MZN · MZN
Mozambican metical (MZN)
The Mozambican metical (MZN) is the official currency of Mozambique, issued by the Bank of Mozambique. It has undergone several redenominations since its introduction in 1980.
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MZN · Mozambican metical
Mozambican Metical (MZN): Overview and History
The Mozambican metical (MZN) is the official currency of Mozambique, a country located in southeastern Africa. The currency is issued and regulated by the Bank of Mozambique, the nation's central bank. The metical was introduced in 1980, replacing the Portuguese escudo at par, following Mozambique's independence in 1975. The name 'metical' is derived from the Arabic word 'mithqal,' a historical unit of weight and currency used in the region.
Over the years, the metical has faced significant economic challenges, including high inflation and currency devaluation. In 2006, Mozambique redenominated the currency at a rate of 1,000 old meticais to 1 new metical, introducing the current MZN. This move was aimed at simplifying transactions and restoring confidence in the currency. The new metical is subdivided into 100 centavos, although centavo coins are rarely used in practice.
The Bank of Mozambique issues banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 meticais, and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, as well as 1, 2, 5, and 10 meticais. The currency is primarily used within Mozambique, and its exchange rate is determined by market forces, though the central bank may intervene to stabilize extreme fluctuations. As with any currency, the value of the MZN can be affected by domestic economic conditions, global commodity prices, and geopolitical factors.
- Code
- MZN
- Symbol
- MZN
- Current rate
- USD / MZN
Currency information
Last updated · 8/7/2026
The current metical was introduced on 1 July 2006, replacing the old metical at a rate of 1,000 to 1.
- Official name
- Mozambican metical
- Legal tender status
- Legal tender in Mozambique
- Decimal places
- 2
- Minor unit
- centavo · 1 MZN = 100 centavo
- Countries
- Mozambique
- Issuing authority
- Bank of Mozambique
- Central bank
- Bank of Mozambique · Official website
- Exchange-rate regime
- Floating (managed float)
Common banknotes
20 MT · 50 MT · 100 MT · 200 MT · 500 MT · 1000 MT
Common coins
1 centavo · 5 centavos · 10 centavos · 20 centavos · 50 centavos · 1 MT · 2 MT · 5 MT · 10 MT
Also known as
MT · Mozambican metical · MZN
Practical notes
- The symbol MT is used locally.
- The currency is subdivided into 100 centavos.
Mozambican metical questions
What is the MZN exchange rate?
The displayed rate is the latest available reference rate for USD/MZN. It can change throughout the day.
How can I convert MZN online?
Use the converter above to calculate indicative amounts between MZN and the other supported currencies.