Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days, within a six-month period.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(373)(22) 40-83-00; US Embassy Chisinau, 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009, Republic of Moldova; ChisinauACS@state.gov; https://md.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

373

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 903; Fire: 901; Police; 902

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Moderate winters, warm summers

Currency (Code)

Moldovan lei (MDL)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages

Moldovan/Romanian, Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian, Bulgarian

Major Religions

Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Orheiul Vechi complex; Saharna Monastery; Milestii Mici Wine Cellar; Chisinau; Republic of Transnistria & Tiraspol

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby, basketball, cycling

Cultural Practices

Moldovans are for the most part polite and friendly, and tend to go out of their way to accommodate foreigners. In the more rural areas, there is a social stigma attached to women smokers.

Tipping Guidelines

A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but a further 5-10% is expected. Tips are not customary for taxis, but are appreciated.

Souvenirs

Woodworking crafts, straw- and wool-knitted items, ceramics, traditional costumes, handmade carpets, wine/brandy

Traditional Cuisine

Mămăligă — yellow maize flour porridge cooked to a bread-like consistency; grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat are a popular accompaniment

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, September 12, 2023