MDLMoldovan LeuMoldovan Leu (MDL)
The Moldovan leu is the national currency of the Republic of Moldova. The National Bank of Moldova is the monetary authority responsible for the country's currency system, and MDL is the ISO code used in international financial records. One leu is divided into 100 bani; the plural form lei appears in Moldovan and English descriptions of multiple units. The leu is used for domestic prices, wages, accounts and settlement, while external conversion tools show its value against currencies such as EUR, USD, RON and UAH.
- ISO code
- MDL
- Symbol
- L
- Region
- Europe
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Moldovan Leu operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange rate arrangement.
- Last reviewed
Convert this currency
MDL converter
MDLRate date:
Quick facts
MDL at a glance
Currency profile
How MDL works
The Moldovan leu is the national currency of the Republic of Moldova. The National Bank of Moldova is the monetary authority responsible for the country's currency system, and MDL is the ISO code used in international financial records. One leu is divided into 100 bani; the plural form lei appears in Moldovan and English descriptions of multiple units. The leu is used for domestic prices, wages, accounts and settlement, while external conversion tools show its value against currencies such as EUR, USD, RON and UAH.
National Bank of Moldova administers MDL within a market-determined exchange rate system.
- Introduced as Moldova's national currency in 1993.
- The reviewed cash profile records MDL 1, MDL 5, MDL 10, MDL 20, MDL 50, MDL 100, MDL 200, MDL 500, MDL 1,000 for banknotes and 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 bani for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
Moldova introduced the leu in the 1990s as a national monetary unit after the end of the Soviet ruble period. The National Bank's public currency and converter information distinguishes the leu from the other currencies most often compared by Moldovan users, including the euro and U.S. dollar. Notes and coins are issued in denominations suited to everyday domestic payments, and the bani subdivision remains part of the formal currency description even when small cash values are less visible in modern transactions. For historical or cross-border work, the MDL code prevents confusion with the Romanian leu, whose code is RON. That country-specific code is important in contracts, software and published tables. The Moldovan leu should be kept distinct from the Romanian leu even though English descriptions can use similar words. MDL gives a contract, spreadsheet or rate table that country context. The bani subdivision also remains part of the formal unit, so small values can be read without confusing a displayed fraction with a separate currency.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Moldovan Leu operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange rate arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for MDL
Temporary coupon issued
Moldova used a coupon as an interim unit after the Soviet ruble system.
National Bank of MoldovaMoldovan leu introduced
The leu replaced the temporary coupon and became the national currency.
National Bank of MoldovaHigher-value coins introduced
Moldova added 1, 2, 5 and 10 leu coins to improve the durability of everyday cash.
National Bank of Moldova
Usage and economy
How MDL is used
- MDL denominates Moldovan retail prices, wages, taxes and bank accounts.
- The leu is often compared with RON, EUR and UAH for trade, migration and household remittances.
Banknotes and coins
MDL currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed MDL banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for MDL.
One Moldovan Leu unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Ban as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
MDL questions
What is a ban in Moldova?
A ban is the smaller unit of the Moldovan leu. One leu is divided into 100 bani.
Is MDL the same as the Romanian leu?
No. Moldova uses MDL, while Romania uses RON. The country-specific ISO codes distinguish the two currencies in international records.
Who manages Moldova's currency?
The National Bank of Moldova is the monetary authority responsible for issuing and managing the Moldovan currency system.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.