Acceptance of payment cards and Euro in Bucharest

score:4

I've been going to Bucharest often during the last ten years. The acceptance of credit cards is good, although varies. Generally:

Taxis and public transport do not accept any cards. You can take Uber, which works there, or prearrange airport transit with hotel. A taxi ride should be around 30-50 RON (7-12 Euro) one way. There is still no decent public transport from OTP airport to the city center.
Pretty much all restaurants and cafes in city center/Lipscani area accept them. But always inquiry with the staff, as sometimes (rarely) their credit card machine is broken.
ATMs are everywhere though, so you have a backup option.
Euros are not officially accepted, and I have never seen anyone paying with them in those places. Souvenir stands might be more open.

George Y. 21805

Upvote:1

George Y.'s answer is very good, but I can provide more information:

Indeed taxis and public transportation rely on cash (and make sure you also have smaller banknotes because they always claim not to have small banknotes to give back to a larger banknote). Also, a very recent Government ordinance virtually outlawed Uber's and Bolt's (Taxify) activity because they need a special license just like taxi drivers need. When going from OTP, make sure to use their terminals to call a cab and never accept other offers
you can virtually pay everywhere using a debit/credit card (Revolut included) except for very rare cases, even for smaller amounts, although sellers would appreciate cash in these cases
except for very rare cases all cash transactions must be in the local currency (RON)
tipping is almost never included on the bill (you pay by card, tip by cash)

Alexei 1017

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