Money and ATMs
The currency in Romania is the Leu and it comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The coins are known as bani and they come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50. There are many banks in Bucharest, all of which will enable you to withdraw money and they also offer excellent exchange rates. There are also a lot of ATM’s dotted around the city and should you need cash they can be used at any time of day.
Credit cards
There are now more and more businesses accepting credit cards but it is still safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There are now more and more ATM’s that accept credit cards.
Tipping
It is common to tip in Bucharest because the pay for some can be extremely low so it is an expectation in some ways. When it comes to understanding who to tip it is common to tip all who provide a service such as taxi drivers and hotel valet’s. Eating In restaurants is the usual place where a tip is paid but remember that it is not added to the bill so giving a 10% tip will ensure that should you return you will receive a good service.
Safety
Generally, Bucharest is safe and is not all that different to the other major cities in Europe although it does boast lower risks of violent crime. However, there is the possibility of street crime so travellers should be aware of the dangers that come with petty theft. The real threat is pick pocketing and this is done in crowded areas so ensure your belongings are kept secure and out of site.
Alcohol and drug policy
Alcohol is available anywhere in Bucharest and drinking is legal in most public areas, even trains and walkways. The legal age for drinking is 18 but it is illegal to drive a car whilst under the influence. The authorities in Bucharest take drugs seriously and the consequences are severe if caught in possession of illegal drugs. Even a small amount of illegal drugs can lead to a prison sentence.