Money

The national currency in Romania is called Leu (1 Leu = 100 bani). The banknotes used have the following values: 1, 5,10,50,100, 200 and 500 lei. Different from most of the countries is the fact that Romanian money are made from plastic instead of paper. The commonly used coins are 5, 10 and 50 bani.

How to get Romanian Lei

Taking into consideration the sheer number of bank offices in big cities you would think Romania is the new El Dorado. Well, it isn’t. But, for all of you traveling from abroad, the big number of bank offices will give you plenty of options in changing your money to the local currency. Also, bear in mind the fact that, typically, banks in Romania have exchange rates only for the most commonly used currencies: EURO, US Dollars, British Pounds or Swiss Francs. So, for example, if you are coming Norway, try to come with Euros instead of your local currency.

Typically, in the weekdays, the banking hours are between 9 and 5, with some offices working till 6 or 6.30. Also, there are some offices working Saturdays till around 1 PM.

Aside from banks, you can find exchange offices in all the big cities but, if you choose this option, be very, very careful at the exchange rates and at the papers you are signing so that you won’t be tricked.