The Republic of Moldova, located in Eastern Europe, is undergoing a transition to a market economy. It is a developing country with a focus on agriculture, food processing, and light industry. Moldova is striving to improve its economic landscape and promote foreign investment, while seeking closer integration with the European Union. Moldova’s payment landscape is characterized by a significant reliance on cash transactions, particularly in rural areas and smaller businesses. This reflects both long-standing consumer habits and the relatively underdeveloped state of its digital infrastructure. Credit and debit card usage (primarily Visa and Mastercard) is growing, particularly in urban centers and larger businesses, but their acceptance remains uneven across the country. Online banking and electronic transfers are becoming more common, mainly driven by the needs of businesses. Mobile money services are emerging as a potential catalyst for improved financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked population, but their adoption rate varies regionally. The ongoing geopolitical situation and economic challenges in Moldova significantly impact the development and adoption of digital payment systems. Government initiatives to promote financial inclusion are driving efforts to increase the use of digital solutions, focusing on improving digital infrastructure and promoting digital literacy. However, significant progress in shifting away from cash dominance requires sustained investment and concerted efforts.
Estimated Population
4.04 million
Currency
Moldovan leu (MDL)
All supported payment methods for Moldova:
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay International, Discover, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Invoice Payment, SEPA Direct Debit, SEPA Credit, Prepayment, Maestro
