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Romania (RO)

Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe β€” a full Schengen EU member state blessed with the dramatic Carpathian mountains, medieval Saxon towns like Sibiu and Brasov, the legendary Transylvania region, a booming technology sector, and one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union.

Capital: Bucharest
Region: Europe
Language: Romanian
Currency: RON (lei)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)
Emergency: 112
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Currency & Money

Practical money tips for living in Romania.

lei
Romanian leu
RON

Denominations

Coins: 1 ban, 5 bani, 10 bani, 50 bani. Banknotes: 1 leu, 5 lei, 10 lei, 50 lei, 100 lei, 200 lei, 500 lei. 1 EUR β‰ˆ 4.97–5.00 RON in 2026.

Payment Culture

Card payments (contactless) are widely accepted in cities and supermarkets, and Apple/Google Pay are common. Cash is still important in rural areas, open markets (piaΘ›Δƒ), small family-run shops, and with some taxi drivers. Carry 50–100 lei for daily convenience.

ATM Tips

ATMs (bancomat) are easy to find. Use bank-owned ATMs (BCR, BRD, Banca Transilvania, Raiffeisen, ING) to avoid high third-party fees charged by Euronet machines. Always choose to be charged in RON, never in your home currency (decline dynamic currency conversion).

Exchange Tips

Avoid airport exchange desks β€” the spread is poor. Use reputable casa de schimb (exchange bureaus) in city centres, or Wise/Revolut for card-based spending. Banca Transilvania and ING Bank offer reasonable rates for cash exchange.

Pro tip: Best apps for expats

  • β€’ Wise β€” Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
  • β€’ Revolut β€” Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
  • β€’ N26 β€” German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents