Money and duty free for Moldova

Currency and Money

Currency information

Leu (MDL; symbol (plural) Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of Lei500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and Leu1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.

Credit cards

Credit cards are only accepted by a few banks. Moldova is essentially a cash-only economy. There are ATMs in Chisinau and other main towns.

ATM

There are ATMs in Chisinau and other main towns.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are not generally accepted, though a few banks may exchange them.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks and bureaux de change are open Saturdays and Sundays also.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on importing local or foreign currency, however, sums equivalent or exceeding the amount of €10,000 need to be declared. The export of foreign and local currency is restricted to the declared amount imported and to the maximum amount equivalent to €50,000.

Currency exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged in hotels or bureaux de change.

Moldova duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Moldova by travellers aged 18 years or older without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or cigarillos.
• 2L of wine and 5L of malt beer.
• Perfume and Eau de toilette and other goods for personal use.

Banned Exports

Check with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before exporting items of cultural value; the export of certain artefacts is prohibited and other goods may require a permit.