Europe
Money, cards and tipping in Moldova
MDLLeu
Money in Moldova
Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in Chișinău supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. Outside the capital and at markets you need lei. Euros and dollars are easy to exchange. US$1 ≈ L17.78 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; check whether service is already on the bill. Round up taxi fares.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs are plentiful in Chișinău; some add a fee for foreign cards. Always decline the currency conversion.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in Chișinău.
- Price level: about 43% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chișinău | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards work in Chișinău supermarkets, cafés and restaurants; markets, minibuses, small shops and villages need lei. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Moldova?
About 10% in restaurants; check whether service is already on the bill. Round up taxi fares.
Is Moldova cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Cards work in Chișinău supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. Outside the capital and at markets you need lei. Euros and dollars are easy to exchange.
What currency does Moldova use?
The Leu (MDL). US$1 ≈ L17.78 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Moldova
- Speedtest Global Index: Moldova
- Border Police of Moldova
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.