The territory of modern Europe hides many secrets and mysteries from us. Perhaps one of the most interesting for fans of myths and horror is Romania. After all, it was here, according to numerous legends and historical evidence, that the world-famous was born. Therefore, it is absolutely clear that a huge number of tourists from all over the world seek to get to the territory of "vampire" lands. The main questions travelers ask themselves are: "What is the currency in Romania? Can dollars, euros or rubles be freely used and exchanged?"

Union of leu and euro

It is worth noting that this country is a member. Therefore, we can immediately conclude that the significant monetary unit of Romania is the euro. It won't be a mistake. However, this axiom requires clarification. Like many countries, before joining the European Union, Romania had its own national currency. Gradually, the euro took a leading position in the commodity-money relations of many states. But not in this country. The national currency of Romania is called the leu. And it coexists quite comfortably with the European currency. Each leu includes 100 bans. nominal cost one bill is 0.22 euros.

History of the development of the currency unit

The national currency of Romania has a long history. For the first time this sign was introduced into circulation in 1867 by order of the Turkish government, under whose yoke the country was at that time. one leu was equal to the value of the French franc, made of gold. It took twenty-three years to completely withdraw the latter from circulation. And in 1890, the monetary unit of Romania acquired the status of the only national currency.

Like other European countries, this state suffered enormous losses during the fascist occupation. The economy of the state also suffered. Urgent reforms in the banking and financial sectors were needed to get out of the difficult situation. So, in August 1947, the issue of currency was carried out in seven days. At the same time, one new one was given for twenty thousand old lei. Five years later, to completely defeat the financial crisis, a new reform was needed, during which there was a second devaluation. Now the monetary unit of Romania was exchanged as follows:

1. For the first thousand, ten new bank notes were given.
2. The second and third cost 5 lei respectively.
3. If someone owned more, then for every next four hundred signs they gave one leu.

Existence in the Eurozone

In the third millennium, Romania was also affected by the world financial crisis. During the wellness economic policy a new one was held. It resulted in the introduction of the "fresh" leu (RON), which was exchanged at the rate of 1:10,000. The main difference between the banknotes of the new sample was the material used for their manufacture - a special polymer. Tickets National Bank countries do not tear, do not get wet, they are difficult to break, they are convenient to use.

Along with the Romanian leu, the euro “walks” on the territory of the state. Banks also accept other foreign banknotes. The exchange rate in Romania in each bank is approximately the same. Therefore, you can safely take dollars on a trip. It should be remembered that only 50,000 USD can be imported into the country. At the same time, 49,000 of them must be declared. It is forbidden to take lei out of Romania.

Official currency in Romania: lei. In some cases, you can also pay in euros (€).

As in Romania, in neighboring Moldova, the local currency is also called lei, but it differs in appearance. Often in conversation, "Romanian lei" is used to differentiate.

Currency in Romania

Prices for many services and goods are indicated in euros. The use of this currency is especially common in Bucharest and resort towns. In addition to the euro, Romania unofficially accepts US dollars ($), Moldovan lei, Ukrainian hryvnia and Bulgarian leva, but, with the exception of the dollar, only in the areas bordering these countries.

How much money to take to Romania

Romania is a country where you can have an inexpensive vacation. You won't be able to spend a lot of money in Romania; people don't come here for shopping or for an exotic or "luxury" vacation.

The most expensive in Romania are Bucharest, the popular seaside resort of Constanta, and Transylvania.

To understand how much money to take to Romania, you need to plan your trip before the trip and roughly calculate the expenses.

Approximate prices in Romania

• Lunch in an inexpensive cafe: 20-30 lei (230-350 rubles)
• Loaf of bread: 2-3 lei (25-35 rubles)
• Bottle of wine: 12-20 lei (140-230 rubles)
• Milk package: 4 lei (45 rubles)
• Cheese on the market (1 kg): 16-20 lei (180-230 rubles)
• A pack of cigarettes: 11-15 lei (125-180 rubles)
• A liter of gasoline: 5-6 lei (60-70 rubles)

Bank cards in Romania

Bank cards in Romania are accepted in major cities and tourist areas with virtually no restrictions. This applies to large stores, shopping centers and supermarkets. In small shops, even in Budapest, credit cards are generally not accepted. The most common cards are American Express, MasterCard, Dinners Club and Visa.

It is wise enough to put some money on bank card before the trip, and pay for large purchases. Cash withdrawals from ATMs and bank branches are subject to a fee depending on the bank.

Currency exchange in Romania

You can change currency in Romania at exchange offices and banks located at airports, train stations, large shops, hotels and popular tourist places. In Romanian, exchange offices are called casa de schimb. Receipts for exchange and other transactions with money are best kept before leaving the country.

In addition to official exchange offices, there are “money changers” on the streets, it is strongly not recommended to exchange money with them, in order to avoid fraud.

Working hours of currency exchange offices: 09:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00

In the city center and in tourist areas, the opening hours of exchange offices can be extended until 16:00.

