NBR rate, buy rate and sell rate
The NBR rate is the official reference published on business days. An exchange office shows a buy price and a sell price. The gap is the spread. On 3,750 EUR, a 1.4% spread costs roughly 275 lei compared with the reference rate.
At the counter, ask for the final amount before handing over cash. Some offices show an attractive board rate, then add a fee for smaller transactions.
When an exchange office makes sense
Exchange offices can work well for cash and mid-sized amounts in cities with real competition. Above 9,700 EUR, a bank quote may be better if you can request a negotiated rate.
Roman, former BCR analyst: "In 2024, on a home down-payment conversion, the gap between the first app quote and the negotiated phone quote was 683 lei on 14,250 EUR. The client did not bargain hard, he simply asked."
EUR, USD and GBP checks
For euro amounts, start with the EUR/RON converter. For dollars, check USD/RON. Sterling usually has a wider spread because volumes are lower in Romania.
Write down the NBR rate, request the final quote for the exact amount, ask about fees and keep the receipt. For larger sums, compare one authorised exchange office with your main bank.