The New Romanian Leu (RON)
The New Romanian Leu (RON, lei) is the official currency of Romania, a country in Eastern Europe known for its mountains, castles, and rich history. The leu is used every day for shopping, banking, and trade. The currency shows important Romanian figures, architecture, and cultural symbols, reflecting both the country’s past and its future.
Currency overview
The New Romanian Leu is issued and managed by the National Bank of Romania. This bank is responsible for creating banknotes and coins, setting monetary policies, and making sure the economy stays stable.
The 'new' leu (RON) was introduced in 2005. It replaced the 'old' leu (ROL) at a rate of 10,000 old lei = 1 new leu. This change helped simplify prices and improve the country’s financial system. As of 2025, the new leu is 20 years old.
Romania’s banknotes are made of polymer, a type of plastic that makes them stronger and harder to tear. The design includes famous Romanian poets, scientists, and buildings. Each bill also has advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting. The leu’s colorful look and modern features make it one of the more secure and durable currencies in Europe.
The word 'leu' means 'lion' in Romanian. The currency uses the symbol 'RON' in international settings and 'lei' for amounts in Romanian (plural of leu). For example, 10 lei means 10 Romanian leu. 'RON' stands for 'Romanian New Leu' to show the difference from the older currency.
New Romanian Leu Stats | |
|---|---|
Name | New Romanian Leu |
Symbol | RON / lei |
Minor unit | Bani |
Minor unit symbol | b |
Top RON conversion | RON/EUR |
Top RON Chart | RON to EUR, USD, GBP |
New Romanian Leu Profile | |
|---|---|
Nicknames | Leu (singular), Lei (plural), RON |
Coins | 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani |
Bank notes | 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 lei |
Central Bank | National Bank of Romania |
Users | Romania |
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