Money & duty free for Moldova
Exchange rates:
LeuC$1 = Lei15.03
€1 = Lei20.96
£1 = Lei24.96
US$1 = Lei20.16
Currency & Money
Leu (MDL; plural Lei) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 leu. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 leu, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Moldova in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and shopping centres, particularly in Chişinău and other major towns. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express and other cards may be refused outside high-end establishments. Smaller shops, markets and rural businesses often operate on a cash-only basis, so carrying some local currency is advisable.
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and can be found at banks, shopping centres and major streets. Most accept international cards and offer instructions in multiple languages. Outside urban areas, ATM access can be limited, so visitors travelling to rural regions should withdraw sufficient cash in advance.
Foreign currency may be brought into Moldova without restriction, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of EUR 10,000 must be declared on arrival. When leaving the country, travellers may export foreign currency up to the amount declared on entry. Export of Moldovan lei is restricted, and visitors should exchange any remaining local currency before departure, as it cannot easily be exchanged outside Moldova.
Moldova duty free
Travellers aged 18 and over may import certain goods into Zimbabwe once per calendar month without incurring customs duty.
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or cigarillos.
• 2L of wine and 5L of malt beer.
• Perfume, Eau de toilette, and other goods for personal use.
Visitors are prohibited from importing narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors without official authorisation. Weapons, ammunition and explosives are banned unless a special permit has been issued in advance. Counterfeit goods and pirated media are prohibited. Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries are restricted, particularly when carried in personal luggage, and may be confiscated at the border. Plants, seeds and live animals may require veterinary or phytosanitary certificates. Importing items of cultural or historical significance without proper documentation is also restricted. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
The export of cultural artefacts, antiques and items of historical value is restricted and generally requires official authorisation. This includes icons, archaeological objects and works of art that may be considered part of Moldova’s cultural heritage. Exporting large quantities of alcohol or tobacco beyond personal allowances is restricted. Moldovan currency (leu) may not be exported, and undeclared foreign currency above permitted limits may be confiscated. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the embassy or consulate near you for the most up-to-date information.
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