Romania Guide
Money
Romania's unit of currency is the leu (abbreviation RON) – meaning "lion" (plural lei). Coins (bani) come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50; and there are notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 lei. The exchange rate is currently around L3.50 to €1, L5 to £1, and L2.50 to US$1 – for current rates, check the websites 
www.xe.net/currency or www.oanda.com/converter .
It is best to change money at one of the private exchange offices (casa de schimb valuta) found in most towns; in Bucharest and several other major cities, some are open 24 hours. Expect long queues when changing money in banks (banca) – which are generally open Monday to Friday between 9am and 3 or 4pm. As a rule, neither exchange offices nor banks charge commission. Make sure that you get rid of any unwanted lei before you leave the country, as it's unlikely you'll be able to change them once outside Romania.
If taking cash, a modest denomination of US dollar bills is advisable, though euros and pound sterling are also accepted in most places. Cash machines (Bancomats) are ubiquitous, even in the smallest towns, including many railway stations. Credit cards are accepted in most of the better hotels, restaurants and shops.
By far the most recognized travellers' cheques are American Express, either sterling or dollars. Although it may not be required in all instances, make sure you have your passport when changing travellers' cheques (or cash). Also note that, in some banks, you may have to show the receipt from the issuing bank, or another cheque to prove continuity of serial numbers.