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 285.11 Mbps and mobile is 45.24 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 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.
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 Labour Day (Moldova) will take place on May 1.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayNew Year’s Day | |
| January 7, 2024 | Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas) | |
| January 8, 2024 | Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas)Craciun pe stil Vechi (Orthodox Christmas) | |
| February 23, 2024 | Day of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement AgenciesDay of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies | |
| March 8, 2024 | International Women’s DayInternational Women’s Day | |
| May 1, 2024 | Labour Day (Moldova)Labour Day (Moldova) | |
| May 5, 2024Moving holiday | Easter SundayOrthodox Easter | |
| May 9, 2024 | Victory and Commemoration DayVictory and Commemoration Day | |
| May 22, 2024 | Bălţi DayBălţi Day | |
| August 26, 2024Moving holiday | Memorial DayMemorial Day | |
| August 27, 2024 | Independence Day (Moldova)Independence Day (Moldova) | |
| August 31, 2024 | Limba Noastra (National Language Day (Moldova))Limba Noastra (National Language Day (Moldova)) | |
| September 3, 2024 | Day of the Moldovan National ArmyDay of the Moldovan National Army | |
| October 14, 2024 | Capital’s DayCapital’s Day | |
| November 21, 2024 | South Capital’s Day CahulSouth Capital’s Day Cahul | |
| December 25, 2024 | Craciun pe stil Nou (Western Christmas)Craciun pe stil Nou (Western Christmas) |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
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.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Chișinău?
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.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Moldova
Sources
- Moldova Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Moldova (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
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
Sources
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)