Don’t forget to buy Romanian Lei (RON) before travelling to Romania
As you prepare for your trip to Romania, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with local customs, culture, and especially the currency—the Romanian Leu (RON). While Romania is a modern country where you can use credit cards in most shops, restaurants, and hotels, it’s always handy to carry some cash—especially for small purchases such as bus tickets or street food.
We recommend exchanging your SEK to RON before you travel, as this often gives you a better exchange rate. Planning a travel budget will also help you manage your expenses and ensure you bring the right amount of spending money.
Budget tips for your trip to Romania
You can comfortably plan for a daily budget of around 280 RON per person. This will typically cover a 3-star hotel, a traditional restaurant meal, some local street food, and your daily public transport.
A sit-down meal at a restaurant costs approximately 60 RON, while fast food can be as little as 20 RON.
120 RON
Average cost of a night’s stay in Romania
80 RON
Average meal cost in Romania
Good to Know
Sample prices across Romania
2.50 RON
Public transport ticket
6.29 RON
Cup of coffee
15 RON
Entry to the National Museum of Art of Romania
30 RON
A serving of Mici (grilled minced meat rolls)
2.50 RON/km
Taxi fare
10 RON (adult)
Entry to the National History Museum of Romania
Travel highlights in Romania
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Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle): A must-see perched atop a hill, perfect for fans of myths and legends.
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Brașov: A charming medieval city surrounded by castles—ideal for scenic walks and historic vibes.
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Bucharest: A lively capital filled with hidden gems like the Village Museum, National History Museum, Art Museum, the Lipscani District, and much more.
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Nature & scenery: Don't miss iconic landmarks such as the Bigăr Waterfall, Love Tunnel, Transfăgărășan Highway, Retezat National Park, and Apuseni Natural Park with its stunning mountain views.
When do you need cash in Romania?
It is perfectly possible to make most payments by card in Romania, but it is still recommended to have some cash on hand when staying there.
Some small shops indeed prefer cash payments. This is especially the case for a few village grocery stores, small non-touristy cafés, or artisan boutiques. Generally speaking, most establishments in rural areas accept only cash.
Markets, fairs and street vendors are very popular in Romania, and many of the sellers you will find there strongly prefer cash payments. Make sure you carry enough RON with you before going.
In certain rural areas, network coverage can be quite poor, making card payments difficult or even impossible. Carrying Lei in cash is therefore a good habit to avoid any stressful situations.
A few facts about the Romanian Leu (RON)
Denomination of the RON
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 RON
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 bani (100 bani = 1 leu)
Fun fact: Leu means “lion” in Romanian, and the plural form is lei.
Romanian banknotes are printed on polymer (plastic), unlike euros which use watermark paper.
Why exchange Romanian Lei with ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup is a global leader in currency exchange, with over 30 years of experience. Headquartered in London, the company operates in numerous countries and offers over 60 currencies, most of which are available in Sweden.
With 26 branches and a user-friendly online store, exchanging RON is quick and reliable. Ordering currency online ensures you benefit from the best SEK to RON rate, 0% commission, and our buy-back guarantee—which means you can return any leftover currency after your trip without losing out.
Make your travel planning stress-free. Order your Romanian Lei with ChangeGroup today!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to RON
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/RON exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to RON in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your RON at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your RON at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your RON online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many RON you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


