Moldova is a quite safe country for tourists. Traveling to Moldova, as well as to most European countries, does not require special instructions. For those who are in Moldova for the first time, the site Apartment.md prepared some useful tips that will help you while you rent apartment in Chisinau.
Money
The official currency in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu. In stores you can buy goods only in lei. In most banks and exchange kiosks you can change euro and dollars, Romanian Leu, Russian Ruble and Ukrainian Hryvnia. You can use with confidence the exchange kiosks, but some of them (a few and especially those near the markets) do not offer the exchange rate 19.91 but 19,091, so be aware. It will be better to compare the exchange rate at several exchange kiosks, because their number is increasingly growing, including the 24/24 ones (the exchange rates at night are less convenient).
Water
Tap water is basically good for drinking. But most of all people prefer to boil it before drinking or use cleaning water filters. You can also purchase bottled water.
Mobile telephony and Internet
Moldova is ahead of many countries what concerns the Internet services – it is fast and basically cheap. In Moldova there are three mobile telephony operators – Orange, Moldcell (both – GSM and UMTS) and Unite (CDMA). It is believed that Orange has a better coverage, thus, traveling closer to the borders of the country would be desirable to choose this operator. Mobile Internet via USB modems (3G and 4G) is offered by all three operators and the speed is quite fast.
Transnistria
On the territory of Moldova is situated the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, also known as Transnistria, with its capital in Tiraspol. This territory is not controlled by Moldovan government and has its own currency (the Transnistrian Ruble), its own mobile telephony operator, etc. As a rule, for journeys in Transnistria it is necessary to pass through passport control at the so-called border between Moldova and Transnistria. In the region is spoken the Russian language. Transnistria falls under the coverage of all three mobile operators mentioned above, the rate being standard.
Language
Two languages are widespread in Moldova – Moldavian / Romanian (the official language) and Russian (used for interethnic communication). Most of the inhabitants of the cities speak both languages. English is possessed more by the young persons: some of them can understand and guide you, others not – it is just a matter of luck.
Ethnic and religious relationships
Most of Moldova’s population is Orthodox Christians. People of different ethnicities and confessions can feel safe in Moldova, as in most European countries.
Transportation in Chisinau
In cities, you can travel by buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. There are numerous taxi services (an average trip in the city costs about 2 euro). It is also possible to rent a car.
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