Quick Answer
- Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). 1 EUR ≈ 5 RON. Romania is NOT in the Eurozone.
- Card payments accepted almost everywhere — restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets, even market vendors.
- Use bank ATMs (Banca Transilvania, BRD, Raiffeisen) for the best exchange rates. Avoid street exchange offices.
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants is standard. Round up for taxis and coffee. Not mandatory but appreciated.
Currency
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (plural: Lei), abbreviated as RON. Romania is an EU member but has not adopted the Euro.
Approximate exchange rates (2025-2026):
| Currency | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 EUR | ~5 RON |
| 1 USD | ~4.6 RON |
| 1 GBP | ~5.8 RON |
Banknotes come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 RON denominations. Coins: 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani (100 bani = 1 RON).
How to Get Romanian Lei
Bank ATMs (Recommended)
The best way to get RON. Bank ATMs offer competitive exchange rates and are available 24/7 throughout Bucharest.
Recommended bank ATMs:
- ING Bank — Good rates, mostly in malls and commercial zones
- Banca Transilvania (BT) — Romania’s largest bank, ATMs everywhere
- BRD (Groupe Société Générale) — Widely available
- Raiffeisen Bank — Reliable, in most commercial areas
Important: When the ATM asks whether to charge in your home currency or RON, always choose RON. The “home currency” option uses a terrible exchange rate (Dynamic Currency Conversion).
Currency Exchange
If you need cash exchange, use bank branches or reputable exchange offices inside malls. Avoid the small exchange booths near Gara de Nord, Old Town, or on random streets — their rates are often predatory.
What to Avoid
- Street money changers (illegal and scam-prone)
- Airport exchange desks (terrible rates)
- Hotels (poor rates, high fees)
- Any exchange office that doesn’t clearly display buy/sell rates
Card Payments
Bucharest is very card-friendly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere:
- Restaurants and cafes: ✅ Almost universal
- Supermarkets: ✅ All of them
- Public transport: ✅ Contactless on STB vehicles and metro
- Taxis/rideshare: ✅ Through apps (Bolt, Uber)
- Markets: ✅ Many vendors accept cards
- Small corner shops: ⚠️ Some cash-only
Contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) work widely. You can often go days without needing cash.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary but not as rigid as in some countries. Service charges are rarely included in the bill.
| Situation | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% of the bill |
| Cafes | Round up to nearest 5 RON |
| Bars | Round up or 5-10 RON |
| Taxis | Round up to nearest 5 RON |
| Hotel porters | 10-20 RON per bag |
| Tour guides | 20-50 RON per person |
| Hairdressers | 10-15% |
How to tip: In restaurants, tell the server the total amount you want to pay (including tip) when they bring the card machine. For example, if your bill is 87 RON, say “100” to leave a 13 RON tip. Alternatively, leave cash on the table.
How Much Things Cost
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 8-15 RON (€1.60-3) |
| Beer (restaurant) | 12-20 RON (€2.40-4) |
| Meal at a mid-range restaurant | 60-120 RON (€12-24) |
| Fast food meal | 30-45 RON (€6-9) |
| Public transport single trip | 3 RON STB / 5 RON metro |
| Bolt ride (5 km) | 15-25 RON (€3-5) |
| Museum entry | 10-30 RON (€2-6) |
| 1.5L bottled water | 3-5 RON (€0.60-1) |
Bucharest is significantly cheaper than Western European capitals. Your money goes far here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay by card everywhere in Bucharest?
Almost everywhere. Card payments (Visa, Mastercard, contactless) are accepted at restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, shopping malls, and most shops. Some traditional markets, small kiosks, and very small businesses may still be cash-only, but this is increasingly rare. Public transport also accepts contactless bank cards.
Where can I find the best currency exchange rate in Bucharest?
Use bank ATMs (Banca Transilvania, BRD, Raiffeisen, ING) for the best rates. Withdraw in RON and let your home bank handle the conversion. Avoid airport exchange counters and street-level exchange offices -- they often have poor rates or hidden fees. If you must use an exchange office, check the rate online first and only use reputable ones in shopping malls.
