Money & duty free for Romania
Exchange rates:
New LeuC$1 = Lei3.24
€1 = Lei4.53
£1 = Lei5.39
US$1 = Lei4.35
Currency & Money
Romanian Leu (RON; symbol lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 leu. Coins are in denominations of 50, 10 and 5 bani.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Romania, particularly in cities, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and larger supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express is less widely used.
Contactless payment is very common, and mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in urban areas. Romania has rapidly adopted digital payment technology, particularly in larger cities.
Cash remains important in smaller towns, rural areas, traditional markets and some smaller businesses, so visitors should still carry some Romanian lei for everyday purchases.
ATMs are widespread throughout Romania, including in cities, towns, shopping centres and transport hubs. International debit and credit cards are generally accepted at bank-operated ATMs, though withdrawal fees may apply depending on the local bank and the traveller's home bank.
ATMs are less common in remote rural areas and small villages, so travellers visiting isolated regions should carry sufficient cash.
Travellers carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent in another currency) must declare it when entering or leaving Romania.
The currency used in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON). Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels and exchange offices (case de schimb), which are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Exchange rates are generally competitive, though rates and commission charges can vary between providers. ATMs are widely used by visitors and are often the most convenient way to obtain local currency.
Romania duty free
Romania's duty-free allowance for travellers arriving from within the EU:
If you are over 17 years old, you can transport goods freely between EU countries, provided they are for personal use and not for resale. Taxes must already have been paid on these goods in the country of purchase. If you exceed the following guideline amounts, customs officials may question you to ensure the goods are for personal use:
• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine (of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine).
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or 20L of fortified wine or other beverages up to 22%.
• Travellers under 17 years old may not bring in tobacco or alcohol products, and rules may vary slightly between EU countries.
Romania's duty-free allowance for travellers arriving from outside the EU:
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Romania by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine these tobacco products provided the total limit is not exceeded.
• 1L of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% alcohol by volume.
• 4L of wine.
• 16L of beer.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air/sea passengers.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited items include meat and dairy products from non-EU countries, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and endangered species and their products (such as ivory, protected leathers, and certain plants). Restricted items include weapons, ammunition, fireworks, plants, and cultural artefacts requiring permits. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the Romanian Customs Authority or the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on various goods imported from the Russian Federation, including diamonds, gold, jewellery, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (such as caviar), spirits (like vodka), shoes, clothing, and smartwatches. However, it is important to note that the specifics of these sanctions can evolve, so travellers should consult the European Commission's communications for the most current and detailed information.
Prohibited exports include endangered species and their derivatives, cultural artefacts of historical value without authorisation, and narcotic or psychotropic substances. Firearms, ammunition, and military equipment require export licences. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the Romanian Customs Authority or the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate for current export restrictions. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
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