US Dollar RateUSD/MDL
Currency calculator
100,00 USD =
1.806,38 MDL
1 USD = 18.0638 MDL · 1 MDL = 0.0554 USD
History USD/MDL
The US Dollar and Moldova's economy
The US dollar (USD) occupies a central role in the Republic of Moldova's economy, far beyond that of an ordinary exchange currency. The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) maintains significant foreign reserves denominated in dollars, as USD remains the primary currency for international trade and energy payments. The daily USD/MDL rate published by the NBM reflects the supply-and-demand balance for dollars on the Chisinau interbank market.
Remittances from the United States — a pillar of Moldova's economy
The Moldovan diaspora in the United States represents one of the most important sources of remittances for the Republic of Moldova. The Moldovan community is concentrated primarily in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area, as well as in California and Illinois. Money transfers from the US, sent via Western Union, Wise, Ria, or direct bank wires, directly support thousands of Moldovan families and contribute to the stability of the leu–dollar exchange rate. During holiday periods (Easter, Christmas, New Year), remittance volumes increase significantly, which can temporarily influence the USD/MDL rate.
Energy imports and the dollar
Moldova imports nearly all of its energy resources — natural gas, petroleum, and derivatives. International prices for these commodities are quoted predominantly in US dollars. When global oil prices rise on international markets (expressed in USD), Moldova's import costs increase proportionally, putting pressure on the Moldovan leu. Even invoices settled in euros through European intermediaries are fundamentally based on USD-denominated prices set on the Brent and WTI markets.
The dollar's role in agricultural commodity trade
The Republic of Moldova is a significant exporter of agricultural products — wines, fruits, cereals, and sunflower oil. International prices for grains and oilseeds are set on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and denominated in US dollars. Fluctuations in the USD/MDL rate directly affect Moldovan farmers' revenues: a weaker dollar against the leu reduces the leu-equivalent of export earnings, while a stronger dollar increases exporter income but raises the cost of imported agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.
How the USD/MDL rate is determined
The NBM calculates the official US dollar rate based on transactions on Moldova's interbank foreign exchange market. Key factors influencing the USD/MDL rate include: remittance volumes from the US and other countries, Moldova's trade balance, US Federal Reserve monetary policy (Fed interest rate decisions), domestic demand for dollars to pay for imports, and investor sentiment toward Eastern European emerging economies. Fed decisions have a global impact: when the Fed raises interest rates, the dollar strengthens against most currencies, including the Moldovan leu.
FAQ
How do remittances from the US affect the dollar/leu exchange rate?
Remittances from the US increase the supply of dollars on the Moldovan market, which puts upward pressure on the leu relative to the dollar. During periods of high transfer volumes (holidays, summer), the effect is more pronounced. The NBM monitors these flows and may intervene to maintain exchange rate stability.
Why do fuel prices in Moldova depend on the dollar exchange rate?
Oil and natural gas are priced in dollars on international markets (Brent, WTI, Henry Hub). When the dollar strengthens against the leu, the cost of energy imports in lei increases, which is reflected in fuel prices at gas stations and utility tariffs across Moldova.
What role does the US Federal Reserve play in the USD/MDL rate?
Fed interest rate decisions influence the global value of the dollar. When the Fed raises rates, the dollar strengthens and the Moldovan leu tends to depreciate. These movements are transmitted to the NBM rate, typically with a lag of several days.
What is the most cost-effective way to send dollars from the US to Moldova?
Main options include: Wise — transparent rates close to the NBM rate with low fees; Remitly — specialized in Eastern European transfers; Western Union — cash pickup in any Moldovan city; SWIFT bank transfers — more expensive but suitable for large amounts. Always compare the offered rate with the official NBM rate published on Buget.md.
How do Chicago grain prices affect the USD/MDL exchange rate?
Moldova exports grains and oilseeds at prices set in dollars on the CBOT exchange. When grain prices rise, Moldovan exporters receive more dollars, increasing USD supply on the local market and potentially strengthening the leu. Conversely, lower commodity prices reduce dollar inflows.
Does the NBM intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the dollar rate?
Yes, the NBM can intervene on the interbank market by buying or selling dollars from its reserves to prevent excessive fluctuations in the USD/MDL rate. These interventions are targeted and aim to maintain financial stability rather than defending a fixed exchange rate.