Top payment methods in Romania: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Romania? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Romania, with a population of around 18.83 million people, has a GDP of approximately 403.40 billion making it the 40th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON)
The economy is driven by manufacturing, particularly automotive and machinery, and information technology services. As a member of the European Union, its trade is heavily oriented towards other EU states, with Germany and Italy as key partners.
| Country | Romania |
|---|---|
| Population | 18.83 million |
| GDP (USD) | 403.40 billion |
| Global Ranking | 40th |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Romania?
Physical cash, the Romanian Leu, remains the most popular payment method for the majority of day-to-day transactions. In urban areas, debit and credit cards have very high acceptance, with contactless functionality being the norm. Bank transfers are used for bill payments and also as an alternative to "cash on delivery" for online purchases, where payment is made after the product arrives.
How to pay in Romania
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Romania.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Romanian Leu) | Romania has one of the strongest cash cultures in Europe. Cash is a dominant and preferred payment method for a large portion of daily transactions. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Card payments are the leading form of digital payment and are very common in urban areas and modern retail for both in-person and online purchases. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers, often via mobile banking apps, are a standard way to pay bills and make P2P transfers. | Online |
| Digital Wallets | Digital wallets and mobile payment apps are available and growing in use, but have not reached the same penetration as cards. | Online/In-person |
Is PayPal available in Romania?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Romania.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.