Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
500 lei. The coins come in 50 bani and, relatively useless, 10 bani pieces. For current ex-
change rates see
Click here
.
»The leu is a stable currency that has more or less held its own with respect to the euro
and US dollar in recent years.
»Despite the fact that Romania is a member of the European Union, the euro does not cir-
culate. There is no point in converting your money into euro prior to arrival, since you
will have to convert it to lei anyway.
»Try to keep small- denomination (1 leu and 5 lei) notes on hand for shops, transport tick-
ets, cafes and tips for waiters. Getting change for 100 lei notes and higher that ATMs of-
ten spit out can be a problem.
WHO'S ON THE BILLS
One strike against the EU is the standardised currency, which makes cross-Europe travel a little less exciting than
it once was. For now, the portraits on Romania's money still tell a tale of the country's history.
1 leu: Nicolae Iorga
(1871-1940) The cofounder of the Democratic National Party was renowned as a rare voice
against fascism as WWII loomed. He was eventually tortured and executed.
5 lei: George Enescu
(1881-1955) Famous for composing 'Romanian Rhapsodies' (1903), he left Romania after
communism took over.
10 lei: Nicolae Grigorescu
(1838-1907) Romania's best-known painter progressed from Ruben copies to origin-
als of traditional scenes around Romania.
50 lei: Aurel Vlaicu
(1882-1913) The first Romanian to excel in flight (vampires included), he died in the crash
of his
Vlaicu II
in 1913.
100 lei: Ion Luca Caragiale
(1852-1912) This playwright was happy to mock everyone with his rather ironic
stabs at the modernising of Romania at the end of the 19th century.
200 lei: Lucian Blaga
(1895-1961) Poet, playwright, essayist, philosopher, professor and diplomat.
500 lei: Mihai Eminescu
(1850-89) The mere mention of this national poet inspires Romanian pride. He suffered
from manic-depressive psychosis and died at age 38.
ATMs
ATMs (cash points) are everywhere and give 24-hour withdrawals in lei on a variety of in-
ternational bank cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
»Romanian ATMs require a four-digit PIN.
