Is There Anyone In London Who Will Convert Moldovan Leu To Sterling For Me?

[Oiverbotel]

I've gotten myself into a bit of a pickle. I have approximately £475 worth of current Moldovan Leu that I'd like to convert to Sterling. I've exhausted almost everywhere I can think of, including writing to some forums and organisations, who either gave me inaccurate information, or simply never answered. I phoned the Moldovan Consulate who told me that even if they did know of someone (which made me think they do), they're not permitted to tell me as officially, the currency ought not to have been taken out of the country.

Anyone there who might be able to save my bacon, as it were?

Ollie

[Calibax]

Did you not have any luck in April?
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Business-and-Finance/Question1330210.html

[jno]

have you looked on websites like those run by Lonely Planet or Wanderlust to see if there's anyone going there soon who might like to buy some money?

[quizbag]

Offer it on ebay - if that is allowed. Might get close to the real value.

[Buenchico]

Have you tried an ad in Loot?

[Oiverbotel]

Calibax: Sadly, no. I was quite grateful for the suggestion Buenchico had made and wrote to those people on several occasions. I'm still in the same pickle.
jno, thanks. Yes, I did check Lonely Planet, as well as Fodors....no luck.
Quizbag: You may very well have an idea that will work! I think I'll look into it over the bank holiday and see whether I'm permitted to do so.

I'm a bit frustrated as since I first asked, the money has devalued a good bit and I find I now have about £25 less than I did previously.

Buencho: No, I never considered anything such as that. But only because I had a bit of a concern over the prospect of telling someone I had shed loads of cash sitting around the house, then having my local traveller team, or whomever, popping round to 'help me out.'

Thank you again everyone! I've sat on this for a long time, as many of you can see. I'm simply trying to do some housekeeping. And I'm certain I can find better things to do with that much money than simply sit on it.

I've resolved myself to a time limit this time. If I can't resolve it by September first, I plan to simply wrap it all up and post it to someone such as Red Cross, WJR, Ukraine Relief, etc.

Thanks again!

Ollie

[black_cat51]

can't you go to moldova?

[Tilly2]

Where is Moldova?

[sandyRoe]

between Russia and Romania

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Sandy.

[Obiter]

Moldova used to be known as Moldavia and was part of the now defunct USSR.

[sandyRoe]

Sorry I was wrong there ^ Between Romania and Ukraine.
Of course Ukraine used to be part of Russia

[atalanta]

I suppose you have no chance of going back there and using the money to buy all your Christmas presents ?
Alternatively, you may be able to track down a travel agent who arranges holidays to Moldova, who may help you offload the money to people about to travel there.

[Oiverbotel]

Apologies, Obiter: Moldavia is actually part of Romania. It's the territory between the Eastern Carpathians and the Dniester river. Moldova is on;ly slightly further east and stands as its own autonomous territory.

Atalanta/Black Cat: I'd love to go back. Unfortunately, airfares average circa £600. And after travel costs to the airport, overnight accommodation, etc., I'm afraid the whole thing would become an exercise in futility. My hope was to have the funds available so I could do something else with them. And at present, I'm spending more time in the Ukraine than originally planned. (and just in case anyone suggests it, I would most definitely consider carrying the Leu into Ukraine, especially in light of current circumstances).

I did, however, carry the Leu with me to Moscow a few weeks ago. I had gotten it into my mind that I'd definitely be able to covert it at one of the many black-market cash shops. However, I was sad to learn there were some currencies they simply didn't want to mess with, especially right now. Currently, Mother Russia is on the brink of kicking all the poor Moldovan workers out of the country, as retaliation for Moldova moving closer to the EU. It's a nasty situation, especially for the poorest country in Europe.

I think of all the suggestions, the ebay route may prove to be possible....

Many thanks to all of you for your kind and creative suggestions!


Ollie

[Maydup]

The Chisinau opera and ballet company regularly tour the UK. (Chisinau being the capital of Moldova)

The company members are renown for striking a deal with the locals in each town here and trading vodka for everyday items which are luxury goods back home. If you speak the language, call into the Stage Door at the theatre nearest to you as the performers arrive or leave after a show and have a chat to them. They will drive a hard bargain mind!

http://www.ellenkent.com/current-productions.html

Click on How to Book for a list of dates and venues.

[Oiverbotel]

Thank you Madeup! That's quite a novel approach to solving a conundrum such as this. Who knows, I might even be able to dress myself up as the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, just to appease the troupe.

Yes, their negotiation skills are legendary, even to the gossip that there was an occasion in 2011, when several of the troupe bartered themselves in exchange for accommodation and a 'few buds of something,' (as it was alleged in a local rag). Who knows? Years ago, one of the quickest sure-fire pick up lines for a Westerner to use to pick up Moldovan women was 'Hello.'

You deserve an A* for your creative solution solving. Hopefully no one will misconstrue my hanging around the stage door of the ENO, or Royal Albert Hall late at night, whispering to the exiting performers that I have a pocket bulging with Moldovan Leu and am keen to do something about it.

I've never been afraid of a good challenge!

Thanks again!

Ollie

[black_cat51]

i would LOVE to find out if it worked - please post back!

[Oiverbotel]

black_cat51: Do you mean my playing 'Nanki-Poo' outside the stage door, or do you mean trying to sell my bits (Leu) through Ebay?

Ollie

[black_cat51]

maydup's idea :)

[Oiverbotel]

BlackCat: Ah, I see. I'm afraid the only thing I might even be remotely good at if I can't get this currency converted, is the Death Scene from Camille!!

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Ollie!

[Oiverbotel]

Quizzbag: Just a note to say thanks for your advice. I did place the currency on ebay and it was purchased within 72 hours. I offered it at a £40 savings. I thought that would, at least, get it moved if there were anyone out there.
What I rather stupidly hadn't considered was the fact ebay forced me, by policy, to post it via Special Delivery, thus adding another £8 to the cost. And this morning I've received an invoice from ebay for £39.50 for their services. However, in fairness to ebay, they gave me a whopping 35 pence discount in waiving the listing fees. It has been a costly lesson.

As I sit here licking my wounds, I just thought I'd say thanks for the suggestion. I suspect I would still be sitting on it had it not been for your idea.

Cheers for that!

Ollie