Commercial bank exchange rates
NBM reference rates for comparison with Moldovan commercial bank rates.
Commercial bank rates — Coming soon
We are working on integrating buy/sell rates from all Moldovan banks.
Official rate BNM ()
| Currency | Official rate |
|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 EUR — Euro | 20.1231 MDL |
| 🇺🇸 USD — US Dollar | 17.2375 MDL |
| 🇬🇧 GBP — British Pound | 23.1000 MDL |
| 🇷🇴 RON — Romanian Leu | 3.9513 MDL |
Moldovan Commercial Banks
How currency exchange works at Moldovan banks
Commercial banks in the Republic of Moldova set their own foreign currency buy and sell rates, independently of the official National Bank of Moldova (NBM) rate. The NBM rate serves only as a reference — it is not mandatory for commercial transactions.
Each bank sets two rates: a buy rate (bid), at which the bank purchases currency from customers, and a sell rate (ask), at which the bank sells currency to customers. The difference between these rates is called the spread and represents the bank's main revenue from currency operations.
Why do rates differ between banks?
Exchange rates vary from bank to bank for several reasons: the bank's commercial strategy, volume of foreign exchange operations, operational costs, position on the interbank market, and competition with other banks and exchange offices.
Large banks (MAIB, Victoriabank) typically have smaller spreads due to higher trading volumes, while smaller banks may offer larger spreads but sometimes more favorable rates on specific currencies to attract customers.
Types of currency operations
Moldovan banks offer different rates depending on the operation type: cash operations usually have the largest spread; card operations may have different rates; wire transfers can benefit from preferential rates, especially for large amounts.
Tips for getting a better rate
Compare offers from multiple banks before making a transaction. Large amounts can be negotiated — contact the bank's treasury department for a preferential rate. Licensed exchange offices sometimes offer better rates than banks, but always verify they are authorized by the NBM.
FAQ
Which Moldovan bank offers the best exchange rate?
Rates change daily and depend on the currency, operation type, and amount. Generally, MAIB and Victoriabank have competitive spreads for EUR and USD. We recommend comparing rates from several banks on the day of your transaction.
What is a bank's currency spread?
The spread is the difference between a bank's buy and sell rates. For example, if a bank buys EUR at 19.20 MDL and sells at 19.60 MDL, the spread is 0.40 MDL. A smaller spread means a better rate for the customer.
Can I negotiate the exchange rate at a bank?
Yes, for large amounts (typically over 1,000 EUR equivalent) most Moldovan banks offer preferential rates. Contact the bank's treasury department or visit the branch with your amount to request a better rate.
What documents do I need for currency exchange?
For small amounts (under 500 EUR equivalent) an ID card is usually sufficient. For larger amounts, the bank may request documentation of the source of funds in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Do exchange offices offer better rates than banks?
Sometimes — licensed exchange offices (CSV) may offer smaller spreads, especially for cash EUR and USD operations. Always verify the office is authorized by the NBM and compare total costs including any fees.