SHOPPING
Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery, porcelain, silverware, carpets, fabrics, wool jumpers, woodcarvings, metal, leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk dresses.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0600-2100 for small local shops, while larger stores and department stores open earlier and close later. Some shops open Sun 0600-1200, although these vary according to season.
Currency Information:
Currency
Leu (plural Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of Lei5000, 1000, 500 and 100.
Currency exchange
It is recommended that visitors bring hard currency, particularly US Dollars, as this can be easily and even eagerly exchanged by shops, restaurants and hotels. Sterling can be easily exchanged in most resorts. All hard foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices. Rates can vary from one place to another, so visitors are advised to shop around for the best rate of exchange. Exchanges on the black market are made frequently, but visitors are advised to exchange money through proper exchange channels and to receive a currency exchange receipt, as certain services require visitors to show the receipt as proof of having made at least one financial transaction. ATMs (bancomat) accepting MasterCard and Visa are becoming more common but should not be relied upon as a sole source of cash.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large hotels, car hire firms and some restaurants. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers cheques
Like credit and debit cards, these are usually only useful in hotels and for obtaining cash at the bank or selected exchange offices. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Euros.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is prohibited (unless in possession of a special license); the export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited; the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Leu against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date |
May '04 |
Aug '04 |
Nov '04 |
Feb '05 |
£1.00= |
60431.5 |
60807.6 |
56139.8 |
53146.2 |
$1.00= |
33834.3 |
33005.5 |
29645.6 |
28140.0 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (business matters); Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1300-1500 (currency exchange).
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