Moldova — Shopping
Shopping
Good buys are the vividly-colored costumes, handmade carpets and locally-produced wines and brandies. The main open-air market (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. There are several craft centers where trades include woodcarving, enamel painting, embroidery, weaving, and the making of musical instruments.
Shopping hours: Larger shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000; all others open 0900-1700. Grocery stores are generally open seven days a week.
Currency
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.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in hotels or bureau de change.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
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.
Travelers Checks
Traveller's checks are not generally accepted, though a few banks may exchange them.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on importing local or foreign currency. The export of foreign currency is restricted to €10,000 or the equivalent in local currency. Amounts above this sum must be declared.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks and bureau de change are open Saturdays and Sundays also.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 18.73 MDL |
| 1.00 USD = 11.66 MDL |
| 1.00 EUR = 16.43 MDL |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
