Moldova — Travel Tips
Social Conventions
Dress should be casual but conservative. For official engagements, men should wear a jacket and tie.
International Travel
Getting There By Air
The national airlines are Air Moldova (9U) (website: www.airmoldova.md) and Moldavian Airlines (2M) (website: www.mdv.md).
Departure Tax
None.
Main Airports
Chisinau International (KIV) (website: www.airport.md) is 14km (8.5 miles) from the city center. To/from the airport: There is a regular bus service to the city (journey time - 15 to 25 minutes). Taxis are also available. Facilities: Bank, ATMs, post office, left luggage, car hire, snack bars, and shops, including duty-free.
Getting There By Rail
From London and Berlin 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.
Getting There By Road
Moldova can be entered from Ukraine (although the self-proclaimed ‘Republic of Transnistria’ area around Tiraspol should be avoided at present) and also from Romania via the border crossing at Leusheni, Sculeni and Giurgiulesti. From Chisinau to Odessa is 183km (114 miles).
Duty Free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Moldova by persons of 18 years of age or older without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes.
• 1L of spirits and/or wine.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume and other goods for personal use.
Internal Travel
Getting Around By Rail
The railway in Moldova is run by Calea Ferata din Moldova (CFM) (tel: (22) 252 737/5; website: www.railway.md). There are connections to most parts of the country and beyond.
Getting Around By Road
Roads outside of Chisinau are generally in a bad condition. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: These run between most of the larger towns and cities. For further information, contact either Chisinau Main Bus Station (tel: (22) 542 185) or South East Bus Station (tel: (22) 723 983).
Taxi: These can be found everywhere. Fares should be negotiated in advance, though drivers prefer to charge per hour.
Car hire: There are a few car hire companies in Chisinau.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Buses, trolleybuses and minibuses are cheap but notoriously crowded and unreliable. They all operate from 0500-2400 with services every 15 minutes. Tickets for buses and trolleybuses can be purchased from kiosks or on board the vehicle. Minibus tickets are bought from the driver.
