Prices
At the beginning 1998 year 1 $ was worth approx 8000 lei, a 1 zloty – 2200 lei, however, due to inflation, exceeding 100% this rate is changing rapidly. Romania is still an inexpensive country. Although foreigners pay much more for a night in the same hotel than Romanians (this does not apply to tourist hostels), restaurants, drinks, public transport, entrance fees to museums, theater tickets and private rooms (except for Bucharest) are cheaper than in Poland. Average accommodation prices range from 10 do 18 $, but private accommodation and hostels in the provinces are half the price. The hosts of private accommodation seem to feel sentiment towards Poles, because sometimes they count them less than tourists from the West. Daily food costs no more than 10 $.
We must not forget, that the Romanian average monthly earnings are equivalent to 100 $ (ugly). Talking to Romanians about prices, better express understanding of their plight, rather than showing satisfaction, that everything is so cheap.
Currency
Coins have value 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 i 100 lei, and banknotes 200, 500, 1000, 5000 i 10 000 lei. Banknotes with a denomination 500 lei are extremely rare, and denomination banknotes 200 lei has been discontinued.
Money exchange
Only two banks continuously exchange traveler's checks and pay out cash to Visa payment cardholders. These are the main branches of the Banca Romana de Comert Exterior (BANCO-REX) oraz Banca Comerciala Romana (branch of the National Bank of Romania). At the time this guide was written, Banca Comerciala Romana had the only machine in Romania open 24 hours a day (Visa, Eurocard/MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus). Both institutions are open on weekdays from 9.00 do 12.00 the 13.00.
A commission is charged when exchanging traveler's checks 3-5%. The payment is made according to the customer's request in lees or dollars. Better to ask for dollars, and then exchange them at one of the currency exchange offices, which even pay Fr. 25% more than banks for dollars, Deutsche marks and British pounds (other western currency is not so highly valued). Some exchange offices also accept traveller's checks at competitive rates (sometimes more favorable) in relation to the official ones. By carefully comparing the proposed rates, you can save quite a significant amount.
By making an exchange at a bank or tourist office, you get the bill, which should be kept as evidence, that the money was legally acquired. You can buy almost anything without presenting an invoice (exceptionally some old date the hotel clerk may require a receipt, when payment is made in funnels).
Receipts are needed to convert the selling lei back to Western currency, such an operation can be carried out at the main branches of the previously mentioned banks or at the currency exchange point at the Otopeni airport in Bucharest (maximum 50 $). The Bulgarian trick is not convertible in Romania, and Hungarian forints can only be sold on the black market in Transylvania.
Black market
Romanian law allows citizens to purchase foreign currency up to an equivalent amount 125 $ annually. So it becomes clear, why street traders for dollars, brands and pounds in cash offer rates that are higher than Fr. 10-25% official conversion rates.
High vigilance is recommended. Currency traders are most often professional fraudsters who prey on inexperienced tourists. They count down the amount exchanged many times, correct "mistakes” and at this time they change money. They brandish thick stacks of banknotes, they roll them up and put the false ones in their place at the last moment. The deceived tourist discovers later, that he got a bundle of cut pieces of newspaper or worthless Yugoslavs with one Romanian banknote on top. Such traders are usually identified by insistent suggestions to replace at least 50 $ the 100 DM.
Another popular trick is this, that after the transaction, the fraudster chases the tourist, shouting: Not good, not good, and insists, to undo the exchange. After receiving the money, it suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving in the hand of a surprised foreigner banknotes of a smaller denomination or false.
Intrusive people should be avoided, cheaply dressed and working with partners. They will look for opportunities, to get money from everyone, who will come up.
It is safer to make fairs with people in campsites or in hotels than on the street. Before showing your own money, it is a good idea to take a close look at the banknotes on offer. Haste is a bad advisor.
The warnings are by no means unfounded. Messages from deceived people keep coming in, who were convinced, that they follow all security measures.
Tips
Tipping is not a common practice in Romania, but it is fitting to round the accounts (some waiters and taxi drivers do it mechanically). Tip for out of order service should be given yes, so as not to attract the attention of others waiting, it is easy to provoke aggressive reactions. For service providers, a tip can work wonders, but it should not be applied to officials, including conductors.