Going to en Moldavie: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay en Moldavie

Money en Moldavie

The national currency of Moldova is the Moldovan leu (different from the Romanian leu ). You can easily change euros at the airport, in the many exchange offices and hotels in the capital. For some services at local travel agencies, payment for a hotel stay or a rental, it is possible to pay directly in euros. In Transnistria, you will have to exchange your euros or Moldavian lei for Transnistrian rubles, which can only be used locally.

Budget & Tips en Moldavie

The cost of living in Moldova is lower than in France. Prices in the capital are slightly higher than in other cities in the country, but overall it is quite affordable. Housing prices are cheap, but the luxury categories reach prices that can be high. A coffee costs an average of 20 lei, a bottle of wine about 60 lei and a meal in a local cheap restaurant 100 lei.

Average budget per day based on a stay for two: accommodation, meals and drinks, transport, visits and small outings. Small budget: from 20 to 40 € (sleeping in a boarding house or rented apartment). Medium budget: from 50 to 80 € (staying in a simple or medium hotel). Large budget: above 100 € (staying in a grand comfort or luxury hotel, with meals in gourmet restaurants).

Tipping is included in the bill, but it is always appreciated to leave 5 to 10% of the bill.

Haggling is not practiced in Moldova, unless you buy certain souvenirs or handicrafts at the Artists' Park near the Mihai Eminescu National Theatre at Chișinău.

VAT is set at a standard rate of 20% and is normally included in the posted prices.

To reduce your "visit" budget, be aware of the open access days and do not hesitate to reserve a place in advance.

Passport and visas en Moldavie

Citizens of EU Member States do not need a visa and can enter Moldova with a valid identity card or passport. If you are entering Moldova from Ukraine via Transnistria, no proof of entry will be issued at the border. You will have 72 hours to regularize your situation with the Moldovan authorities (after this period, you risk encountering difficulties on the day of your departure from the Republic of Moldova and receiving a fine). Regularisation can take place in the territorial offices of the Migration and Asylum Office, present along the demarcation line (Hîrboveț, Hagimus, Vadul lui Vodă, Criuleni, Rezina, Sănătăuca), as well as in the Migration and Asylum Office at Chișinău, at 124 boulevard Ștefan cel Mare. In order to register, a valid passport is required. The procedure is free of charge.

For pets (dog or cat) travelling to Moldova from the European Union, with their owner, they must meet the following criteria: be over three months old, be identified by electronic chip or legible tattoo made before 3 July 2011, have their rabies vaccination up to date, have an international health certificate issued by the treating veterinarian, stamped by an official veterinarian (SDCSPP) less than five days before the trip. The rabies titration is not mandatory to go to Moldova, but it is mandatory to return. Animals are not accepted in all hotels and it is recommended to enquire in advance, a supplement may be required.

Driver's license en Moldavie

French or European Union licences are recognized, but it is recommended to have an international driving licence. The maximum duration for the temporary importation of a vehicle without customs documents is 90 days. Please note that the owner of the vehicle must also be the importer, must reside outside Moldova and must be able to provide proof of ownership. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles. Check the validity of your insurance policy for this destination. A green card is required. You can obtain it from your third party liability insurance. This document certifies that there is sufficient insurance cover for this destination. A road tax of €5 per car and €2 per caravan or trailer is levied when entering the country.

Health en Moldavie

Moldova does not face any major health risks. It is recommended to have an assistance contract or insurance to cover possible medical expenses and medical repatriation. If you are undergoing treatment and carrying your medication with you, do not forget to keep the prescription from the prescribing doctor with you. The quality of tap water does not always comply with European health standards. It is recommended that you use bottled mineral water. For emergencies, dial 112 which is a free number accessible 24 hours a day from a fixed or mobile phone.

Mandatory vaccination en Moldavie

No mandatory vaccinations, but it is advisable to update the usual vaccinations (diphtheria-tetanus-polio, rubella, mumps, measles, hepatitis A and B, and even against tick-borne encephalitis if you are staying in rural or forest areas).

Security en Moldavie

Moldova is a safe country, but caution is advised on roads, which are not always in good condition. Keep the document given to you at the entrance to Transnistria, it will be useful to register if you stay there and especially to leave this territory. Do not photograph checkpoints, military installations, security forces and other sites of strategic importance (hydroelectric dams, government buildings). In case of problems, consular assistance and protection is limited in Transnistrian territory.

Time difference en Moldavie

There is a time difference of one hour in Moldova: when it is 12:00 in Paris, it is 1:00 at Chișinău.

Spoken languages en Moldavie

In Moldova, we speak Moldovan, which is identical to Romanian. Many people also speak Russian, as in Transnistria and Gagauzia. The Gagauz speak Turkish. Many Moldovans speak or understand French, Italian, English and even German.

Communication en Moldavie

Free Wifi zones exist in the capital and in some cities of the country. Wi-Fi is also available in most cafes, restaurants and hotels. The quality of the network varies depending on the location, but the connection is generally good.

Electricity and measurements en Moldavie

Moldova is connected to 220 V like the rest of continental Europe and the plugs are the same as in France.

Luggage en Moldavie

Depending on the season you travel in Moldova, adapt your clothes: in summer light clothes are recommended to withstand the heat, but in winter warmer clothes are recommended because of the cold.