If you’re interested in learning more about Romanian money, this article is for you. Keep reading!

Info about money of Romania

The Romanian leu (RON) has been the country’s official currency since 1867, although its history can be traced back to the ancient Roman era. The word “leu” means “lion” in Romanian and is derived from the Dutch “leeuwendaalder,” a type of coin that was widely used in Europe during the 17th century.

Romanian banknotes

Today, the Romanian leu is divided into 100 bani (singular: ban). Banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 lei:

Romanian leu coins

while coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani:

Exchange rate of Romanian leu to Dollar

The exchange rate of the Romanian leu fluctuates regularly, depending on the country’s economic situation and other global factors. As of April 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 4.2 lei to 1 US dollar.

History timeline of Romanian money

  • 1867: The first official currency of Romania was introduced, the Romanian leu, which was initially pegged to the French franc.
  • 1914: Romania joined World War I, which led to inflation and the devaluation of the leu.
  • 1947: The communist government introduced a new currency, the Romanian leu nou (new leu), which was pegged to the Soviet ruble.
  • 1952: The leu nou was replaced by the leu vechi (old leu), which was pegged to the Soviet ruble at a rate of 1 leu vechi = 100 lei noi (new lei).
  • 1965: The leu was revalued at a rate of 10,000 lei vechi = 1 leu nou.
  • 1991: After the fall of communism, the Romanian government introduced a new currency, the leu, which was pegged to the US dollar.
  • 2005: The leu was redenominated, with 10,000 old lei being exchanged for 1 new leu.
  • 2018: The Romanian National Bank issued new banknotes and coins featuring new security features and modern designs.

This is just a brief overview of the history of Romanian money, but it highlights some of the key events and changes in the country’s currency over time.

In conclusion, the Romanian leu is a fascinating currency with a rich history and cultural significance. Whether you’re planning a trip to Romania or simply curious about the country’s money, understanding the basics of the Romanian leu is essential. Keep in mind that currency exchange rates can vary, so be sure to check the latest exchange rate before you travel.