Currency & Payment

Moldova uses the Moldovan leu (MDL; plural lei), divided into 100 bani. Prices are quoted in lei, and cash is still widely used, especially outside the capital. Euros and US dollars are not generally accepted in shops, so change them into lei at an exchange office when you need cash.

Change money at an exchange office (casă de schimb valutar) or a bank. There are many exchange offices in central Chișinău, and euros and US dollars are the easiest currencies to change. Rates are competitive; compare a couple of offices and keep your receipt. You can also simply withdraw lei from an ATM.

In Chișinău and other towns, cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger shops, supermarkets and many restaurants, and contactless is common. Visa and Mastercard are the usual networks. In rural areas, local markets and small shops, cash is still king, so keep some lei with you when you travel outside the cities.

ATMs (bancomat) are plentiful in Chișinău and towns, run by banks such as Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB), Moldindconbank (MICB) and Victoriabank. They dispense lei and accept Visa and Mastercard. Watch out for foreign-card fees and always decline home-currency conversion (DCC) to get the better rate. Withdraw enough before heading to rural areas.

Mobile and contactless payments are growing in Chișinău, where Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals, and app-based transfers are popular with locals. Coverage is thinner in smaller towns and rural areas, where cash remains the norm. Treat mobile payment as convenient in the city but always keep some lei as a backup.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Moldova. In restaurants, leaving around 10% for good service is common if a service charge is not already included. Rounding up the fare for taxis and leaving small change for café or bar staff is welcome. Tips in cash are best, as they may not always reach staff when added to a card payment.

Moldova is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Meals at local restaurants, public transport, coffee and local wine are all inexpensive by Western European standards, and a modest daily budget goes a long way. Imported goods and top-end hotels cost more, but overall travellers find prices very reasonable, especially outside the capital.