Money and costs Romania

Currency

Leu (plural Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei 500,000, 100,000, 50,000, 10,000 and 2000. Coins are in denominations of Lei1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Currency exchange

t is recommended that visitors bring hard currency, particularly US Dollars, as this can be easily and even eagerly exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorised exchange offices. Rates can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are made frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction. ATMs (bancomat) accepting MasterCard and Visa are becoming more common but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.

Credit&debit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques

Like credit and debit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

Currency restrictions

The import of local currency is prohibited (unless in possession of a special licence); the export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited; the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (business matters); Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1300-1500 (currency exchange).