Currency: The Moldovan leu (MDL). As of 2025, roughly 18–19 MDL to the euro. ATMs are common in Chisinau and other towns; cash is still preferred in rural areas and markets. Euros and US dollars can be exchanged easily.
Costs: Moldova is inexpensive by European standards. A meal at a local restaurant costs 80–150 MDL (€4–8). A marshrutka across town is 6 MDL. Wine at a restaurant starts at around 100 MDL a bottle. Budget travelers can get by on €20–30 a day; more comfortable travel runs €50–70.
Safety: Chisinau is generally safe. The usual urban precautions apply. Transnistria is stable day-to-day for visitors — just follow the formalities at the checkpoint and keep your entry slip. The conflict that created Transnistria is frozen, not active. Do not attempt to cross the Transnistrian border into Ukraine at unofficial crossings.
Health: No vaccinations are specifically required for Moldova. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is cheap and widely available. Medical facilities in Chisinau are adequate for minor issues; for serious conditions, evacuation to Romania or Western Europe is advisable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Phones and internet: Moldovan SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy; Moldcell and Orange Moldova have good coverage. Wi-Fi is available in most cafés and hotels in Chisinau. Coverage drops significantly in rural areas.
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; European two-pin (Type C/F) plugs.
Time zone: EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) in summer.
Visas: Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, and many other countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others should apply for an e-Visa before travel at evisa.gov.md. See the Getting There section for more on border crossings.