Moldova Travel Information

Moldova is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe, known for its rich history, wine culture, and stunning countryside. Here are the top 10 things to do in Moldova:

1. Explore the capital city of Chișinău

Chișinău is the heart of Moldova and is home to many historical and cultural attractions, such as the National Museum of History and Archaeology and the Stefan cel Mare Central Park.

2. Visit the Mileștii Mici Winery

Moldova is known for its wine, and Mileștii Mici Winery is one of the world's largest underground wine cellars. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and sample some of the best Moldovan wines.

3. Discover the monasteries of Orheiul Vechi

Orheiul Vechi is a stunning complex of rock-hewn monasteries, churches, and caves that date back to the 13th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for visitors to Moldova.

4. Explore the Transnistria region

Transnistria is a self-proclaimed state that's not recognized by the international community. Visitors can explore this unique region, which is known for its Soviet-era architecture and monuments.

5. Visit the Cricova Winery

Cricova Winery is another famous winery in Moldova, known for its stunning underground wine cellars and excellent wine tastings.

6. Hike in the Codru Nature Reserve

The Codru Nature Reserve is a beautiful natural park that's perfect for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. It's home to a range of flora and fauna, including wolves, foxes, and wild boars.

7. See the ancient fortress of Soroca

Soroca is a small town in Moldova that's home to an ancient fortress, dating back to the 15th century. The fortress has a rich history and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

8. Visit the Capriana Monastery

The Capriana Monastery is a historic monastery that dates back to the 15th century. It's a popular attraction for visitors to Moldova and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

9. Try traditional Moldovan cuisine

Moldova has a rich culinary tradition, and visitors should try some of the local dishes, such as mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), placinte (stuffed pastries), and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).

10. Attend a local festival or event

Moldova has a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including wine festivals, music festivals, and traditional folk festivals. Visitors should check the calendar of events to see what's on during their visit.

Climate

Moldova has a moderate-continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months (June-August) is around 20-25°C, while in the winter months (December-February), the temperature drops to around 0°C.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Moldova is in the late spring and early autumn months, when the weather is mild, and the countryside is at its most beautiful. The months of May, June, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures and are ideal for exploring the country's cities, monasteries, and wineries. July and August can be hot, but this is also the peak tourist season, with many festivals and events taking place. The winter months (December-February) can be cold and snowy, but this is also a good time to experience Moldova's winter traditions and festivities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Moldova has a range of hotels, from budget to luxury. Many hotels are located in the capital city, Chisinau, but you can also find hotels in other cities and towns.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a great option if you want to experience Moldovan hospitality and culture. Many guesthouses are located in the countryside, offering a peaceful retreat away from the city.

Hostels

If you're on a budget, hostels are a good option. They are located in the major cities, and some of them also offer private rooms.

Apartments

You can also rent an apartment in Moldova, which can be a good option if you're traveling with a group or staying for an extended period.

Rural tourism

Moldova is known for its wine tourism and rural tourism. You can stay in a traditional Moldovan house in the countryside, participate in winemaking, and enjoy traditional Moldovan food.

Camping

If you enjoy outdoor activities, camping is a good option. There are a few campsites in Moldova, and you can also camp in the countryside with permission from the landowner.

Homestays

Homestays are a great option if you want to experience Moldovan culture and daily life. You can stay with a local family, learn about their traditions and customs, and enjoy homemade food.

Public transportation

Moldova has a public transportation system that includes buses, minibuses, and trolleybuses. The buses are the most common mode of transportation, and they connect major cities and towns. The trolleybuses run in Chisinau, and the minibuses, also known as marshrutkas, are a common mode of transportation in both urban and rural areas.

Taxis

Taxis are available in all major cities and towns in Moldova. You can hail a taxi on the street or call for one. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi.

Car rental

You can rent a car from various rental companies in Moldova. This is a good option if you want to explore the countryside or travel at your own pace. However, be aware that driving in Moldova can be challenging due to the poor condition of some roads.

Cycling

Cycling is becoming a popular mode of transportation in Moldova, especially in the countryside. You can rent a bike in Chisinau or other major cities, and there are also cycling tours available.

Trains

Moldova has a limited train network, with trains connecting Chisinau to major cities in Romania and Ukraine. Trains are a comfortable and affordable way to travel, but the schedules can be irregular.

Private drivers

You can hire a private driver to take you around Moldova. This is a good option if you want a more personalized and flexible experience.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.