Moldova’s hidden vineyards, historic monasteries, and charming villages offer a unique travel experience, where knowing how to handle money ensures a smooth journey. Whether you’re tasting world-class wines, exploring Chisinau’s markets, or visiting ancient fortresses, this guide covers everything you need to know – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Moldova (Moldovan Leu (MDL)), cash safety tips, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid hidden fees and enjoy Moldova’s off-the-beaten-path charm without financial worries.
How to pay in Moldova – cash or card?
In Moldova, while cash has traditionally been the primary mode of payment, there is a significant shift towards cashless transactions. Traveller experiences indicate that many Moldovans preferred to pay with a card, indicating a growing acceptance of digital payments. Despite this growth, cash remains prevalent, especially in rural areas and among older populations.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and minibuses primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Transactions at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets in larger cities commonly accept cards.
Online Services: E-commerce platforms, online bookings for flights, accommodations, and other services typically require card payments.
Fuel Stations: While many accept cards, it’s advisable to confirm beforehand, as some may prefer cash.
What’s the best currency to take to Moldova
Moldovan Leu (MDL) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Moldova. Paying or withdrawing money in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
Many tour operators and hotels quote rates in Euros or US Dollars and some may accept these currencies from foreigners. However, if you pay in Euros or US Dollars instead of Moldovan Leu, the exchange rates in these transactions can be poor. So, it’s advisable to pay in MDL to avoid losing money.
British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Moldova
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Moldova. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Moldova
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Moldova
If you’re withdrawing money in Moldova from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Moldova
Bringing a small amount of Moldovan Leu (MDL) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Moldova are usually poor, and many foreign banks do not stock MDL, making it difficult to obtain in advance.
Withdrawing MDL from ATMs in Moldova is the easiest option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange currency in Moldova at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If you need cash upon arrival, exchange only a small amount at the airport, as rates there are often less favorable.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing USD, EUR, or RON (Romanian Leu), they can be easily exchanged in Moldova for good rates. Foreign currencies are not accepted for everyday transactions, so paying in MDL is necessary.
Where to withdraw money in Moldova
You can withdraw money in Mozambique at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Moldova are those owned by popular banks such as:
MAIB,
Victoriabank,
Moldindcon,
Eximbank, and
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.
Where to exchange currency in Moldova
Common places to exchange currency in Moldova are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Moldova, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Case de Schimb Valutar. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include Deghest FOREX Exchange Office, Private Exchange Offices.
Banks: Major banks such as Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB) offer currency exchange services. MAIB has branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. They also provide official exchange rates and a currency calculator on their website.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Moldova.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Moldova
Carrying money in Moldova requires caution. While many visits are trouble-free, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. It’s advisable to avoid carrying large sums of money and to use hotel safes for storing valuables whenever possible.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only necessary amounts: Withdraw small amounts as needed.
Use secure storage: Utilize hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
Be alert: Exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs; opt for machines in well-lit, secure locations.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Moldova
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