Banks of Romania

Banks in Romania are mostly private, and most of the banks in the country are foreign - Austrian Erste, Raiffeisen, Volksbank, Greek - Alpha, Piraeus. Societe Generale and UniCredit also operate in Romania.

The Central Bank of Romania - Banca Națională a României does not banking but only regulates it within the country.

Banking hours in Romania: Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00

As a rule, Saturday and Sunday are non-working days for most banks, with the exception of a small number of offices open in tourist areas and central city streets.

Traveler's checks in Romania

Traveler's checks in Romania are accepted only in major bank branches, preference is given to those issued in euros. In many banks, employees do not have experience in exchanging such checks, therefore, refusals to carry out such operations are possible.

Tipping in Romania

Tipping in Romania is not customary. However, due to the large influx of tourists who do not know about this, tips are increasingly accepted in cafes, restaurants, hotels and taxis.

You can leave 5-10% of the cost of service in a good restaurant or hotel, rounding up the bill is also allowed. Tipping in taxis is not required, but will be greatly appreciated.

Romania is a member state of the European Union.

The national currency of Romania is the Romanian leu, which is divided into 100 bani. The issuing bank is National Bank Romania. IN cash circulation countries there are banknotes in denominations of 1.5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lei. Banknotes issued since 2005 are made only on a polymer basis.

Lei was introduced by a law of April 14, 1867, when Romania, which was under Turkish rule, adopted a national monetary system, similar to the system of the Latin Monetary Union (formally, Romania was not part of this union). The leu was equal to the gold French franc. From 1867 to 1890, two currencies circulated in parallel in Romania - Romanian lei and French francs. Since 1890, the Romanian leu has become the only national currency.

After liberation from fascist occupation, the country was carried out monetary reform- from August 15 to August 22, 1947 Old banknotes were exchanged for lei of the 1947 model at a ratio of 20,000: 1.

From January 28 to 31, 1952, the second currency reform was carried out - the exchange of banknotes for lei of the 1952 model. The first thousand lei were exchanged at a ratio of 100: 1, the second and third thousand - 200: 1 and amounts over 3 thousand old lei - 400 : 1.

In 2005, a monetary reform was carried out, as a result of which 1 new leu ( RON- ROmanian New Leu) replaced 10,000 old lei (ROL - before the 2005 reform - ROL, ROmanian Leu). Non-denominated banknotes everywhere with denominations issued in 2005 were in circulation until December 31, 2006. In the future, they were gradually withdrawn from the money circulation.

The design of the new banknotes celebrates the following general principles: on the front side there is a flower growing in Romania and a portrait of a Romanian cultural figure, on the back side there is a drawing of a building or a famous monument. All banknotes are printed on plastic and polymer, each in its own color (light green for 1 lei, light purple for 5 lei, light pink and light orange for 10 lei, yellow for 50 lei, blue for 100 lei, dark orange - 200 lei, and light gray - 500 lei). On November 14, 2008, the National Bank of Romania announced the release of a modified 10 lei banknote. The new design involves the use of offset printing.

On the front side of the 200 lei banknote, 150 by 82 mm in size, there is a portrait of the philosopher Lucian Blaga. On the back, on the left side, there is an image of an ancient statue "The Thinker from Hamandjiya". The statue was found on the territory of Romania, it is about 8000 years old. In the center of the reverse side there is an image of an old water mill. The bill does not have a watermark, because the portrait of Lucian Blaga and the abbreviation "BNR" are printed on the banknote using a technique that imitates a watermark. The banknote is equipped with a security strip passing to the left of the center, and a golden iridescent strip 18 mm wide, which is located on the back of the bill to the right of the center. Primary colors are yellow, green and brown

Romania is one of the few countries on the European continent that is not part of the European Union. Accordingly, money in Romania remains, as before, national. We will briefly talk about what currency is in Romania.

From the history of Romanian money

Main means of payment in Romania is the leu, which is equal to 100 bani. This currency is relatively young, it was introduced in 1867. True, it became full-fledged only after 23 years, when French francs finally officially stopped circulating in the country. Romanian money has been exchanged three times as a result of reforms, the last of which was carried out in 2005.
To date, the following banknotes are in circulation in the country:

• 1 lei;
• 5 lei;
• 10 lei;
• 50 lei;
• 100 lei;
• 200 lei;
• 500 lei.

There is also a token coin in circulation with denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani.

Customs regulations

Unlike many European countries, the import of currency into Romania is actually not limited. True, the amount exceeding the equivalent of 1,000 euros must be declared and it will no longer be possible to take out more money back. By the way, it is generally impossible to export money from Romania outside the customs territory, but to import it as much as you like.

