Romania uses the leu (RON) rather than the euro: to visit Bucharest, Transylvania or the Black Sea coast with peace of mind, it is best to arrange your currency exchange before leaving Paris.
The Romanian leu (RON), a currency apart within the European Union
Romania is a member of the European Union, but it has not adopted the euro: its official currency remains the Romanian leu, whose international code is RON (the plural is "lei"). One leu is divided into 100 bani. You will come across banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 lei, printed on a distinctive plastic (polymer) substrate, as well as bani coins.
The leu is a floating currency, whose value moves freely each day according to the foreign exchange market. Unlike some currencies pegged to the euro, the RON has no fixed parity: its rate fluctuates, sometimes significantly, which makes it worthwhile to follow the day's rate before you leave. To find out which currencies we handle and to prepare your transaction, see our currencies.
Why not pay for everything in euros while there?
In the very touristy areas of Bucharest or Brașov, some merchants do sometimes accept euros, but almost always at an unfavourable conversion rate and with change given back in lei. Paying in the local currency therefore remains the most economical and most transparent option. Having a few lei on hand as soon as you arrive also spares you the airport exchange bureaus, which are often less advantageous.
An affordable destination where cash still has its place
Romania is one of the European destinations with the gentlest cost of living: meals, local transport, cafés and markets remain accessible there. This reality changes the way you manage your travel budget. Large cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca or Timișoara are well equipped with ATMs and payment terminals, and bank cards are accepted without difficulty in most establishments.
The picture becomes more nuanced as soon as you move away from them. In rural Transylvania, in the fortified Saxon villages, in the Carpathians or along the monasteries of Bukovina, cash payment remains king. Guesthouses, small restaurants, farmers' markets, informal taxis, site admission fees or tips: many of these operate only in cash lei. ATMs are scarcer there and may be out of service. Setting off with a reserve of cash in lei shields you from unpleasant surprises and lets you fully enjoy the countryside.
How much cash should you plan for?
It all depends on your itinerary. For a city stay in Bucharest, a small amount of lei for minor purchases and transport is enough, with the card covering the rest. For a road trip in Transylvania or a rural circuit, plan for a larger cash envelope, to be replenished in the towns you pass through rather than out in the open country.
Exchanging your euros for lei in Paris: our advice
The Romanian leu is among the slightly less common currencies at the counter. To be sure of obtaining the desired amount in banknotes, we recommend that you book your exchange online in advance: this guarantees the availability of the denominations on the day of your visit. You confirm your order, then come and collect it in store.
At Paris Change, an exchange bureau approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you exchange your euros for lei commission-free, based on the indicative counter rate of the day. Our single store is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005 Paris), at the foot of the Saint-Michel metro station (line 4) and the RER B/C. We are open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 7:30pm) and offer more than 53 currencies.
One final useful reminder: when entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or exceeding €10,000 (all currencies combined) must be declared to customs. Travelling between France and Romania, two EU countries, you generally remain below this threshold for a typical holiday budget.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need euros or lei to travel in Romania?
The official currency is the leu (RON). Even though a few tourist merchants accept the euro, paying in lei is almost always more advantageous, especially outside the major cities.
Can I pay for everything by card in Romania?
In the major cities, yes for the most part. But in rural areas, in Transylvania or in the Carpathians, many establishments accept only cash: a reserve of lei is strongly recommended.
Is the leu's rate fixed?
No. The leu is a floating currency whose rate varies each day. Our rates are indicative counter rates, updated daily.
Prepare for your trip with peace of mind: book your Romanian lei online and come and collect them 7 days a week at our Saint-Michel store, commission-free. Discover our currencies and lock in your banknotes today.
