Area
9,809,155 sq. km. (3,787,319 sq. miles)
Location
Southeastern Europe
Population
21.6 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 90.6 per sq. km
Capital City
Bucharest with a total population of 2 million (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Romanian is the official and most popular language of Romania. People along some border areas also speak Hungarian and German, while those employed in, or catering to, the tourism industry can speak and understand broken English and French.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are commonly used
Currency
New Leu (RON, symbol Lei). 1Lei = 100 bani
Notes prevalent = Lei 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500
Coins prevalent = Bani 1, 5, 10, and 50.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at banks, airports, major hotels, and other authorized exchange offices (Birou de Schimb Valutar). Euros can be easily exchanged by shops, hotels, and restaurants, and major resorts easily exchange Pounds Sterling. Exchange rates may vary; therefore, it is advisable to shop around for best deal. Always beware about black market operating in Romania that deal in currency exchange, and transact with only the authorized ones. And don’t forget to take a receipt of the transaction, since some services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards are being increasingly used in Romania. Several hotels, car hire firms, restaurants, and shops accept cards from major companies, like Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs (bancomat) are also conveniently situated in markets, banks, airports, shopping centres, etc. and accept MasterCard and Visa.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are useful only in hotels and for obtaining cash from the banks or selected exchange offices. As far as possible, travellers’ cheques should be exchanged because most shops and restaurants do not accept them. The travellers are also advised to carry travellers’ cheques in major currencies, like US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling, in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Banking Hours
Banks in Romania function from Monday to Friday from 0900-1300.