Romanian currency

[Breakingpoint1961]

Has anyone been to Romania lately? I keep getting conflicting advice about 'cash only' and then 'cards widely used' can anyone vouch for either?

I'm planning on taking some Ron but didn't want to take a huge amount. I normally use Revolut so can exchange as and when.

I haven't been to Romania, but based on trips to other bits of Europe I'd suggest that if you do find that you need to pay with cash, you will probably get the best exchange rate by taking money out of a cashpoint while you're there (preferably a cashpoint outside a real bank rather one parked in the street that says "Welcome tourists!!!!" in 12 languages). Your UK bank would have to order Romanian money in specially, and the airport exchange places give horrifically bad rates.

Take your regular UK bank card for the cashpoint, though, as the fintech cards like Revolut and Wise don't allow you to take too much cash out each month without incurring extra charges. I assume they have to pay to access the networks of the physical banks.

In fact the UK banks seem to have got their act together with the competition from the fintechs and their charges for using a card abroad are now often a lot less than they were. From memory NatWest takes 1.75% on top of the interbank rate with no minimum per transaction, while Wise is 0.40%. Of course 1.35% is still nice to not pay, but I remember it being something like 3.5% with a minimum of 50p or £1 per transaction, which is annoying if you're just getting a coffee.

I was in Bucharest not too long ago and cards were accepted everywhere, didn't need cash.

Cards are accepted everywhere. I travel there regularly from a neighbouring country. Revolut is fine, as is Monzo. You won’t need much cash, if any.

Thanks everyone..might take a little bit of cash and my card.