Romania Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Home Country: romania
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 Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 8:56 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN ROMANIA / ROMANIA SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN ROMANIA
General
In Bucharest, shops line major avenues such as B-dul. Magheru and Calea Victoriei, complete with stylishly-garbed mannequins and attractive displays. You'll find all the famous designer names, although imported items are no bargain. Romanian-made porcelain and glass objets d'art, on the other hand, are inexpensive by western standards. Bring along an extra bag if you're into traditional handicrafts. Few countries offer such a combination of variety, high-quality workmanship and low prices as Romania. For local folklore arts and crafts watch for the artizanat stores throughout the city, specialising in crafts made by Romanian peasants, including embroidered decorations, dolls, masks and other items.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0900-1800, although this may vary according to season and area.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1300.
Currency
Leu (plural Lei) = 100 bani; Old notes are in denominations of Lei1,000,000, 500,000, 100,000, 50,000 and 10,000. Old coins are in denominations of Lei5000, 1000, 500, 100 and 1. New notes are in denominations of Lei500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. New coins are in denominations of Bani: 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Note: As of 1 July 2005, Romania's legal tender, previously coded as ROL, has been redenominated so that ROL 10,000 are exchanged for 1 new Leu (RON). The old Leu will be legal tender until the end of December 2006.
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, larger hotels and airports and at authorised exchange offices (Birou de Schimb Valutar). 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 can be found in main banks, airports and shopping centres 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 rental firms and some restaurants and shops. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's 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, travellers are advised to take traveller's 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 limited to $10,000; the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported. |
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