Money in several currencies: lei, euros, dollars

Each account in its own currency

The most common mistake is converting everything into one currency by hand at a “rough” rate. A couple of months later the numbers no longer match reality. It is better to keep a separate account for each currency: euros on a card, dollars in cash, lei on your salary card. Transactions are recorded in the account's currency, and the total balance is calculated at the current rate automatically.

Exchanging money is a transfer, not an expense

When you change euros into lei, the money isn't spent — it moves from one account to another. Record the exchange as a transfer between accounts with the actual amounts: how much you gave and how much you received. The difference from the official rate shows what the exchange really cost.

• Compare rates at several banks and exchange offices — on a large sum the difference can be significant.
• Avoid frequent small exchanges: you lose the spread every time.
• Abroad, pay by card in the local currency and decline conversion at the terminal.

Which currency to keep savings in

There is no universal answer, and this is not investment advice. Many people keep their emergency fund in the currency they spend, so exchange rates don't hit it at a difficult moment, and spread long-term savings across several currencies. What matters is seeing the total and knowing how much you hold in each currency.