Romania: Payment methods & tips

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Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

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Banknotes

in local currency

For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Leu RON

Further Information

Import local currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Import foreign currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
unlimited; the equivalent of EUR 10'000.00 or more must be declared

Export foreign currency
unlimited; EUR 10'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Credit cards

Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
Use credit card with caution. Unauthorized use is widespread.

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Useful tips from our experts:

Credit cards are recommended for car rentals. Prepaid cards are generally accepted for payment but not for reservations. Please check the possible payment methods with the car rental company in advance.
Heavy fines for violations of currency exchange laws especially on the black market!
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
Money is to be exchanged only at official points such as banks and exchange offices.

Practical Information:

Capital

Bucharest (Bucuresti)

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt; 2-pronged round plug / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay or valid ID card, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Opening hours

Banks

9.00 - 14.00/15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

8.00 - 20.00/21.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 14.00 h (Sat)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals if obtained at least 2 years previously, varies by rental company.
Minimum age for car rentals: 24 (varies by rental company).
CH sticker, first-aid kit, bright signal jacket, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Headlights must be on even during the day.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

This country is in an active earthquake zone.

Security

Observe elementary safety precautions.
Avoid nighttime driving.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1h

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Bukarest, Str. Grigore Alexandrescu 16-20, Etage 4
Tel. +40 21 206 16 00

National language

Official language

Romanian

Language capabilities

French, English, German and Hungarian

Travel advice for Romania.