The currency
The official currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL), divided into 100 bani. It circulates as both notes and coins.
Card or cash?
- Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in Chișinău and the larger towns.
- Cash is needed at markets, on public transport, in smaller taxis, in villages and at small establishments.
Advice: always keep some cash on you, especially outside the capital.
Where to change money
- Exchange offices (in the centre, at the airport, in shopping centres)
- Banks
- ATMs, for card withdrawals
Euros and US dollars are easy to change. Check the posted rate before you change anything, and avoid unofficial street exchange.
Exchange rate
The leu–euro rate moves. For the current official rate, see the National Bank of Moldova.
This is indicative. Always check the rate and any commission before changing money.
