Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Sending $1,000 to Romania
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
7-Day Exchange Rate History
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to $75
on a AUD 1,000 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending money from Australia to Romania is cheapest through digital providers like Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit, which typically beat Australian banks by 3-8% on the exchange rate. This guide walks you through every step — from spotting hidden markups to choosing the right speed and delivering directly into Banca Transilvania or BCR.
Our verdict: Use Wise or Revolut for transfers above AUD 1,000 and always compare the quoted rate against the Google mid-market rate before confirming.
Step 1: Understand the AUD to RON Corridor Before You Send
Start by recognizing who you are joining when you transfer money on this route. The Australia-to-Romania corridor is dominated by Romanian families supporting relatives back home, students paying tuition, and Australian businesses paying contractors in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timișoara. Romania is the EU's largest remittance recipient in Eastern Europe, with over 3.5 million Romanians working abroad — primarily in Italy, Germany, and Spain — though the Australian-Romanian community has grown steadily since 2015. Knowing this context matters because providers compete hardest on popular corridors, which means you have leverage to demand better rates.
Step 2: Spot the Two Types of Fees Before You Pay
Before clicking "send" anywhere, learn to identify both fee types. The first is the flat fee — a transparent charge of AUD 0 to AUD 15 displayed at checkout. The second, and far more dangerous, is the exchange rate markup: a hidden margin baked into the AUD/RON rate itself. To check it, do this:
- Open Google and search "AUD to RON" to find the mid-market rate.
- Compare that rate against what your provider quotes you.
- If the gap is more than 0.5%, you are paying a hidden markup.
Australian high-street banks like Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac typically apply markups of 3% to 5%, plus a SWIFT fee of AUD 20 to AUD 30. On a AUD 2,000 transfer, that hidden cost can exceed AUD 100.
Step 3: Choose a Digital Provider Over Your Bank
Skip the bank app and open accounts with two or three digital specialists for comparison. Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit consistently beat Australian banks by 3% to 8% on the exchange rate because they use the real mid-market rate and charge a small transparent fee. Here is the order to follow:
- Wise — usually the cheapest for transfers above AUD 1,000 thanks to true mid-market pricing.
- Revolut — strong for users who already hold a multi-currency account and want to lock in rates manually.
- Remitly — competitive promotional rates on first transfers and good cash pickup options.
- WorldRemit — flexible delivery methods including mobile wallets.
All four can deliver directly into RON accounts at the two largest receiving banks in Romania — Banca Transilvania and BCR (which is part of Erste Group) — meaning your recipient sees funds in their everyday account without extra steps.
Step 4: Pick the Right Speed for Your Transfer
Match the speed option to the urgency of the payment. Use instant transfers (under one hour) when paying rent, hospital bills, or covering an emergency for family — expect to pay a slight premium of AUD 2 to AUD 5. Use economy transfers (1 to 2 business days) for routine support payments, freelancer invoices, or savings — these are cheaper and the rate is typically the same. Avoid initiating transfers late on Friday Australian time, since SWIFT settlement is paused over the weekend in Europe.
Step 5: Confirm the Regulatory Side
Before sending larger amounts, verify the rules. Standard banking regulations apply for sending from Australia to Romania — AUSTRAC requires reporting on transfers of AUD 10,000 or more, but this is purely informational and does not block your transaction. Have your recipient's full name (matching their ID), IBAN starting with "RO", and the bank's BIC ready. Romania uses the leu (RON), not the euro, so confirm the currency on every quote.
Step 6: Apply Three Practical Money-Saving Tactics
Finish by squeezing the last few dollars out of the transfer:
- Set rate alerts in Wise or Revolut so you are notified when AUD/RON crosses a target — even 1% movement on AUD 5,000 saves AUD 50.
- Send during European morning hours (5 PM to 11 PM AEST) when liquidity is deepest and spreads tightest.
- Batch transfers above AUD 1,000 — many providers tier their fees, so one larger transfer beats three small ones.
- Avoid airport kiosks and credit-card "send money" features; both bury enormous markups.
Follow these six steps in order on your first transfer, and you will land your money in Banca Transilvania or BCR within hours, at a rate within 0.5% of mid-market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AUD to RON exchange rate?
The best rate is the mid-market rate you see on Google, which Wise and Revolut match most closely. Australian banks typically add a 3-5% markup on top of this rate, so always compare before sending.
How long does it take to send money from Australia to Romania?
Digital providers deliver in under an hour for instant transfers and within 1-2 business days for economy options. Bank-to-bank SWIFT transfers can take 3-5 business days, especially if initiated late on a Friday.
What are the fees for sending money from Australia to Romania?
Digital providers charge a flat fee of roughly AUD 1 to AUD 15 plus a small exchange margin under 0.5%. Australian banks usually charge an AUD 20-30 SWIFT fee plus a 3-5% hidden exchange rate markup.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes — Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit are all licensed and regulated by AUSTRAC in Australia and equivalent EU authorities for delivery into Romania. Funds are safeguarded in segregated accounts and transfers above AUD 10,000 are routinely reported, which is a sign of compliance, not a problem.