Best Time to Visit

Chisinau may look admittedly grim during certain times of year, which might add to the appeal for those who come to soak in the grey Soviet aesthetic. The rest will do better planning a trip for the period from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are at their most comfortable and various events and festivals are held throughout the city and beyond.

Passport / Visa

Visiting Moldova is visa-free (for tourist stays up to 90 days) for all EU citizens, as well as nationals of the USA, Canada, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, and Vatican City. Nationals of countries not listed above must consult the website of the Moldova Ministry of Foreign affairs for up-to-date information on visa procedures.

• Web:

  www.mfa.gov.md/entry-visas-moldova/citizens-additional-checks

Airport

The Chisinau International Airport, located only 13km outside of downtown Chisinau, is the country's main air hub, but is very compact in size regardless of the fact. Of all the ways to reach town taxi is most convenient: use the official airport service and always confirm the price prior to boarding. Public transportation is very inexpensive and is a great budget alternative. The trolleybus no. 30 runs from 6am to 11pm and hits most city centre locations en route. Taxi van no. 165 takes a similar route and departs at 10 minute intervals.

Public Transport

The public transportation system of Chisinau includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, and fixed-route taxi vans, of which the latter are the fastest and most convenient. When travelling by taxi van, ask the driver if the van stops next to a known landmark such as a large mall, monument, or square (routes are sometimes indicated in the front window). Prepare small change to pay fares on board (directly to the driver in mini-vans and a designated ticket vendor in trolleybuses). As of 2018, it is also possible to purchase public transport tickets via QIWI terminals dotting the city, found at most shopping centres and many supermarkets.

Taxi

Do not be fooled by the seeming abundance of taxi services in Chisinau - hiring a cab may prove overwhelmingly harder than expected. For many drivers, even those officially employed with a taxi company, making the trip to some locations proves so unprofitable they refuse to take orders altogether and opt for picking up passengers off the side of the road, charging upwards of 30% more than what the trip would have cost if pre-booked. Best luck is rumoured to be had with apps, such as the Russian Yandex.Taxi and recently launched Uber. Regular official taxi service phone numbers always start with 14, and are always 5 digits. Taxi Meridian Tel.14222

Electricity

220 V, 50 Hz Type C and F sockets