Money in Romania, attitude of Romanians to money

Romanian currency is lei, international shortcase RON. For me this is still really fascinating the material banknotes are made from here. Some plastic „ingredients“ are added to it and it is really useful. It is not possible to destroy money by washing mashine accident neither to cut them is possible only by scissors. When I first time touched these banknotes it stronly reminded me money in table game Monopoly.

Exchange rate has changes since I am here. When I came in September 2011 it was 1 EUR for 4,25 RON. These days exchange rate varies 4,40-4,45 RON for 1 EUR. I am not economical analyst to write here reasons, impact or factors of this „financial movements.“

Attitude to money is little bit different here than in my home country. Especially in rural areas it is usual to do selling and buying by barter exchange without money. I experienced like this change the half of pig for repairing the roof. No need to be afraid about inflation!

As well attitude is different here in a case of hitch-hiking. Romania is the only one country where I experienced asking money from hitch-hikers. On the other hand I can understand this phenomenon as this kind of transport is really common here – because of trains are really expensive and buses do not go so often from place to place. In some small communities there is no another way how to get there – only hitch-hiking. Paying for travelling by this way can be in symbolical way, when you give to driver amount from one to ten lei as the sign of your thanks. Or driver can ask you to pay half of usual prize paid for bus ticket.

EVS is for the lot of volunteers low-cost lifestyle, there is an advice how to overcome this cultural difference: before entrance the car notice your driver, that as volunteer you are without money. In a general Romanians are very interested in foreigners and they will take you to have a talk about your experiences in their country.