Before going somewhere, especially when going abroad, one should be prepared and know some things in order not to get in trouble. Here are some general tips while preparing for a trip to Moldova:
Travelling to Moldova
Flying to Moldova:
The national airlines are Air Moldova (9U) (website: www.airmoldova.md) and Moldavian Airlines (2M) (website: www.mdv.md).
Travel by rail:
From Europe it is possible to travel by rail to Chisinau, either via Bucharest or Warsaw. Tickets are very inexpensive between the latter countries and Moldova, and there are the options of second-class four-berth sleeper carriages or first-class with two berths. There is a bar car selling snacks and drinks, but no restaurant, so take your own provisions along.
Passport and Visa Information
Passports:
To enter Moldova, you should have a passport valid for at least six months with at least one unused page.
Visas:
Visa is not required for visitors from the European Union, most European countries, United States, Canada, Cyprus, Israel, Georgia, and CIS member states in order to enter the Republic of Moldova for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. A list of countries with visa-free entry to Moldova is available on the website of the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Visitors that would like to stay for a period of more than 90 days should contact the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration for information.
However, tourists, from countries not mentioned above, are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Moldova.
Registration:
Registration is carried out automatically when you enter Moldova, regardless of whether you enter by air, land or sea. To register your stay in Moldova you must present the following documents:
- your passport;
- (sometimes) a written request for registration giving details of where you are staying, for how long and the reason for the visit.
Driving through Moldova
To drive a vehicle in Moldova you will need the following documents:
- Car registration
- Valid insurance (Green Card)
- Driving license
- Passport
- If you are not the owner, you’ll need written permission from the owner to drive the vehicle. This should be translated into Romanian and legalized.
Currency information
The currency in Moldova is Leu (MDL). 1 Leu = 100 bani. Notes are in denominations of MDL 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and Leu1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani.
The best currencies to bring are Euros and US Dollars ( €1 ~ MDL 16; $1~MDL 12) . To change any of these currencies is very easy, you will find an exchange booth everywhere even 24 hours a day. Try to exchange your money during the day. You will find fewer places after 6 pm and the rate after this time usually goes down.
Notes:
(1) You should carry with you at least a copy of your passport at all times.
(2) Make sure you have a plug adapter and converter (socket type: Europlug).
(3) In Moldova there’s no press in English, so if you like reading during your trip, make sure you have your book/newspaper/magazine.
(4) Any person coming to Moldova is allowed to enter and leave Moldova with foreign currency or the equivalent in national currency of up to 10,000 Euros (cash). Travelers are required to declare in writing to customs amounts that exceed 10.000 Euro (or equivalent) per person / trip. For more information, click here.
