I'm going to Romania later this month. What currency should I take with me?

Question

I've been advised against using travellers cheques and some people say take Euros and others say dollars.

Answer 1

Good question - I'm a seasoned traveller to Romania, in particular to Transylvania.

OK, first things first... you could take US dollars or euros, but you'll get ripped at the Exchange shops when converting USD to RON (Romanian new Lei). You'll get a better rate on your Euros. The cheapest way is to take travellers cheques or just take your debit or credit card and use it the the cash machines (ATMs) to get the RONs. There is a charge, but it works out better than exchanging USDs or EURs at the currency exchange points.

And don't even think of trying to swap your USD's or EUR's on the street - that's where organised crime is highly involved and the police will arrest you just as fast as they will arrest the buyer of your currencies. Most of the black market currency sellers are in league with the local cops, so don't expect too much help.

And a quick p.s. to this answer... I tried once to exchange my left-over ROL and RONs at the exchange shop in Budapest airport and they said they won't accept any romanian currency. Seems to be the norm for most countries in Europe - they don't want to change it.

Answer 2

Take just a few US dollars or Euros! Just enough for travel expenses before you enter and after you leave Romania and buy some New Lei in your country.

When in Romania, you will be able to use a credit card or a debit card in ATM's and withdraw just the money you need from your account.

Answer 3

The mighty U.$. Greenback Dollar- Often imitated, never duplicated...the Dollar is the only true international currency.
Be sure to have some of the local Yogurt (really) while in Romania. It's incredibly good stuff...

Answer 4

the bleedin Yanks think dollars answers all financial questions. Dollars are a crap currency in Europe. Ask any Romanian. Bring Euros.

Answer 5

I am from Romania and I would suggest EUROS. the exchange rate is much better than dollars. trust me I know

Answer 6

just take dollars and when you get there exchange some but not all. when i went to romania i had lots of money with me. since i was planning my wedding there. but i never exchanged all of my money. becus the exchange rate changes all the time. there are different locations where you can change to euros and they all have different rates. so you can just take dollars with yuo and befor using your money exchange some. okay? have lots of fun and keep your money close to you. i miss Romania. i cant wait to go back.

Answer 7

Can't you take some of their currency with you (New LEU ) ?
But if taking cash other than theirs they will probably take either EURO or Dollars in their exchange offices there. Probably slight preference to Dollars I expect

Answer 8

Take dollars and exchange them after you get there.
They may be exchanged at banks or authorized exchange offices (called: "casa de schimb" or "birou de schimb valutar"). International airports and larger hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Exchange rates for foreign currencies, valid on July 3, 2006:
One US dollar = 2.80 'New' Lei (28,068 'old' lei)

Answer 9

U.S. dollars. They are good nearly all around the world. You can always find a place to exchange them later. But i would suggest you do reseach first. It would suck to be stranded in Romania.

Answer 10

You can get your U.S. currency converted over to...I believe they may use Forinths and of course, Euro's. At any rate, travelers checques and credit cards are usually useless in most Europeon locations.