Money in Romania: Currency, Payments and Travel Tips for Visitors

If you're planning a trip to Romania, one of the first things you need to know is how money works here. The local currency is the Romanian leu (RON). Although traveling through the country is quite easy, there are a few important tips and tricks when it comes to payments, currency exchange, and even transportation. Currency in Romania Romania uses the leu (plural: lei), abbreviated as RON. The banknotes are made of colored and durable polymer, easy to handle and difficult to counterfeit. They are available in the following denominations: 1 leu – green banknote, the smallest value, rarely used in cities but useful at kiosks or markets. 5 lei – purple, often used for small payments. 10 lei – orange, very common in everyday transactions. 50 lei – yellow, equivalent to a decent lunch at a restaurant. 100 lei – blue, probably the most used medium-value banknote. 200 lei – dark orange, rarer but still in circulation. 500 lei – dark purple, the largest banknote, accepted everywhere but sometimes hard to change in small shops or taxis. Usually, you'll find coins only for very small values (1, 5, 10, and 50 bani), but most payments are made with banknotes or cards. 100 bani equals 1 RON. Where to exchange money and where not to! Avoid exchanging money at the airport – exchange rates are usually disadvantageous, and you'll lose quite a bit compared to what you'd get in the city. Instead, look for exchange offices in central areas or use an ATM from a major bank to withdraw cash directly in lei. Card payments The good news is that cards are widely accepted in Romania. In cities, you can pay by card almost everywhere: restaurants, shops, taxis, supermarkets, and even small cafes. Visa and Mastercard are the most common, while American Express may be less accepted. Cash is still useful Although you can rely on your card in most places, it's still good to have some cash on hand. Rural areas, small family businesses, markets, or mountain lodges may only accept cash. Having a few hundred lei in your wallet can save you from inconveniences. Transport: train and bus tickets If you want to explore Romania, the train and bus are two of the most accessible options. Train tickets can be purchased directly online from the official CFR Călători website, and for buses, you can use the Autogari.ro platform, where you can find routes and schedules for most companies. This way, you can organize your trip in advance without spending hours in train or bus stations. It's worth noting that trains in Romania are not very punctual and can sometimes have significant delays. What to know on the road Check exchange rates before buying lei – use our currency converter to compare rates. This site uses the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Romania, which is a median reference rate. Use ATMs from major banks like BCR, BT, or ING for safe withdrawals. Try to avoid Euronet ATMs, which offer extremely disadvantageous exchange rates. Avoid airport exchange offices unless absolutely necessary. Use small banknotes – sometimes taxis or shops don't give change for 200 or 500 lei banknotes. You can use platforms like Bolt or Uber, and it's especially recommended in airport or train station areas, as taxi drivers often take advantage of foreign visitors by charging exorbitant rates. Don't feed the bears if you're on the Transfăgărășan or in other mountain areas. Although they may seem friendly, they are wild animals and can become extremely dangerous. The fines are hefty, and it's not good to disrupt the habits of wild animals and make them dependent on humans and begging for food. Places to visit If you reach Romania, take the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful tourist areas. Major cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Sibiu, and, of course, Bucharest, offer a combination of history, culture, and nightlife. But don't miss the natural and cultural destinations: the Danube Delta, a paradise for nature enthusiasts, Bran Castle, legendary due to the Dracula story, or the spectacular Transfăgărășan, one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Final thoughts Traveling in Romania is simple and pleasant, both in terms of payments and transportation. Pay by card whenever possible, keep some lei for rural areas, buy tickets online for train and bus, and enjoy the landscapes, history, and local hospitality. With these tips, you'll be ready to enjoy your Romanian adventure without financial stress and with many beautiful memories.