Moldova, a lesser-known European destination, boasts vast vineyards, rich history, and charming countryside. Whether you’re in the capital Chisinau, touring Cricova wine cellars, or visiting remote monasteries, it’s essential to understand cash access. Urban areas accept cards, but rural regions rely on cash. This guide covers cash and ATMs in Moldova, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance for a smooth trip.
Where to find ATMs in Moldova?
Find ATMs in Urban Areas – Cities like Chișinău, Bălți, and Tiraspol have ATMs in city centers, shopping areas, and near banks like Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB) and Moldindconbank.
Popular sites such as Stefan cel Mare Central Park, the National Museum of History, and Cricova Winery have nearby ATMs. Carry some cash for small establishments that may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: Smaller towns and villages have limited ATM availability. Withdraw cash in larger cities before heading to remote areas.
Best ATMs to use in Moldova for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Moldova are those owned by popular banks such as:
- MAIB
- Victoriabank
- Moldindcon
- Eximbank
- Comertbank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Moldova.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Moldova, some ATMs may prompt you to Accept or Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in MDL).
- If you ‘Accept’, the ATM converts your money at its exchange rate, charging an extra fee.
- If you ‘Decline’, your bank or card provider (Visa, Master, etc.) sets the exchange rate.
To avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MDL’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Moldova?
Yes, Moldovian ATMs accept many foreign debit and credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Many ATMs in Moldova operate 24/7. But those inside bank branches operate 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Look for the words Words ‘ATM’ or ‘Bancomat’ to identify an ATM
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer Romanian (Moldovan), Russian or English as the primary languages. live translation via Google Translate’s camera function if you’re not familiar with these 3 languages.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Moldova?
ATMs dispense cash in Moldovan Leu (MDL), with many of these ATMs also offering the option to withdraw Euros or US Dollars.
ATM withdrawal limits in Moldova
ATMs in Moldova have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of MDL 4,000 to MDL 8,000 (Moldovan Leu MDL). Couple of ATMs allow withdrawal up to MDL 14,000 per transaction.
ATM Fees in Moldova
There are no fee-free ATMs in Moldova. Bank ATMs in Moldova typically charge a fixed ATM fee per transaction along with variable ATM fee that is usually a percentage of the withdrawal amount. The fixed fees per transaction are usually MDL 15 to MDL 50 per transaction and variable fee is usually 1.5% to 2.5% of the withdrawal amount. Some bank ATMs charge higher fees inside hotels and lower fees outside hotels so use the ones with lower ATM fees for foreign card holders (all figures in Moldovan Leu MDL).
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Moldova. These are:
1. The ATM’s specific Currency Conversion Charge (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee to use your card abroad.
How to Avoid High Fees When Withdrawing Cash in Moldova:
- Use low-fee ATMs with the ATM Fee Saver app.
- Choose Decline Conversion or Without Conversion at ATMs.
- Get fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs
Find fee-free and low-fee ATMs in Moldova with the ATM Fee Saver app for iOS and Android. It offers ATM PINs, fees, and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at major banks. Use the fee calculator to determine exact charges and access cash tips for over 100 countries, including Moldova.
Safety at ATMs
Moldova has seen ATM scams involving skimming devices and hidden cameras. Travelers have experienced unauthorized transactions. Use ATMs inside bank branches to reduce risks. Watch for unusual attachments on ATMs, monitor your bank statements regularly, avoid public Wi-Fi for banking, keep your card in sight during transactions, and carry a backup card.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Moldova (inside a bank branch) takes your card, contact the bank branch for retrieval with ID proof. If that fails, call the bank’s helpline but they usually help only their own customers, so you might need to ask your own bank to send a new card.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Moldova?
No, there are no fee-free ATMs in Moldova. Bank ATMs typically charge a fixed ATM fee of MDL 15 to MDL 50 per transaction plus a variable fee is usually 1.5% to 2.5% of the withdrawal amount.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Moldova
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Moldova. Cryptocurrency adoption is still in its early stages in the country.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Moldova
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs.
