Money and duty free for Romania

Currency and Money

Currency information

New Leu (RON; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Bani50, 10, 5 and 1. (Old notes were in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000 and coins in denominations of Lei5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.)

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants and shops.

ATM

ATMs (bancomat) accepting MasterCard and Visa can be found in main banks, airports and shopping centres but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.

Travellers cheques

Like credit and debit 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 traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1300.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency is limited to €10,000.

Currency exchange

It is recommended that visitors bring Euros, as these can be easily exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Pounds Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, larger hotels and airports and at authorised exchange offices (Birou de Schimb Valutar). Rates can vary 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 frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction.

Romania duty free

Overview

Romania is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Romania’s duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Romania’s duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Romania by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the total limit is not exceeded.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Banned Imports

Ammunition, weapons, explosives, narcotics and counterfeit goods.

There are restrictions on the import of meat, fish and dairy products from outside the EU.

You must obtain a permit to import protected species. 

Banned Exports

Articles of cultural, historical or artistic value.