SHOPPING
Good buys are the vividly colored costumes, handmade carpets and locally produced wines and brandies. The main open-air market or tolchok is on Calea Mosilor, about 10 minutes’ drive away from central Chisinau. Although crowded, it sells everything and is a good place for bargains.
Shopping hours
Larger shops open 0800-2000; all others open 0900-1700.
Currency Information:
Currency
Leu (MDL) = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of MDL500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in hotels or bureaux de change. Moldova is essentially a cash-only economy. There are three ATMs in Chisinau where local currency can be withdrawn using Visa cards.
Credit & debit cards
Credit cards are only accepted by a few banks. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers cheques
Travelers cheques are not generally accepted, though a few banks may exchange them.
Currency restrictions
The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is limited to amount imported.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Moldovan Leu against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date |
May '04 |
Aug '04 |
Nov '04 |
Feb '05 |
£1.00= |
20.18 |
22.00 |
23.51 |
23.80 |
$1.00= |
11.30 |
11.94 |
12.41 |
12.60 |
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0930-1730. |
Travel Tips