Not everyone knows what currency is in Moldova. Today it is Moldovan Leu. The name comes from the appearance of the Dutch coin, which was in circulation in the country in the 17th century. It depicted a lion.
Moldova's own currency appeared only in 1993. And many of the previous years of the country's existence, "foreign" money went in it.
History of the introduction of modern currency
Until the moment when Moldova became an independent republic, its territory did not have its own monetary unit. While this was the Principality of Moldavia, people settled with zloty, florins and ducats. In the 19th century, the territory of Moldova became part of the Russian Empire. Therefore, the Russian ruble was introduced here. As soon as the territory of the country was occupied by the Romanians, the Romanian leu came into use. During the Soviet occupation, the Soviet ruble was in use.
As soon as Moldova was declared independent, the government introduced a national currency. It was temporary and was called the Moldovan coupon. Only in 1993, the Moldovan Leu became the official currency. At the same time, coupons still circulated in the country, but were gradually withdrawn from circulation. The exchange took place in a ratio of 1 to 1000.
Exchange rate
Today, when exchanging 1 Moldovan leu, you can get about 3 Russian rubles. Of course, the daily exchange rate in Moldova is adjusted by the National Bank. But on average, the following picture is obtained:
- 1 US dollar is about 12.5 lei;
- 1 euro is about 16 lei;
- Ukrainian hryvnia - about 1.6 lei.
All guests and tourists are advised to exchange currency in Moldova exclusively at official exchange points. Better if he is at the bank. In any city in the country, they are quite enough. No need to make an exchange with private individuals. The likelihood of cheating in this case is very high. Transnistria is a unique region. Here, tourists do not even need to change money. In everyday life here, not only Moldovan leu, but also dollars, rubles, euros, even hryvnias.
Moldovan Leu - this is exactly 100 baths (Moldovan coins that are in use today). The word "baths" goes back to the ancient name of a small coin that was once started to be made in Wallachia.
Banknotes and coins
Today, the currency of Moldova (lei) is represented by banknotes of par value:
- One.
- Five.
- Ten.
- Twenty.
- Fifty.
- One hundred.
- Two hundred.
- Five hundred.
- One thousand.
Along with paper money, the National Bank issues coins:
- 1 bath.
- 5 baths.
- 10 baths.
- 25 baths.
- 50 baths.
- 1 lei.
- 5 lei.
The currency of Moldova is not too original in its design. So, all banknotes depict the king of the Principality of Moldova, Stefan III. He ruled the state for 47 years. During this time, Moldova remained independent. On the back of the banknotes you can see the main architectural monuments of the country: temples, fortresses, administrative buildings, monasteries.
Coins of Moldova also do not shine with their variety in design design. On the obverse you can see the face value of the coin, which is surrounded by oak leaves. And below is the year of issue. The reverse shows the emblem of the country.
Previously, the currency of Moldova was printed in Romania, in securities factories. Today, the country has its own National Mint, which is located in the city of Chisinau.