Planning a trip to Moldova soon? Then of course you want to be well prepared. On this page, you’ll find practical travel tips to help you set off with confidence. From information about travel documents and transportation to money matters, local customs, and what to bring (or leave at home), we’ve got you covered.
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.
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:
You don’t need travel insurance to enter Moldova, but it’s definitely recommended. It protects you against unexpected costs and situations that can seriously affect your trip. It’s often a smart idea to get travel insurance for:
Tip: Booking your trip via a platform like Booking.com? You often have the option to add travel insurance during the booking process. These policies typically cover things like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. It’s a quick and easy way to protect your trip.
Also, make sure to take a copy of your insurance policy with you — either printed or saved digitally. That way, you’ll have all the important info at hand if you need it.
Although Moldova is a relatively small country, transportation options in rural areas can be limited. Consider renting a car if you plan to visit remote locations such as Orheiul Vechi, historic monasteries, or the famous wine regions.
Public transportation, including buses and trains, is affordable and efficient but less frequent in villages. Apps like Yandex Go and Hip Car make it easy to book a reliable taxi in cities like Chișinău.
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.
Tourists are often pleasantly surprised by the low costs in Moldova. Prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe, North America, and even nearby cities like Kyiv and Bucharest, while still maintaining good quality. Here are some examples of costs in Moldova:
A five-star hotel typically costs around €150 per night, while a two-star hotel is approximately €30 per night.
A dinner for two at a luxury restaurant, including drinks, costs approximately €50.
A good bottle of Moldovan wine costs around €12.
A bottle of Moldovan brandy costs approximately €20.
A local beer costs €2.
A trolleybus ride costs one-third of a euro (€0.33).
A taxi ride across Chișinău costs between €3 and €5.
A liter of gasoline costs approximately €1.
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.
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.
The Moldovan cuisine is surprisingly tasty. Typical local dishes include:
Tap water is generally safe to drink in the cities, but in rural areas it’s better to stick to bottled water.
Moldova has high food safety standards, but it’s always wise to use common sense. Avoid food from questionable street vendors and look for places where locals like to eat.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to its traditional dishes, Moldova is proud of its wines and brandies. Be sure to try the local “Divin” or visit one of the famous wine cellars in Cricova or Milestii Mici. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve honest, down-to-earth meals.
Want to know more about what to see and do?
