leu, which actually translates as “Lion”. ( A captivating history of Romanian currency can be discovered by visiting the Museum of The National Bank Of Romania. ) The plural for Leu is plural Lei, but the Romanian money is abbreviated RON (Romanian New Leu).
Some hotels, shops, and restaurants might accept dollars or euros, but that is an exception rather than the rule, and the exchange rate won’t be in your favor.
When using exchange offices always check the commission percentage first, and always check if the transaction is registered and if you get a receipt!
Using your credit card in Romania is similar to using it in any other European country. We would, however, advise you to make sure before you leave home that your credit card works abroad in general and Romania in particular.
If you come from an exotic country, you might want to remember that you might not be able to exchange Romanian lei in your currency when returning home. Thus it would be advisable to exchange your Lei for a US dollars or Euros when leaving Romania.
Currency in Romania – Denomination
Banknote denominations are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 , 200 and 500 Lei.
The color of the bank notes in relation to their value:
- 1 leu -Green,
- 5 lei – Purple,
- 10 lei -Reddish Brown,
- 50 lei -Yellow
- 100 lei – Blue
- 200 lei – Light yellow/beige
- 500 lei – Light Blue /green.
100 Lei is approximately 20 euros or 22 US dollars.
Coin denominations are 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani coins (1 Leu = 100 bani). Coins are similar in size and color to the denominations of euro coins, and this is by purpose, as Romania hopes to adhere to Euro Zone, in the future.
The color of the coins is given by the metal they are made of. In relation to their value:
- 1 Ban – brass,
- 5 Bani -cooper
- 10 Bani – steel
- 50 Bani – brass
For the best exchange rates, head towards the exchange offices in the city center, rather than using the ones near the airport or railway station. You will likely find ATMs in all major places, banks, shopping centers, railway stations and airport in Bucharest.
Approximate exchange rates for foreign currency in Romania
Data as of March 11th, 2023:
| Currency | Exchange Rate to RON | Exchange Rate from RON |
|---|---|---|
| Romanian New Leu | 1.00 | inv. 1.00 |
| US Dollar | 0.237642 | 4.209852 |
| Euro | 0.210187 | 4.757020 |
| British Pound | 0.174896 | 5.719530 |
| Indian Rupee | 18.059576 | 0.055352 |
| Australian Dollar | 0.287258 | 3.482582 |
| Canadian Dollar | 0.276108 | 3.621345 |
| Singapore Dollar | 0.316184 | 3.161302 |
| Swiss Franc | 0.229141 | 4.365064 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1.012454 | 0.987719 |
| Japanese Yen | 25.123696 | 0.039791 |
For more accurate and up-to-date information about the currency in Romania and the money exchange rates, please visit the official site of the National Bank Of Romania
- Exchange rates: http://www.bnr.ro/mobile_fxr.aspx
Prices in Romania
For reference:
- A bus ticket costs around 2.5 lei or 0.5 US dollars (or you can buy 2 tickets for one dollar, or for 1 Euro) for an urban trip.
- Entrance fees to most attractions/museums in Bucharest are below 5 US dollars or 25 Lei.
- A small 0.25l Coke in most restaurants – 2-3 Euros
- A (normal) bread in a supermarket – 0.5 Euro
Paying by credit or debit card in Romania
As a traveler in Romania, understanding the currency and payment options is key to having a successful and stress-free experience. Most of Romania uses the leu (plural lei) as its official currency. It’s important to note that Romania is not part of the Eurozone, so you will need to exchange your currency into lei to pay for goods and services.
When it comes to paying by card or cash, Romania is very much a cash-based society. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in some modern establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, and stores in major cities. This includes Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards.
When using a credit or debit card, it’s important to note that many establishments will charge a fee to cover the cost of processing. This fee can vary from one merchant to another, so it’s important to ask before you pay. Additionally, it’s important to know the PIN code for your card before you travel, as many places may require it for security reasons.
In some cases, you may need to use a local bank card or ATM card to pay for goods and services. In Romania, most ATMs are part of the Maestro network, and they are widely available in most cities. Some banks may also offer international credit cards, which can be used to withdraw money from ATMs and pay for goods and services.
Overall, credit and debit cards are accepted in Romania, but it’s important to be aware of the fees and PIN codes associated with them. Additionally, it’s important to carry sufficient cash in lei to cover any purchases that may not be able to be made with a card. With a bit of preparation, paying with a credit or debit card in Romania can be a stress-free and convenient experience.
Looking to make your trip unforgettable without breaking the bank? Dive into our budget-friendly travel tips to maximize your experience in Bucharest.
