Money & Payments in Cluj-Napoca (2026)

Currency Local: RON

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: tradingeconomics.com, xe.com

Good to know

Good to Know

Over 80% of daily transactions nationwide are digital, but Cluj-Napoca still has significant cash-only venues, especially smaller traditional restaurants and shops.
PIN is required for credit/debit card payments of 100 lei (~22 USD) or more; notify your bank before travel if your card needs a PIN enabled.
Smaller denominations (1, 5, 10 lei notes) are helpful for tipping and avoiding change issues with taxi drivers and small vendors.
Exchange offices at the airport typically offer 10–20% worse rates than official bank rates; exchange money in the city center if possible.
Use bank ATMs (Banca Transilvania, BRD, BCR, etc.) for fee-free or low-fee withdrawals; avoid independent ATM operators.
Major restaurants and hotels accept cards, but always confirm with smaller establishments before ordering.

Bank Account Setup

Overview: Non-residents can open bank accounts in Romania. The process requires scheduling an appointment and meeting in person at a physical branch.
Currencies: Bank accounts can be opened in Romanian LEI (local currency) or foreign currencies including EUR and USD at all major Romanian banks.
Processing: Most banks in Romania require applicants to be physically present in the country to open an account. Some banks like OTP Bank may allow remote account opening by post with subsequent approval requirements.

Requirements

Valid passport
Proof of address (utility bills or similar)
Initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
Contact the specific bank for their complete list of requirements, as criteria vary

Major Banks In Cluj

Banca Transilvania
Presence
Multiple branches throughout Cluj-Napoca including Private Banking office
Note
Among Romania's largest banks by assets; first Romanian bank listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange
ING Bank
Presence
Multiple branches and ATMs throughout the city
Note
First foreign bank to open full-service branch in Romania (1989); strong ATM network
BCR (Banca Comercială Română)
Presence
Multiple locations with 24/7 customer service
Note
One of the largest banks in Romania
BRD (Banca Română De Dezvoltare)
Presence
Multiple branches in Cluj
Note
Part of French financial group Société Générale

ATM Access

Availability: ATMs are plentiful and accessible throughout Cluj-Napoca. Multiple ATM locators are available through major Romanian banks.
Banks To Avoid: Euronet ATMs—avoid at all costs due to high fees.
Withdrawal Limits: Most ATMs allow withdrawals between 700–2,000 RON per transaction, with legal daily limit of 10,000 RON.
Fee Notes: Bank ATMs typically do not charge significant fees if your home bank has no surcharge agreement. Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs when prompted—choose RON-based withdrawal instead.

Fee Friendly Banks

Banca Transilvania (BT)
BRD
BCR
CEC Bank
ING
Raiffeisen
UniCredit Bank

Tipping Norms

General Notes: Tipping is customary and shows appreciation, though not strictly obligatory. Many service workers earn minimum wage and rely on tips. Always tip in Romanian lei (RON). If you only have euros or dollars, it's acceptable but consider giving slightly more to cover currency exchange hassle.

Taxis

Standard: Rounding up the fare is customary, or 5–10 lei extra (approximately 1–2 USD). Not mandatory but appreciated.
Ride Sharing: Tipping can be done via the app (often options for 2, 3, or 5 lei offered).

Hotels

Porters: RON 5.00
Reception: RON 20
depending on service level and assistance provided
Housekeeping: RON 5.00

Restaurants And Bars

Standard Rate: 10% of the bill is considered a good tip. Can be rounded up or down.
Higher Service: Up to 15% for excellent service.

Cash Necessity

Details: Cash is still essential and 'king' in Cluj-Napoca. Many bars, restaurants, and shops—particularly smaller and traditional establishments—accept cash only. Public transportation (buses, taxis, and some train payments) typically require cash.
Essential: Yes
What To Carry: Keep a mix of smaller denominations. Notes come in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 RON.

Currency Local

RON

Card Acceptance

Overview: Card acceptance is widespread in Cluj-Napoca city center and among larger establishments, but not universal. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted.
Recommendation: Carry both cards and cash. Always ask before ordering at smaller establishments whether they accept cards, or verify you have sufficient cash to cover the bill.
Where Accepted: Major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and modern shops. Many smaller restaurants, local cafes, and street vendors accept cash only.

Fees

Bank fees vary by institution. Commission fees apply for account opening, ongoing administration (charged yearly or monthly), deposits/withdrawals, and account closing. International money transfers typically include a flat fee (around €20) plus a percentage of transfer amount, often with additional exchange rate markup.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available throughout Cluj-Napoca city center. Cash withdrawals from your own bank's ATMs are typically free or low-cost; using other banks' ATMs incurs fees. Major ATM operators include BRD, BANCPOST, BCR, and Banca Transilvania.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Cluj-Napoca

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Cluj-Napoca