Romania is such a wonderful country with beautiful nature, interesting and unique traditions and welcoming people.

Visiting this country is like a travel back in time and I am sure you will leave Romania with many new friends and a lot of memories. But you now probably wonder what to pack for this country and what is the currency of Romania.

What currency is used in Romania?

An important thing to know before you go is what currency to use in Romania and what currency you need once you entered this magnificent territory.

The name of the Romania currency comes from the Romanian word for lion, and it’s provided by Monetria Statului, in support of Romania’s reserve bank– Banca Nationala a Romaniei, which has its headquarters in Bucharest.

The currency is free-flowing and also isn’t pegged to any other currency. Romania belongs to the European Union however hasn’t yet signed up with the Eurozone.

It may change the Leu with the Euro within the following number of years, however, there is not a collection date for this. So the answer to the question of what currency is used in Romania is Romanian New Leu.

The Romanian Leu is still the official currency of Romania given that 2005 when e currency reform was executed. The previous money was also called Leu, yet had a different money code (ROL). At the replacement moment, 1 brand-new leu worth 10,000 of the old leu.

Banca Comerciala Romana is the largest Romanian bank, and several of the other significant banks are BRD, Raiffeisen Financial Institution, Unicredit as well as Alpha Bank.

What currency is used in Romania?

The Romanian currency used is Leu plural Lei and the currency code is RON. The Romanian leu with the following units:

• Coins: 1 lei (almost never used), 5, 10 and 50 bani (bani is a subunit of leu)
• Banknotes: 1,5,10,50,100, 200 and 500 lei

Foreign money might be exchanged at financial institutions or licensed exchange office (called: “casa de schimb” or “birou de schimb valutar”).

International airports and bigger resorts also use money exchange services but the rates practised are quite poor.

The most convenient way to get Romania currency when you are already in the country is to withdraw money from an ATM.

Some banks offer their customers very good deals when speaking about travel cards. Conduct research before travelling abroad and get a card with a 0% commission when used abroad and special exchange rates.

ATM machines are widely spread in major cities, but it is a little bit complicated to find any in remote areas or villages.

Cards accepted

All major credit and debit card including American Express, Mastercard and also Visa are approved in huge hotels, car rental firms and stores in the main cities.

However, credit cards are unlikely to be useful in small and remote towns or far from tourist locations.
As opposed to the practice in the United States, a PIN for your card is usually required when buying something and want to pay with a card.

Many American financial institutions allow cardholders to establish such a PIN before travel, in case one is required.

If you do not have a pin simply inform the cashier “this is a no pin credit card” and try to pay with it in lei, what is the currency of Romania.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises when travelling abroad and try to pay with your card, you’d better inform your bank about your trip and about the fact that you might use the card abroad.

FAQ

Can I pay with Mastercard or Visa in Romania?

Of course, you can pay with Mastercard and Visa because both cards are accepted in places where you can pay with a card.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Romania?

Depending on where are you travelling to, you might or might not be able to use your credit card. Restaurants, shops and hotels from big cities accept credit card but if you travel to remote places you need to have cash with you.

What is the currency of Romania?

The national currency for Romania is the Romanian New Leu plural lei and the most common exchange rates are 1 USD = 4 lei and 1 EUR = 4.85 lei.

Unfortunately, Romania’s money (Lei) what currency is used in Romania at this moment is not readily available abroad.

If you do not want to keep your leftover Romanian Lei please ensure that, prior to leaving Romania, you have actually converted them right into the money you need to use.