Bucharest - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, yes, yes. I use contactless payment with phone and credit card for 95% of purchase. You can use it even for small purchases. If you are in a rural area or farmers market, you will likely have to pay with cash. You can't add a tip with your credit card at a restaurant, you have to leave a cash tip. Embassy has limited cashier hours but has the best exchange rate. ATMs at large banks are fine. - Jun 2023
Yes, yes, yes. I use contactless payment with fingerprint ID on my phone rather than an old fashioned credit card. You can use it even for small purchases. The ATMs are safe. - Mar 2019
Yes, they are. I pick and choose which ATMs I use, as credit card theft is high here. - Jun 2018
Depends on your comfort level. I used my debit card regularly at major shopping venues and reputable hotels and restaurants. Cash flow is easy to come by and you will find yourself agonizing about the piles of spare change. It's funny, all stores want correct change but get annoyed if you hand over your coin collection. Small bills are always preferred. ATMs? Well I used the ones with big national banks and had no issue. Conversely my husband did the same thing and nearly every time his card would get flagged. So it's different for everyone. - Feb 2014
There is a fraud issue but I have not had problems. - Jan 2013
I use them - others refuse. There are issues with fraud - it happens. - Aug 2012
Try to avoid it. - May 2011
Easily available. We have heard of problems with credit card theft, but we have never had a problem with this issue. - Jul 2010
We don't use credit cards here. If you do, you will need to provide a PIN number. ATMs are okay as long as it is in a safe place. - Dec 2009
Widely accepted and even thought there's lots of talk about credit card fraud here I don't know anyone who's actually had any problems. Just use sensible precautions. In a lot of stores you have to have a PIN to use your credit card. Make sure you get one before you get here. - Dec 2008
There is a lot of internet and credit card fraud here. Reducing your use of ATMs is wise. - Feb 2008
Don't. The thieves can be very sophisticated. If you must, only use them in ....well, just be safe and don't. - Jan 2008
DON'T do it. Credit card theft is of epic proportions. - Jan 2008