What to take with you

What currency to take to Romania is by no means an idle question and has its own background. Naturally, in this country, as elsewhere in Europe, you can easily exchange dollars or euros for local money. For this, in addition to banks, there are special exchange offices. However, the exchange rate in places where tourists constantly stop or appear is often very high.
When exchanging foreign exchange it makes sense to keep receipts for lei - only in this case, when leaving the country, it is guaranteed that you can exchange Romanian money back for foreign money.
Despite the fact that the country has long been considered quite civilized, currency exchange in Romania for foreigners is sometimes fraught with troubles - cases of fraud are not uncommon, and even in the exchange offices themselves.
In general, in order not to worry about what currency is in Romania, not to suffer with exchangers, it is best to get credit card. Its transportation, of course, is carried out duty-free and without hindrance. You can use "plastic" without problems - cards in cities are accepted for payment everywhere, the network of ATMs is quite developed. True, this no longer applies to rural areas, such as in Russia. For a trip to any village (with the exception of resort areas), it is worth getting local cash.

Currency unit Romania stands out among European currencies for its quality. Banknotes are not made from paper, but from a polymer having whole line benefits. Polymer money is difficult to fake or spoil. Banknotes do not sink, do not deteriorate from washing, do not crumple and do not tear. Many incredulously check it themselves with small denominations, crumpling them in their hands and watching how the banknote straightens, taking on its former shape.

The history of the emergence of modern currency

The modern name "lei" remains from the currency introduced in the spring of 1867 as a counterbalance to the franc of France. Prior to that, on the territory of present-day Romania, the money of Byzantium and the Roman Empire was used, since the fourteenth century, coins of neighboring states were used: Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, as well as Venetian and Genoese banknotes.

Romanians printed the first banknotes (ducats) in 1853, namely the leu appeared in April 1867. At the same time, it was decided to introduce its fractional part - baths, in each lei there are 100 baths. For more than two decades, the new lei was used along with the francs. Only in 1890 was it decided that the leu was the only currency in Romania.

Ups and downs of the Romanian leu

In the course of the conquests of the territory of Romania by other states, the lei was often tried to be replaced by other banknotes. For example, after the First World War, the leu coexisted with kroons, and its rate was pegged at a ratio of 1:2.

Another scourge that has overtaken the Romanian leu more than once is depreciation. During the currency reforms, the leu lost 2-4 zeros, but this did not stop it from falling. This continued until 2005: on the first day of July, new polymer banknotes were put into circulation, exchanging each new leu at a rate of 1:10,000. More than ten years have passed, and the exchange rate of the Romanian currency is quite stable. After the last reform, the international abbreviation of the leu also changed: the old ROL replaced RON.

Euro and other currencies in Romania: what to carry and where to change

Despite the fact that the country joined the European Union in 2007, only lei are officially used in the territory. On the road, it is most profitable to take euros or dollars, the European currency has a slightly better rate. Another advantage of the euro is that they are rarely accepted in tourist places. For example, European banknotes can be taken as a payment for a hotel and in some souvenir shops. You shouldn’t count on it, it’s better to change the brought currency to the local Romanian one.

Buy lei ( National currency Romania) can be in banks, exchange kiosks (AMANET), hotels. Most reliable way- bank. It is worth considering that in the city center, especially near popular tourist routes, the rate can be underestimated. And be sure to ask about the availability and size of the commission for the exchange.

Romanian leu exchange rate

In mid-spring 2016, the Romanian currency has the following ratio with other currencies:

• 1 USD = 3.96 RON (for every Romanian leu they give 0.25 US dollars);
• 1 EUR = 4.48 RON (for every Romanian leu they give 0.22 euros);
• 1 GBP = 5.62 RON (for every Romanian leu they give 0.18 pounds sterling);
• 1 BGN = 2.29 RON (for every Romanian leu they give 0.44 Bulgarian leva);
• 1 RUB = 0.06 RON (16.85 Russian rubles are given for each Romanian leu);
• 1 UAH = 0.16 RON (for every Romanian leu they give 6.42 Ukrainian hryvnias).

This is the official rate, the figure will differ by several percent, depending on the place of exchange and the commission.

What does the Romanian currency look like?

Now Romanians use denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Romanian lei. Banknotes have an unusual appearance and significantly differ in touch from other banknotes due to the fact that they are made on a polymer basis. The monetary unit of Romania is well protected from counterfeiting. This includes embossed printing, microtext, metallized thread, and microperforation. When you change the angle of view and translucence, drawings with combined colors will become visible, additional images will appear, the colors of some inscriptions and the degree of gloss will change.

The banknotes themselves are very interesting: on the obverse, images of Romanians famous in science and art are combined with flowers. The reverse shows landmarks or cultural properties often associated with the figure depicted on the front. Sometimes present additional elements, indicating the type of activity of the person indicated in the portrait. For example, on 5 lei the composer Enescu and the Bucharest concert hall are depicted, both sides of the bill are supplemented with notes. The artist Grigorescu and one of his paintings are immortalized on 10 lei, a brush is painted near the portrait.

The design of Romanian coins is very concise. On the one hand, the denomination is indicated, on the second, the coat of arms and the name of the country, plus the year of minting. Initially, 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani were issued, but prices are often rounded up to 0.1 lei, so coins of 1 and 5 bani are almost out of circulation.

The transition of Romania to the euro is planned, but postponed until at least 2019.