Compare the best ways to send money to Moldova

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much MDL your recipient in MD will get.

For example, in the past month average rate for USD to MDL was 18.299 MDL.

Since USD-MDL exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more MDL.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Revolut, which has consistently offered the best rates for Moldovan Leu over the past six months.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Moldova is through a Bank transfer with Revolut, which is 1.6% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Moldova impacts the cost, speed, and how much MDL the recipient will receive.

Based on our data from the last six months for a $2,000 transfer from the US to Moldova, the following are your best options:

• Revolut with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.13% markup.

• Wise with a debit card deposit costs $20.63 with 0.17% markup.

• Wise with a credit card deposit costs $35.49 with 0% added to the MDL exchange rate.

We advise against using Bank transfer, as they tend to be the most expensive option for MDL transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on MDL.

CC deposits also tend to be more expensive. For example, Wise charges $35.49 for credit card deposits, while a bank transfer via Revolut costs $0.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to MD. SWIFT transfers to Moldova are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much MDL you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the MDL exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Moldova.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of MDL you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Moldova.

The speed of sending Moldovan Leu to Moldova depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $2,000 transfer to Moldova:

Use Paysend for fastest transfers

Of the 7 companies offering MDL transfers, Paysend consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing 11 times in our searches over the past 6 months.

For bank account & card deposits use Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer offers fast and affordable Moldovan Leu transfers, with fees of around $4 for bank deposits and $Wise for debit card deposits, plus a small 2.8% markup on top of the MDL rate.

For credit card transfers use Wise

Based on our six-month search data, Wise takes up to one day to send MDL via credit card, with a fee of $35.49 and 0% markup.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for MDL transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Moldova, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Moldova:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our six-month analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Moldova, appearing in 100% of MDL transfers in our search system.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Moldova offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on MDL exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Moldova are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Moldovan Leu as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Moldova to collect the MDL.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Moldovan Leu via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire MDL directly to Moldova due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send MDL from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Moldova. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the MDL transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Moldova, we recommend Revolut. They appeared in 57.1% of MDL searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Moldova.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Moldova. Use Wise to deposit with a debit card at just $20.63 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Moldova needs MDL urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Moldova, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive MDL directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Revolut.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Moldova, Moldovan Leu will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending MDL as cash or transferring large amounts to Moldova, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Moldova, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of MDL being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Moldova, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Moldovan Leu.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on MDL transfers/payments to MD.

Some MDL transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain MDL transfers (especially large sums of Moldovan Leu) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Moldova or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Moldova or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.