Romanian Leu RateRON/MDL
Currency calculator
100,00 RON =
395,13 MDL
1 RON = 3.9513 MDL · 1 MDL = 0.2531 RON
History RON/MDL
The Romanian leu and the special relationship with Moldova
The Romanian leu (RON) is not simply a foreign currency for the Republic of Moldova — it is the currency of a country with which Moldova shares its language, culture, history, and western border. The RON/MDL rate published by the NBM reflects the intensity of economic exchanges between the two nations, as well as the deep ties between communities on both sides of the Prut River. Among all currency pairs published daily by the NBM, RON/MDL carries a uniquely practical significance for hundreds of thousands of Moldovans.
The Ungheni-Iasi commercial corridor and cross-border trade
The Moldovan-Romanian border, particularly along the Ungheni-Iasi axis, is one of the most active zones of cross-border commerce in the region. Every day, thousands of people cross the border for business, shopping, or work. Residents of Ungheni, Cahul, and other border towns frequently shop in Romania, taking advantage of the wider selection available in supermarkets and shopping centers in Iasi, Husi, or Galati. This cross-border activity generates constant demand for Romanian lei, and the RON/MDL rate directly affects the purchasing power of Moldovans shopping in Romania.
Romanian investments in Moldova's economy
Romania is one of the most important foreign investors in the Republic of Moldova. Romanian companies are actively present in the banking sector (OTP Bank, which took over Banca Romaneasca operations), telecommunications, retail, construction, and the food industry. These investments are denominated in Romanian lei or euros, and RON/MDL fluctuations influence investment decisions and operational profitability. Moldova's banking system processes significant daily volumes of RON transactions, particularly transfers between parent companies in Romania and their Moldovan subsidiaries.
The impact of Romania's EU membership and Schengen accession
Romania's status as an EU member state has direct consequences for the RON/MDL exchange rate. Romania's integration into the European single market and accession to the Schengen area facilitate the free movement of people and goods, intensifying trade exchanges and financial flows with Moldova. European cross-border cooperation programs (funded through Interreg or ENI) channel funds in lei and euros toward joint projects along the Moldovan-Romanian border, influencing local demand for RON.
Moldovan workers in Romania
Romania has become an important destination for Moldovan workers, especially following the simplification of Romanian citizenship procedures. Tens of thousands of Moldovans work in Romania in construction, services, IT, and agriculture, and a portion of their salaries, received in Romanian lei, is sent home to families in Moldova. These RON remittance flows contribute to supply and demand dynamics on the Moldovan foreign exchange market and influence the RON/MDL rate, particularly during periods of high transfer volumes.
FAQ
Why is the RON/MDL rate important for Moldovans in border areas?
Residents of Ungheni, Cahul, Cantemir, and other border towns frequently shop in Romania — at supermarkets, pharmacies, and markets in Iasi, Husi, or Galati. The RON/MDL rate directly determines how advantageous these purchases are compared to prices in Moldova.
How do Romanian investments affect the Romanian leu/Moldovan leu exchange rate?
Romanian company investments in Moldova (banking, telecommunications, retail) generate steady RON flows on the foreign exchange market. These flows increase the supply of Romanian lei and contribute to the formation of the RON/MDL rate on the interbank market.
Can I use Romanian lei directly in Moldova?
The Romanian leu is not legal tender in Moldova and cannot be used directly in shops. You must exchange it at a bank or currency exchange office. In border areas (Ungheni, Cahul), many exchange offices offer competitive RON/MDL rates.
How does Romania's Schengen accession affect the RON/MDL rate?
Schengen accession simplifies the movement of people and goods, increasing the volume of cross-border exchanges. This can raise demand for RON in Moldova (for shopping and travel to Romania) and supply of RON (from salaries and remittances of Moldovans working in Romania).
What is the cheapest way to transfer Romanian lei from Romania to Moldova?
Cost-effective options include: Wise — rates close to the official NBM rate; bank transfers between accounts (especially if both banks are in the same group, e.g., OTP); Revolut — instant transfer at interbank rates. For small cash amounts, exchange offices in the border zone often offer good rates.
Moldovans with Romanian citizenship receive salaries in RON — how do they convert to MDL?
Moldovans employed in Romania receive their salary in RON. When transferring money to Moldova, the RON to MDL conversion happens at the receiving bank's rate. For a better rate, transfer via Wise or Revolut at interbank rates and then withdraw in MDL.