Swiss Franc RateCHF/MDL
Currency calculator
100,00 CHF =
2.177,54 MDL
1 CHF = 21.7754 MDL · 1 MDL = 0.0459 CHF
History CHF/MDL
The Swiss franc (CHF) and the Moldovan leu (MDL)
The Swiss franc is one of the world's most stable and respected currencies, serving as the official currency of the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein. For citizens of the Republic of Moldova, the CHF/MDL exchange rate carries particular practical relevance, given the significant number of Moldovans living and working in Switzerland.
According to consular data, the Moldovan community in Switzerland numbers over 5,000 officially registered individuals, though unofficial estimates suggest a considerably larger figure. Switzerland attracts Moldovan labor in sectors such as hospitality, construction, healthcare services, and agriculture. Remittances sent from Switzerland to Moldova constitute an important financial flow, and the CHF/MDL rate directly determines the amount received by beneficiary families.
The Swiss franc as a safe-haven currency
The CHF is traditionally regarded as a "safe haven" currency on international financial markets. During periods of geopolitical instability, including the conflict in Ukraine that has deeply affected the regional economy, investors flock to the Swiss franc, driving up its value. This characteristic makes the franc one of the most expensive currencies relative to the Moldovan leu.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) conducts an independent monetary policy, without being a member of the European Union or the eurozone. The SNB periodically intervenes in currency markets to prevent excessive franc appreciation, which would harm Swiss exports. SNB decisions on the key interest rate have a direct impact on the CHF/MDL exchange rate.
Switzerland-Moldova bilateral relations
Switzerland is an important partner of the Republic of Moldova in the field of development cooperation. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implements projects in Moldova across health, local governance, economic development, and food security sectors. These projects generate financial flows in CHF that are converted to MDL.
Additionally, bilateral trade relations, though modest in volume, include Moldovan exports of wine and textiles to Switzerland, while Swiss imports to Moldova cover pharmaceuticals, precision equipment, and food products.
Sending remittances from Switzerland to Moldova
For Moldovans sending money home from Switzerland, it is essential to compare the CHF/MDL rate offered by different transfer services against the official NBM rate. Popular options include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which typically offers rates close to the interbank rate, as well as direct bank transfers. The rate difference between services can represent significant sums on large transfers, making the NBM rate on Buget.md a reliable benchmark.
FAQ
How can I send Swiss francs from Switzerland to Moldova?
The most common methods are: Wise — with rates close to the interbank rate and low fees; direct bank transfer from a Swiss bank to a Moldovan bank (MAIB, Victoriabank); Western Union and MoneyGram — for cash pickup. Always compare the offered rate against the official NBM CHF/MDL rate on Buget.md.
Why is the Swiss franc so expensive compared to the Moldovan leu?
The Swiss franc is a safe-haven currency, backed by Switzerland's stable economy, low inflation, robust banking system, and neutrality policy. During global crises, investors buy CHF heavily, increasing its value. Moldova's small, open economy makes the leu structurally weaker against CHF.
How do Swiss National Bank (SNB) decisions affect the CHF/MDL rate?
When the SNB raises its key interest rate, the Swiss franc tends to appreciate against most currencies, including MDL. When the SNB intervenes to weaken the franc (as it did in 2011-2015 with the EUR/CHF floor), the effect is transmitted indirectly to the CHF/MDL rate through the CHF/EUR relationship.
How many Moldovans work in Switzerland and how much do they send home?
According to estimates, over 5,000 Moldovans are officially registered in Switzerland, with the actual community being larger. Remittances from Switzerland to Moldova represent a meaningful financial flow, concentrated in hospitality, construction, and healthcare sectors. Swiss salaries, among the highest in Europe, allow substantial transfers even given the high cost of living.
What Swiss development projects operate in Moldova?
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) funds projects in Moldova covering public health, local governance, migration, and economic development. These projects involve CHF/MDL financial flows and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations. The annual budget for Swiss cooperation with Moldova amounts to several million CHF.
Is it better to convert CHF to EUR first, then to MDL?
Not necessarily. Double conversion (CHF to EUR to MDL) involves two spreads and potentially two commissions, which can be more expensive than direct CHF/MDL exchange. Check the NBM rate for CHF/MDL on Buget.md and compare with offers from transfer services that perform direct conversion.