Bucharest uses the local LEU (literally meaning ion) as a currency. Although Romania is an EU member since 2007, the conversion to EUR haven’t happen yet, but it’s in the plan. In the meantime you will need to use the local currency (also known as RON – after a denomination happening in 2005).
The exchange rate is fairly stable especially in line with the Euro, with very little variation in the past 10 years.
Here are some useful tips & tricks on using the local currency in Bucharest.
Paying in Bucharest
Bucharest is almost a cashless city, you will rarely find a place that does not accept card payments and most locals use this extensively. There’s also no amount threshold for paying with card.
Everything words contactless, so you will be able to use either your contactless card or any apple pay / google wallet smart device to pay around the city.
Physical cards do normally require a cip enabled card to be used (if your card doesn’t work contactless). Swiping the magnetic band is not widely used, so make sure your card had a different method enabled, as most modern POS machines cannot work with a magnetic band (as it’s considered less secure).
You will always be presented with a POS machine and asked to tap the card yourself. It’s uncommon for someone (at a restaurant for example) to leave with your card to process it.
Major card vendors like Visa and Mastercard are used in Romania. Note that American Express can only be used in very few locations (usually 4 stars+ hotels).
Using cash in Romania
In case you prefer cash or planning to go outside Bucharest in a more remote area where cash could be used more, you have plenty options to get cash.
Romania is one of the 1st countries to switch to all-plastic (it’s actually a polymer) banknotes. They are denominated between 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lei.
The easiest option to get cash would be to withdraw from an ATM. Those are still very popular around major cities so you will find plenty around. Most are installed by local banks, but you will find some 3rd party ones around the city (especially in tourist areas). Some of biggest banks in Romania are Banca Transilvania, BCR Erste, Unicredit Bank and ING Bank. You should always chose the best that fits with your local bank in terms of commissions. If your bank at home has a corresponding partner with one of the bank mentioned above, you’re likely to get a good conversion rate and no commission.
Note that by law, in Romania all ATM machines will show you any applied commission you need to accept before making a withdrawal.
There are still few exchange offices left in Romania (although not too many compared to 10 or 20 years ago). You will need an ID card or passport in order t ouse an exchange. The commission is usually 0 (and needs to be visibly around the exchange office), but pay attention to the exchange spread as some might have a low rate for exchanging from foreign currency to RON. Some banks do still keep a cash desk available for foreign exchange as well, but this is rather rare nowadays.
There are some foreign exchange machines that banks operate. Most are operated by BCR Erste and you will find those in bigger offices they have around the city.
Tip culture in Romania
As most European countries, Romania has a light tipping culture where usually a 10% means good service and 15% is already at the excelent level. Take away or coffee shops usually don’t expect any tip, but you will sometimes find a jar to leave some change – it’s highly appreciated, but no one expects it.
In restaurants you can ask to leave a tip by card, usually the bill will mention 3 options to help you with the math (5%, 10%, 15% with the corresponding amount for each). It’s rarely you will get a bill with the service included, although it could happen in high end restaurants.
If you order delivery food, a small tip is usually expected, same with any taxi ride (apps like Uber or Bolt have the tip section embedded within the app interface as well.