Practical information Moldova

13067  sq.mi

4 hrs 10 mins London-Chisinau.

4320490 hab.

Chisinau airport is located 6 miles away from the city centre. You can take the bus (MDL 1) or a taxi (roughly MDL 60).

It is not recommended to travel to Transnistria, a secessionist region situated in the eastern part of Moldova. This region is not controlled by the Moldavian government and security is not always ensured. Try and avoid displaying accessories and equipment such as camcorders, cameras, bags and wallets. It is recommended to only use professional taxis or rent a chauffeur-driven car.
Useful numbers:



Police: 902 (English is rarely spoken).

Romanian is the official language. Moldovan is considered a dialect. Russian and Ukrainian are spoken by a lot of the population. Gagauz (Turkish dialect) is spoken by a minority (3.5%). The most commonly used western languages are French, English and Italian.

European citizens are required to have a visa to enter Moldova. You will be asked to bring: a visa request form filled in, 2 ID photos and a passport valid for six months after the return date.

A visa will be needed even if you are only passing through country.

The majority of Moldovans are Orthodox (98%). 1.5% are Jews.

The currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). £1 Sterling = 18.65 Leus. Travellers cheques (American Express and Thomas Cook only) are hard to cash and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are only accepted in some hotels. The main currencies are accepted either in cash or by transfer payment, and you won't find many ATM machines here. Banks are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm but close for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

The state of the road network is not of best quality. People do not always respect the road code. The railway network being limited, it is preferable to drive. There, you will find national car rental companies. You must have an international driver's licence and green insurance card. There is no interior flight network.
In case of an accident in town, you must phone the police (n#: 902) and if necessary, an ambulance (n#: 903).

Noparticular vaccineis required. Vaccines against hepatitises A and B are recommended, as well as the one against typhoid. Check that your DTP vaccine is up to date. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended for stays in the forest.

Be vigilant about tap water and water that you swim in. For water consumption, use boiled, treated or filtered water, mineral water or in bottles with a cap on, depending on your choice.

Useful numbers:
first aid: 903
Emergency hospital: 1, Str. Toma Ciorba, tel: 24.84.35
Traumatology Hospital: 190, Bd.Stefan cel Mare, tel: 22.50.47, 22.27.41
Republican Clinical Hospital, 29, Str. Testemitanu, tel: 72.85.85
Infectious disease Hospital: 163, Bd. Stefan cel Mare, tel: 24.21.77

Voltage is 220 V, 50 Hertz. Adapter not needed.

To call Moldova from the UKdial 00 + 373 (country code) + city code (Chisinau: 22; Bel'tsy: 231; Bendery: 232; Tiraspol: 233) + n# you are trying to reach.
To call the UK from Moldova, dial 00 + 44 + n# without the initial 0.