Exploring Romanian Currencies: A Comprehensive Guide to Currency in Romania

Everything you need to know about the currency of Romania.

Los principales billetes de Rumanía - Leu rumano, RON.
Los principales billetes de Rumanía - Leu rumano, RON.

Are you about to travel to Romania and unsure about the currency used? Discover everything you need to know about the coins of Romania and the exchange with the EURO. Arrive prepared to avoid any surprises.

If you’re planning a trip to Romania, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the currency used in this country. Although Romania is part of the European Union, it does not use the EURO as its official currency. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the coins of Romania and how to exchange currency, so you can be prepared and avoid surprises during your trip.

Introduction to the currency used in Romania

Romania is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to this country, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the currency here. Although Romania doesn’t use the EURO as its official currency, exchanging currency with this is easy and accessible.

First and foremost, you should know that Romanian banknotes are made of plastic. Yes, you read that right. They are completely made of plastic and nearly impossible to tear. So, don’t be alarmed when you come across these banknotes for the first time—they are not counterfeit. 😛

The official currency in Romania

The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON), which is divided into 100 bani. Currently, there are coins of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani, as well as banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lei. Although the Euro is not the official currency of Romania, it may be accepted in some tourist and commercial establishments, especially in major cities. If you only have Euros, it’s advisable to inquire beforehand if payment in this currency is possible.

It’s important to note that some shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards (mostly in the rural areas), so it’s recommended to carry cash at all times or inquire about card payment acceptance. In major cities, you shouldn’t have any issues paying with a card for most things (hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, metro, etc.).

How to exchange EURO or GBP to Romanian currency?

If you need to exchange your EUROS or GBP for Romanian currency, you can do so at banks or exchange offices. It’s important to note that some exchange offices may charge higher commissions than others, so it’s advisable to compare prices before making the exchange. Also, remember to carry your passport with you, as some exchange offices may require it for the transaction. In general, the exchange rate is usually more favorable at exchange offices than at banks, but there may be differences between different financial institutions.

At the time of writing this article (May 2023), the exchange rate from EURO to RON is 1€ = 4.9 RON. To make it easier for you, I recommend rounding up and considering 1€ as 5 RON. It will make it much simpler for you to calculate prices before making a purchase. For visual memory aid, here are some examples:

10€ = 50 lei/RON

20€ = 100 lei/RON

50€ = 250 lei/RON

100€ = 500 lei/RON

Tips for managing money in Romania

  1. Carry cash: While many places accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across establishments that don’t accept card payments. Make sure to have enough cash to cover your daily expenses.

  2. Exchange currency wisely: When exchanging your money, compare rates and fees at different exchange offices or banks to get the best deal. Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas where rates may be less favorable.

  3. Be cautious with ATMs: Use ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas, such as inside banks or busy streets. Be aware of any suspicious devices attached to the ATM that could compromise your card information.

  4. Notify your bank: Inform your bank or credit card company about your travel plans to Romania. This way, they won’t flag your transactions as suspicious and block your card.

  5. Keep an eye on your belongings: Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public and be vigilant of your surroundings. Use a money belt or a secure bag to store your money and important documents.

  6. Use contactless payments: Many establishments in Romania accept contactless payments, which are convenient and secure. Consider using mobile payment apps or contactless cards for smaller transactions.

  7. Keep small denominations: Have some small denomination notes and coins on hand for convenience, especially when paying for transportation, street vendors, or smaller shops.

Remember to always prioritise your safety and security when handling money in any foreign country.

If you have a card that charges fees for payments in other currencies, our recommendation is to use a service like Revolut. It allows you to exchange currencies at the best rates and make payments in almost any country and over 30 currencies.

If you’re interested, here’s a link to open a free account that will assist you in your travels around the world. It will also help me as Revolut will pay me a commission for promoting their service. It won’t cost you anything extra. 😉

Conclusions and Recommendations for Traveling to Romania

In conclusion, it is important to gather information about the currencies used and the exchange rate with your local currency before traveling to Romania. Additionally, it is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of cash and have a credit or debit card as a backup. Remember that in some places, credit cards may not be accepted, so having cash on hand is important in such cases. Lastly, keep your receipts and exchange documents in case you need to make any claims or returns. With these recommendations, you can enjoy your trip to Romania without financial worries.

Are you planning a vacation to Romania?

Then you're in the right place: here we will provide you with the most important information you need to make the most of your trip. Keep reading and discover our list of the most useful tips!

Is it safe to travel to Romania?

Undoubtedly, ensuring the safety of a tourist destination is of utmost importance when selecting and organizing a trip. In light of recent events that have had global implications, this consideration becomes even more significant.
Romania offers a diverse range of activities, making it an attractive tourist destination throughout the year. Nevertheless, there are specific periods when you can fully immerse yourself in all the enriching experiences and attractions that this country has to offer.