Travellers will find costs low in Romania, and even when prices rise, the exchange rate soon tends to compensate. The more expensive hotels, flights, car rental and ONT (national tourist board) excursions are priced in US dollars, but must be paid for in lei, together with a receipt to show that the money has been exchanged officially. You may also need to show an exchange receipt in order to buy international train tickets.
Travelling independently, a few
savings and reductions
are possible. InterRail passes are valid;
students
studying in Romania can claim a 30 percent discount on international rail and air fares booked in Romania with TAROM, while ISIC and IUS student cards theoretically entitle you to a reduction of up to 50 percent on the price of camping, and free or reduced admission to museums. In practice, however, the relevant officials may say no, and there's little you can do about it.
Basic costs
Accommodation
is likely to be your main expense: although the lowest-grade hotels charge from just £3/$5 for a single room, £4/$6 for a double, you could pay as much as £150/$250 for a room in the most expensive hotels. For rock-bottom budget...
read more >>
Currency
Romania's
currency
is the leu (meaning lion; plural
lei
), which comes in coins of denominations up to 500 lei and notes up to 100,000 lei. Theoretically the leu is divided into 100 bani, but these fiddly little coins are no longer...
read more >>
Banks and exchange
Changing money
involves least hassle at the private exchange offices (
casa de schimb valuta
) found in most towns, or at ONT offices and major hotels; you'll need to show your passport, and as a rule no commission is charged. Queuing and...
read more >>
The black market
There is now little profit to be made by changing money on the
black market
. The exchange rate at the street kiosks is almost as good as with the black marketeers, and it's a
much
safer deal - the police do not inspire as much...
read more >>
