City in Iasi County, Romania
Iași
Moldavia's cultural capital and big student city: grand churches, parks, low prices and a lively young crowd. Few foreign visitors, cold winters and a slow six-hour train from Bucharest.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,370–2,000Comfortable, one person · lei6,500–9,500Details
- Value for money63/100Better value than 62% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Air quality14.7 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet276 MbpsFixed broadband, Romania medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated and generally safe; old pipes affect taste, so many locals buy bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$53–95Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Iași
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centru / Piața Unirii | Walkable core: cafés, shops, culture, bus and tram stops |
| Copou | Parks, university and quiet, leafy flats |
| Tătărași | Cheaper local housing, markets and trams |
| Palas / Nicolina | Mall area, new apartments and offices |
Apps that work in Iași
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CFR Călători: Train timetables and tickets
- Taxis: Use apps or taxis ordered by phone; avoid unmarked cabs at the station and airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Romania.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. Keep some lei for markets, small kiosks and rural trips.
- Currency: Leu (RON). US$1 ≈ lei4.74 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (BT, BCR, BRD, ING) rather than Euronet machines, and always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants, left in cash or added on the card terminal. Round up taxis; not expected at counters.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere; Revolut is widely used locally.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Full Schengen member since January 2025: days here count toward the shared Schengen 90-in-180 limit.
- The EU Entry/Exit System takes fingerprints and a photo at your first Schengen entry; allow extra time at borders.
- ETIAS online authorisation (€20) for visa-exempt visitors is due to start in late 2026; check before you fly.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Orange, Vodafone or Digi shops and kiosks are cheap and include large data allowances. EU SIMs roam free here. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Romania
Going to Iași solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Iași meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.