What Currency Is Used in Romania?

What currency is used in Romania?

The currency in Romania is the Romanian leu, abbreviated RON, with the plural lei, and it is not the euro, despite Romania being a member of the European Union, as the country still uses its own currency. Visitors often assume the euro is used, so it helps to know you will pay in lei. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities and towns, though some cash is useful for markets, rural areas, and tips. Avoid paying in euros where offered, since the rate is usually poor. Withdraw lei from ATMs, choosing to be charged in the local currency, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees to reduce costs.

Do you tip in Romania?

Tipping in Romania is customary, with around 10 percent being standard for good service in restaurants. You can leave the tip in cash on the table, hand it to the server, or state the total including the tip when paying. For cafes, bars, and taxis, rounding up the amount is common. Tipping is appreciated for various services, and cash is the preferred way to give it. While not strictly mandatory, a roughly 10 percent tip for good restaurant service is expected and part of the dining culture in Romania. Checking whether a service charge has been added, though less common than in some countries, is still worth doing before adding your tip.

What power plugs are used in Romania?

Romania uses type C and type F electrical plugs, the round-pin styles standard across continental Europe, with type F including earth clips, and the supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. Travelers from countries with different sockets, such as the US or UK, will need a plug adapter to fit Romanian outlets. Since Romania runs on 230 volts, also check that your devices are dual voltage, marked around 100 to 240 volts on the charger, as most modern electronics are, or bring a voltage converter for any single-voltage appliance so it is not damaged. A universal adapter plus dual-voltage chargers will keep your electronics working in Romania.

Can you drink the tap water in Romania?

The tap water in Romania is generally safe to drink in cities and towns, where it is treated to meet standards, and you can use it for brushing teeth and cooking without concern. Many locals nonetheless prefer bottled water for taste, and in some rural areas the quality can be more variable, so bottled water is a common choice there. In the main cities, drinking the tap water is generally fine, though if you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure of a particular source, bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, is a safe fallback. So Romania's urban tap water is generally safe, with bottled water often chosen for taste or in rural areas.