Romania Currency & Money Guide: Exchange, Cards, and Tips

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), not the Euro, and while card payments are standard in urban hubs like Bucharest, cash remains vital for rural travel. To stay on budget, use the Hello app’s multi-currency tracking and ensure constant connectivity with a Hello eSIM for Romania to manage digital payments and banking apps seamlessly while on the move.

The official currency of Romania is the Leu (plural: Lei), abbreviated as RON. Even though Romania is part of the European Union, it has not yet adopted the Euro, so you will need local currency for almost all transactions. As of April 2026, the exchange rate sits at approximately 1 SGD to 3.45 RON, though this fluctuates with market conditions. When you arrive, you will notice that banknotes are made of polymer, making them durable and waterproof—a handy feature for outdoor adventures in the Carpathian Mountains.

For the best Romania exchange rate, avoid the currency exchange desks at Henri Coandă International Airport, where margins are notoriously high. Instead, look for 'Casa de Schimb' (Exchange Houses) in city centers like Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca. These often offer much better rates than banks. Always check the 'Vânzare' (Sell) and 'Cumpărare' (Buy) rates posted outside to ensure there is no hidden commission. To keep your finances organized, the Hello app allows you to track expenses in RON and see them automatically converted back to SGD, so you always know exactly how much that traditional Sarmale dinner cost you in your home currency.

Romania is remarkably advanced when it comes to digital payments, with contactless technology being the standard in almost every supermarket, pharmacy, and restaurant. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, while American Express is generally limited to high-end hotels. According to data from the National Bank of Romania, the number of contactless transactions has grown by over 20% annually, reflecting a society that is rapidly moving away from cash in urban settings.

While you can tap-to-pay for a bus ride in Bucharest or a coffee in Brașov, you will still need a Hello eSIM for Romania to ensure your banking apps and digital wallets can authenticate transactions via 4G or 5G. If you are traveling with friends, the Hello app’s expense splitting feature is perfect for dividing a large dinner bill; it handles the multi-currency conversion automatically, so nobody has to do the math on a napkin.

ATMs (Bancomat) are ubiquitous across Romania, but not all machines are created equal when it comes to fees. To save money, stick to ATMs operated by reputable local banks such as BCR, BRD, or Banca Transilvania. These typically do not charge an access fee for foreign cards, though your home bank might. In contrast, avoid the blue and yellow Euronet ATMs often found in tourist hotspots; these machines frequently charge high transaction fees and offer poor exchange rates through 'Dynamic Currency Conversion' (DCC).

When using an ATM, always choose to be charged in the local currency (RON) rather than your home currency (SGD). This allows your own bank to handle the conversion, which is almost always cheaper. In 2026, most ATMs in Romania have a daily withdrawal limit of between 2,000 and 3,000 RON. If you are heading into the rural regions of Maramureș or Bucovina, withdraw enough cash beforehand, as ATMs become scarce once you leave the main highways. You can use the Hello app to log your cash withdrawals via voice entry or AI receipt scanning, ensuring your travel budget stays updated even when you aren't using a card.

Tipping in Romania, known locally as 'Bacșiș,' is a standard practice in the service industry but is handled differently than in the US or Western Europe. In restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10% and 15% of the total bill. Interestingly, Romania passed legislation in 2023 that allows tips to be officially included on the fiscal receipt, meaning you can often choose the tip percentage (usually 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15%) directly on the card reader before tapping.

For other services, the rules are more relaxed. For taxi drivers (if not using an app like Bolt or Uber), rounding up the fare is appreciated. In 2026, a 5–10 RON tip for a hotel bellhop or a 10% tip for a hair stylist is considered generous. If you are staying at a traditional 'Pensiune' (guesthouse) in the countryside, tipping isn't strictly required, but leaving a small amount for the staff is a kind gesture. Because the Hello app supports expense splitting in multiple currencies, you can easily add the tip to the total cost and split it fairly with your travel companions, ensuring everyone pays their fair share of the 'Bacșiș'.

Romania is generally a very safe destination for travelers, but like any popular tourist spot, it has its share of opportunistic money scams. One of the most common is the 'Taxi Scam,' where drivers in Bucharest may refuse to use the meter or claim it is broken to overcharge tourists. Always use ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Uber, which offer fixed pricing and digital receipts. If you must take a yellow taxi, ensure the meter is started and check the price per kilometer displayed on the door (usually around 3.00–3.50 RON in 2026).

Another scam involves 'Antic' money exchange—individuals approaching you on the street offering a 'better' rate than the banks. These are often short-change artists or people passing counterfeit bills. Only exchange money at official 'Casa de Schimb' or banks. Additionally, be wary of the 'Bird Dropping' scam or 'The Inspector' scam, where someone poses as a plainclothes officer asking to see your wallet for 'counterfeit checks.' Real police will never ask to search your wallet on the street. By staying connected with a Hello eSIM, you can quickly look up local laws or use GPS to ensure your taxi is taking the correct route, adding an extra layer of security to your trip.

Can I use Euro in Romania? While some large hotels or international car rental agencies may quote prices in Euro, the legal tender is the Leu (RON). You will almost always get a terrible exchange rate if you try to pay in Euro at a local shop or restaurant. Is Romania expensive? Compared to Western Europe, Romania offers excellent value. In 2026, a mid-range meal for two costs about 150–220 RON ($45–$65 SGD), and a domestic beer is roughly 12–18 RON ($3.50–$5.20 SGD).

According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Romania saw over 13.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023, and the infrastructure for foreign visitors continues to improve. To keep your costs down, consider purchasing a 'Card de Călătorie' for public transport in cities, which is much cheaper than individual tickets. If you're worried about overspending, the Hello app’s AI-powered categorization can show you exactly how much you're spending on 'Food & Drink' versus 'Transport,' helping you adjust your budget in real-time. Finally, remember that most museums and attractions offer significant discounts for students and seniors, so keep your ID handy to save a few extra Lei.