Question 1

What is the "Street currency-exchange poor rate and commission" scam in Brasov?

Accepted Answer

Exchange booths near the train station and Old Town advertise an attractive headline rate, then apply a commission, a 'different rate' for your transaction type or a minimum fee, so you walk away with noticeably less than the board suggested. Some 'no commission' windows simply use a poor rate far from the real market value, and street money-changers should be avoided entirely. Travelers report handing over cash and receiving well below the expected amount after 'standard fees'. Never change money with someone on the street. Use a proper bank branch (Banca Transilvania, BCR, BRD) or a casa de schimb that posts the net rate with zero commission, ask exactly how many lei you will receive before handing over cash, and count it before leaving.

Question 2

What is the "ATM dynamic currency conversion (DCC) markup" scam in Brasov?

Accepted Answer

Euronet and other tourist-area ATMs prompt you to be charged in your home currency 'with conversion', which sounds convenient but applies a markup that can run roughly 5-12% worse than letting your own bank convert. The same machines also nudge users toward large withdrawal amounts and stack their own fees on top. Choosing the home-currency option means the machine sets the exchange rate and you lose out. Always choose to be charged in Romanian lei (decline conversion / 'without conversion') so your bank sets the rate. Prefer ATMs attached to a real bank branch over standalone Euronet machines, and decline any on-screen 'guaranteed rate' offer.

Money & ATM Scams in Brasov

Street currency-exchange poor rate and commission

ATM dynamic currency conversion (DCC) markup

Experienced a scam here?