Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Romania: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
ATMs in Romania give a stronger rate than airport exchange counters. Bucharest Airport kiosks often advertise “no commission,” but they build profit into the rate. Using ATMs from BCR, BRD, or Raiffeisen gives you closer to the real exchange. If you’re budgeting 200-300 RON per day for meals, metro rides, and sightseeing in Old Town or visiting Bran Castle, ATMs save you more. Keep the airport counter only for a small sum to cover a taxi or bus ticket before you reach the city.
I fell for the “no commission” sign at a counter in Sibiu Airport and got scammed with a 6% worse rate. Kicked myself after. Found an OTP Bank ATM near my hostel (Podstel Umbrella in Bucharest) that worked with my UK Visa debit and didn’t charge a local fee. Moral of the story: airport booths are traps. ATMs are way better if your card works.
Withdrew cash at a BRD ATM inside the airport using my Wise card, skipped the DCC option, and got close to market rate. It was still better than exchanging euros at those flashy booths near baggage claim. Later tested ING and BCR in Bucharest city center-similar rates, lower withdrawal limits.
I changed €50 at a booth in Cluj Airport because I needed bus fare and a SIM. Rate was poor, but convenient. Later used a Banca Transilvania ATM in town and it gave a way better deal using my N26 Mastercard. Airport exchanges are last resort. I wouldn’t rely on them unless it’s super late or you’re stuck.
Avoid the exchange counters at Otopeni Airport-rate was awful, like 4.3 RON per euro when it was 4.9 in town. I took out cash at a Raiffeisen ATM in the arrivals hall using my Monzo card and got a better rate, even after the £3 fee. Just declined the ATM conversion screen.