Sorry, We're Out of Change...

Let me set the scene. It was a hot, humid day in Iasi with a temperature of about 105 degrees. I had been exploring the city most of the day, and was getting very tired and thirsty. As I was walking, I spotted a stand that was selling drinks, so I decided that I was going to buy a soda. I was a little apprehensive about making this purchase, because it was to be my first ever purchase in Romania, and in a different language. But I decided to go for it. I ordered a drink, counted out my money, and gave it to the woman working the stand. The drink was priced at 2.75 lei, and I gave the woman 3 lei. After receiving my drink, the woman handed me a piece of gum. My first thought was, "Cool! I just got a piece of gum as a bonus! Man, the people in Romania are so nice!" After admiring my piece of gum, I looked at her, waiting for my change. She just stared back at me and waved her hand, indicating for me to go away. Needless to say, I was quite confused. It was then that I realized.... The gum was my change.

This was the first big difference between the United States and Romania that I encountered. The thought of not receiving actual change was completely foreign to me. However, this is quite common amongst smaller businesses in Romania. They often run out of change, and default to a kind of barter system. They give you something comprable to the amount of change you are owed. I believe this concept takes root in the barter system that was practiced in Romania for so long. The people are used to trade. Although this was surprising at first, it was something I became accostomed to. My last form of change? A mini pack of kleenex...