Moldova

Capital Chișinău

Population 3,553,100

Area 33,846 km2

Key facts

Moldova is a country located in Eastern Europe. There are 2 countries (Romania, Ukraine) that Moldova shares its borders with. The official language of Moldova is Romanian. Unfortunately, if you speak English, it might be problematic to communicate fluently unless you know Romanian.

In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Moldova was ranked 36th out of 100 countries in 2021.

The national currency in Moldova is Moldovan leu (MDL). The leu (L) is subdivided into 100 ban.

Moldovan
Banknotes

151020501002005001000

Moldovan
Coins

15102550

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Moldova is 239.45 Mbps and mobile is 92.2 Mbs.The global average is 197.25 Mbps and 127.73 Mbps respectively.

ATM Density When compared to the world average, Moldova has more ATMs.53.16 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.

SIM Registration You can buy a SIM card in Moldova without having to register it with your ID or passport.

Socket types

There are 2 socket types used in Moldova. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.

Type C 220 V, 50 Hz  Type F 220 V, 50 Hz  

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

Public holidays

In the year 2024, Moldova will celebrate 16 national public holidays. The next one South Capital’s Day Cahul will take place on November 21.

Date Holiday name
January 1, 2024Moving holiday New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day
January 7, 2024Moving holiday Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)
January 8, 2024Moving holiday Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)
February 23, 2024Moving holiday Day of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement AgenciesDay of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies
March 8, 2024Moving holiday International Women’s DayInternational Women’s Day
May 1, 2024Moving holiday Labour Day (Moldova)Labour Day (Moldova)
May 5, 2024Moving holiday Easter SundayOrthodox Easter
May 9, 2024Moving holiday Victory and Commemoration DayVictory and Commemoration Day
May 22, 2024Moving holiday Bălţi DayBălţi Day
August 26, 2024Moving holiday Memorial DayMemorial Day
August 27, 2024Moving holiday Independence Day (Moldova)Independence Day (Moldova)
August 31, 2024Moving holiday Limba Noastra (National Language Day (Moldova))Limba Noastra (National Language Day (Moldova))
September 3, 2024Moving holiday Day of the Moldovan National ArmyDay of the Moldovan National Army
October 14, 2024Moving holiday Capital’s DayCapital’s Day
November 21, 2024Moving holiday South Capital’s Day CahulSouth Capital’s Day Cahul
December 25, 2024Moving holiday Christmas DayCraciun pe stil Nou (Western Christmas)

Tourism

What hotel chains are present in Moldova?

There are no Mariott hotels in Moldova.

There are no Hilton hotels in Moldova.

There are no IHG hotels in Moldova.

There are no Best Western hotels in Moldova.

There are Radisson hotels in Chisinau.

The Accor hotel chain operates in Moldova.

What fast food chains are present in Moldova?

The McDonald’s chain operates in Moldova.

The KFC chain operates in Moldova.

The Burger King chain does not operate in Moldova.

The Subway chain does not operate in Moldova.

The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Moldova.

The Starbucks chain does not operate in Moldova.

Weather

What is the weather like in Chișinău?

Today the sun in Chișinău, rises at 6:58 AM and sets at 4:38 PM. The climate of Chișinău may be categorized as a Humid continental (Dfb), according to Koppen’s classification system.

TodayNov 8FogLow: -1.1°C (30.02°F)High: 11°C (51.8°F)
SaturdayNov 9RainLow: 4°C (39.2°F)High: 8.2°C (46.76°F)
SundayNov 10OvercastLow: 3.5°C (38.3°F)High: 9.5°C (49.1°F)
MondayNov 11OvercastLow: -0.3°C (31.46°F)High: 5.2°C (41.36°F)
TuesdayNov 12Heavy snowLow: 0.5°C (32.9°F)High: 6.4°C (43.52°F)
WednesdayNov 13RainLow: 0.2°C (32.36°F)High: 6°C (42.8°F)

Weather data for Chișinău (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Transport

Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.

Subway Systems There is no subway system in any city.

Taxi Apps Uber is not available in Moldova. Bolt is available only in one city: Chisinau.

Car Rental Sixt , Hertz are available, but Avis is not present in Moldova.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  With a score of 4.7, Moldova is placed 73rd out of 129 nations.

Driving Side In Moldova traffic is right-handed.

Safety

Theft Occurrence Rate  199.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2020.The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 7.30 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019.The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 2: Exercise increased caution. 

Emergency phones in Moldova

902 Police
901 Ambulance
901 Fire police

Sources

Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.

Cananbis legality Recreational usage is decriminalized, but medicinal use is not allowed.

The products are only for your own use or consumption, or as a present for members of your household. They may not be imported for commercial purposes under any circumstances.

Alcohol allowance

  • 2L of wine or 5L of beer

Tobacco allowance

  • 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigarillos (cigars of a maximum weight of three grams each), or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco
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