lei

Moldova has its own currency: lei. And the "cents"/coins are called "bani." Here are some photos of the various bills. Each denomination (a different color) has Stefan cel Mare on the front, and a national landmark on the back. Right now the exchange rate is about 12 MD lei to 1 US dollar. We live on the main drag - Stefan cel Mare - and there are lots of places to change $. All at about the same rate.

On Friday I found an exchange place that's inside a candy shop. I went back later with Peggy. They sold the little fruit candies that they gave us on the AirMoldova flight (that Peggy was crazy about), and I wanted her to pick out the flavors she liked the best. We also found some delicious chocolates called "Moldova." (We don't actually "need" this many sweets, but we are walking up and down 4 flights of stairs several times a day)