Romanian Currency

Q: What is the currency in Bucharest?

The currency in Bucharest is the Romanian leu. Each leu is divided into 100 bani. When you’re in Romania you’ll see the symbol lei written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code RON used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I use euros in Romania?

You can't spend euros in Romania. You may see prices and rates for hotels listed in EUR - but this is done simply for the convenience of travellers, to make it easier to calculate costs. Your best bet when travelling to Romania is paying in the official Romanian currency: the leu. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

Find out what currency is used in Romania, tips and tricks for Romanian currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Romanian leu card.

Learn about the Romanian leu card

What is the currency in Romania?

The currency in Romania is the Romanian leu. Each leu is divided into 100 bani.

When you’re buying currency for Romania, look out for the currency code RON. And once you’re in Romania, you’ll see the symbol lei used to show prices.

You’ll find Romanian banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 - although the 200 and 500 RON notes are seldom used.

Bani come in coins of 1, 5, 10 and 50.

Use the Wise Romanian leu card to spend in Romanian currency.

The Wise Romanian leu travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to leu to spend when you’re in Romania. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Romanian leu - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Romanian leu card

Tips for exchanging currency in Romania.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, leu - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Romanian leu, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Romania.

Paying by credit or debit card in Romania

Major credit and debit cards are widely used in cities and larger towns in Romania. Cash is still useful for smaller purchases, or if you're headed off the beaten track.

ATMs in Romania

There's no shortage of 24 hour ATMs in Romanian towns and cities.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Romania, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.