Money in Romania: Currency, Cards, ATMs & Tipping

Romania has its own currency, the leu — not the euro. Once you know that and remember a few simple rules about cards, ATMs and tipping, you'll pay like a local without wasting money on fees. Here's everything you need.

The currency: the Romanian leu (RON)

The official currency is the Romanian leu, shortened to RON (informally "lei"). One leu divides into 100 bani — the subunit you'll see on smaller coins. Notes are counted in lei, small change in bani.

The key thing to remember: the euro is not used for everyday payments. Although Romania is a member of the European Union, it has not adopted the euro yet, and shops, restaurants, taxis and markets all work in lei. Some large hotels or travel agencies may quote prices in euros, but you still pay in lei or by card. Don't count on handing over euro banknotes at a café or supermarket — you can't.

To get a feel for values, use the live currency converter on the essentials page — exchange rates shift daily, so a live tool is far more useful than any fixed figure.

Cards vs. cash

Romania is surprisingly cashless in its cities. Cards — including contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay — are accepted almost everywhere: restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, shops, petrol stations, and many museums and attractions. Tapping to pay is the norm, not the exception.

Even so, it's worth always carrying a little cash for:

• Markets and fairs — stalls selling local produce, cheese, vegetables or souvenirs prefer cash.
• Rural areas and villages — small guesthouses, monasteries and village shops may not have a card terminal.
• Small taxis and local transport — some take cards, but not all; ride-hailing apps solve this with in-app payment.
• Tips — a cash tip reliably reaches the person who earned it.

Rule of thumb: pay by card for larger amounts and in cities, but keep the equivalent of a meal or two in cash for the moments a card won't work.

ATMs (bancomate)

Cash machines — called bancomate in Romanian — are widespread in cities and most towns. A few rules will save you from painful fees:

• Decline DCC (dynamic currency conversion). The ATM (or a card terminal) may ask whether you'd like to be charged in your home currency instead of lei. Always choose lei (RON). Letting the machine convert gives you a poor rate; letting your own bank convert is almost always better.
• Avoid independent, non-bank ATMs. Machines in hotel lobbies, clubs or tourist zones run by private operators (not banks) offer weak rates and high fees. Look for ATMs belonging to well-known banks.
• Withdraw larger amounts less often. If your bank charges a flat fee per withdrawal, fewer bigger withdrawals beat many small ones.

Changing money

If you want to change cash, do it only at banks or reputable exchange offices (casa de schimb). Check the posted rate and ask to see the exact amount you'll receive, fees included, before you confirm.

• Avoid street changers who offer to swap money "at a better rate." It's a classic tourist trap.
• Never change at a poor rate — exchange desks at airports and in heavily touristed areas often post the worst rates.
• Often the simplest and best option is just to withdraw lei directly from a bank ATM with your own card.

Tipping (bacșiș)

Tipping in Romania is appreciated but never mandatory. You tip when you're happy with the service:

• Restaurants: around 10% if you're satisfied. Check the bill — if a "service" charge is already included, you can leave less or nothing extra.
• Taxis: round the fare up.
• Hotel staff: a small tip for the porter carrying your bags or for housekeeping is a nice gesture.
• Cafés, bars, hairdressers: rounding up or a few lei is plenty.

Cash tips are safest — they go straight to the person who served you.

Costs at a glance

Romania is among the best-value countries in the European Union. Meals, accommodation, transport and attractions generally cost considerably less than in Western Europe, and the quality is high. For rough daily figures and money-saving tricks, see the budget guide.

Staying safe with money

Ordinary common sense is enough:

• Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN at an ATM or terminal.
• Prefer ATMs inside banks or in well-lit, busy locations.
• Tell your bank before you travel so your card isn't blocked.
• Keep one small cash reserve separate from your card.

For all the practical travel details and the live currency converter, see the essentials page.