The currency of Romania is the Romanian leu (ISO code RON), divided into 100 subunits called bani, with the plural of leu written as "lei." The leu is issued and managed by the National Bank of Romania (Banca Naţională a României), and as of 2026 one US dollar is worth roughly 4.7 lei. Although Romania joined the European Union in 2007, it has not yet adopted the euro and continues to use its national currency for everyday transactions.
What "leu" means and how it is used
The word leu literally means "lion" in Romanian, a name borrowed from a historical Dutch coin known as the lion thaler that circulated widely in the region centuries ago. In daily life you will see prices written with "lei" after the number, and the smaller unit, the ban (plural bani), is used for cents-level amounts. Practically speaking, most prices today are quoted in whole lei, and bani survive mainly in coin form and on price tags at supermarkets.
The leu is a relatively low-value unit by international standards, so prices for ordinary goods are often in the tens or hundreds of lei. A coffee might cost around 10 to 15 lei, while a restaurant meal commonly runs from 40 to 80 lei depending on the city and venue.
A pioneer of polymer banknotes
One of Romania's most distinctive contributions to world money is its early adoption of plastic. In 1999 Romania became one of the first countries in Europe, and one of the earliest in the world, to issue polymer banknotes rather than traditional paper ones. Polymer notes are more durable, harder to counterfeit, and survive accidental trips through a washing machine far better than paper. Today this technology is used by countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, but Romania was an early mover, and every leu banknote now in circulation is printed on polymer.
Banknotes and coins in circulation
Romanian banknotes are a small gallery of the nation's cultural heroes, each featuring a poet, painter, composer, philosopher, or historian. The current series includes:
- 1 leu — Nicolae Iorga (historian)
- 5 lei — George Enescu (composer)
- 10 lei — Nicolae Grigorescu (painter)
- 50 lei — Aurel Vlaicu (aviation pioneer)
- 100 lei — Ion Luca Caragiale (playwright)
- 200 lei — Lucian Blaga (philosopher and poet)
- 500 lei — Mihai Eminescu (regarded as Romania's greatest poet)
Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani. Because of their small value, the lowest coins are seldom used, and many shops round cash totals to the nearest few bani. The emphasis on writers, artists, and thinkers rather than political figures gives Romanian money a notably cultural character.
History, inflation, and the 2005 redenomination
The leu was first introduced as Romania's national currency in 1867, modeled on the bimetallic standard used by the Latin Monetary Union of the era. Over the following century it weathered two world wars and a communist command economy. The most dramatic chapter came after 1989, when the collapse of communism brought years of high inflation that steadily eroded the currency's value and pushed everyday prices into the millions.
To restore confidence and simplify accounting, the National Bank of Romania carried out a redenomination in 2005, replacing the old leu (ROL) with a "new leu" (RON) at a rate of 10,000 old lei to 1 new leu — effectively removing four zeros from every figure. This is why you will sometimes still hear older Romanians quote large, outdated numbers. The reform paved the way toward EU membership in 2007 and aligned the currency with modern European norms.
Will Romania adopt the euro?
As an EU member, Romania is committed in principle to eventually joining the eurozone, but it has repeatedly postponed a target date. Adoption requires meeting strict economic convergence criteria on inflation, public debt, deficits, and exchange-rate stability. Until those conditions are met and a firm timeline is set, the leu will remain the sole legal tender. For now, travelers and residents should expect to pay in lei, not euros, even though some hotels near borders may informally quote euro prices. For more on the country itself, see our romania country guide.
Tips for travelers handling lei
Romania is one of the more affordable countries in the European Union, which makes it appealing for budget-conscious visitors. Card payments are widely accepted in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, and tourist regions such as Transylvania, and contactless is common. Cash is still useful in rural villages, small markets, and for tipping, where leaving around 10 percent at a restaurant is appreciated. ATMs are plentiful in cities and generally offer better rates than exchanging cash at airports or tourist hotspots, which tend to carry poor rates and high fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Romania use the euro?
No. Despite being an EU member since 2007, Romania has not adopted the euro and continues to use the Romanian leu. There is no confirmed date for euro adoption.
What is the symbol and code for the Romanian currency?
The international ISO code is RON, and amounts are written with "lei" (the plural of leu) after the number. One leu is divided into 100 bani.
How much is 1 US dollar in Romanian lei?
As of 2026, one US dollar is worth roughly 4.7 lei, though exchange rates fluctuate daily. Always check a current rate before changing money.
Why are Romanian banknotes made of plastic?
Romania switched to polymer banknotes in 1999 because they are more durable, water-resistant, and harder to counterfeit than paper. It was one of the first European countries to do so.