The leu (Romanian pronunciation: [lew], plural lei [lej]; ISO 4217 code RON; numeric code 946) is the currency of Romania. It is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency means "lion". On 1 July 2005, Romania underwent a currency reform, switching from the previous leu (ROL) to a new leu (RON). 1 RON is equal to 10,000 ROL.
Romania joined the European Union on 1 January 2007 and it is expected to adopt the euro in 2014.
The currency of Moldova is also called the leu, but is independent of the Romanian leu.
ISO 4217 code
RON
Central bank
National Bank of Romania (since 1867), Red Army (1944), INFINEX (1941-1944), General Romanian Bank (1917-1919)
Romania former: Socialist Republic of Romania (1965-1989), People's Republic of Romania (1947-1965), Transnistria Governorate (1941-1944), Kingdom of Romania (1881-1947), Principality of Romania (1867-1881)
Subunit 1/100
ban
Coins Freq. used
10, 50 bani
Rarely used
1 ban, 5 bani
Banknotes Freq. used
1 leu, 5, 10, 50, 100 lei
Rarely used
200, 500 lei
Printer
National Bank of Romania (since 1867), Goznak (1944), Reichsbank (1917-1919)
