Travel tips for Moldova

Travel documents and vise

If you are traveling from an EU country, you can enter Moldova with a valid passport or ID card. Your document must be valid for at least three more months. Citizens of more than 100 countries do not need a visa to enter Moldova for stays of up to 90 days per half-year. This applies to travelers from the European Union, most other European countries, the United States, Canada, Israel, Cyprus, Georgia, CIS countries, and many more. Echter, inwoners van bepaalde landen, zoals Afghanistan, Algerije en Bangladesh, hebben wel een visum nodig om Moldavië binnen te komen. However, citizens of certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Algeria, and Bangladesh, do require a visa to enter Moldova.

It is important to check the specific visa requirements and customs regulations applicable to your country before departure. For this, refer to the official website of the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact the Moldovan embassy in your country.

Custom regulations

If you are traveling with cash equivalent to €10,000 or less (in euros, Moldovan leu, or any other foreign currency), you do not need to declare it at customs. However, if you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in another currency, you must declare the full amount upon entry.

Additionally, the following items must be declared: artwork, historical artifacts, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and hazardous materials. Duty-free purchases can be brought into the country without import taxes, including:

• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 40 cigars
• Alcohol: Two liters of wine, two liters of spirits, or five liters of beer
• Gifts: With a total value of up to €300
• Medications: For personal use

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, lost luggage, and possible trip cancellations. It is also advisable to carry an extra copy of your insurance policy for emergencies.

Money matters in Moldova

The currency of Moldova is the leu (MDL), with the plural form being lei. One leu is divided into 100 bani. One euro is approximately 19 lei, and one US dollar is about 17.50 lei. Obtaining lei upon arrival in Moldova is easy, as you can exchange currency at banks and exchange offices, which are available at airports, hotels, and most cities.

Most exchange offices accept euros, US dollars, British pounds, Swiss francs, Russian rubles, and Turkish lira, as well as the currencies of neighboring countries, such as the Romanian leu and the Ukrainian hryvnia.

Major hotels, car rental agencies, shops, and restaurants in Chișinău generally accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, in rural areas and smaller towns, cash is still widely preferred. It’s advisable to carry some cash with you at all times.

Tip: Before traveling to Moldova, check with your bank to ensure that your credit card or debit card will work there.

Bring enough cash

While credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities like Chișinău and Bălți, cash is often necessary in smaller villages and local markets. The Moldovan Leu (MDL) is the national currency, and you can easily exchange money at banks and exchange offices.

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases

Moldovan (Romanian) is the official language. While Romanian is the primary language, Russian is also widely spoken, and in tourist areas, you can often get by with English. Learning a few Romanian words like “Bună ziua” (hello) and “Mulțumesc” (thank you) is highly appreciated.

Safe drinking and eating

Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Moldova has high food safety standards, but use common sense and avoid food from questionable street stalls.

Wi-Fi availability

Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés in cities offer free Wi-Fi. However, internet access in rural areas can be limited, so check in advance. If you need to stay connected, ensure you have an international data plan or consider buying a local SIM card.

Electricity

Moldova uses type C and F power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V—the same as in the Netherlands. This means you don’t need an adapter if traveling from Europe.

Seasonal clothing advice

Moldova has a temperate climate. Pack warm clothing for winter and light, breathable fabrics for summer. A light raincoat or umbrella is useful for rainy days in spring and autumn.