Leu (plural
Lei) = 100 bani
Old notes are in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000,
50,000 and 10,000. Old coins are in denominations of Lei5000, 1000,
500, 100 and 1.
New notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
New coins are in denominations of Bani: 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Note
As of 1 July 2005, Romania's legal tender, previously coded as ROL,
has been redenominated so that ROL 10,000 are exchanged for 1 new
Leu (RON). The old Leu will be legal tender until the end of December
2006.
Currency exchange
It is recommended that visitors bring hard currency,
particularly US Dollars, as this can be effortlessly and even willingly
exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Sterling can be easily
exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged
at banks and at authorised exchange offices. Rates can be different
from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around
for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are
made regularly, but visitors are advised to exchange money
through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange
receipt, as certain services need visitors to show the
receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction.
ATMs (bancomat) accepting MasterCard and Visa are becoming more
common but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners
Club, MasterCard and Visa
are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants.
Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant
acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Like debit and credit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels
and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers
are advised to take travellers cheques
in US Dollars or Euros.
Exchange rate indicators |
