Moldova Country Profile & Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information
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Moldova population Moldova religion Moldova history Moldova economy Moldova currency Moldova road travel & other national Moldovan information
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Moldova History
Prior to World War 2 most of Moldova was a Romanian province. In 1947 Stalin gave the region autonomous status, whilst adding part a stretch of Soviet territory and renaming the new state the Moldovian Soviet Socialist Republic. It remained under the control of the Kremlin until its declaration of independence in 1991.
Since then there have been periods of unrest, mainly in the region of Transnistria where the population is 40% Moldovan, 28% Ukrainian and 23% Russian. In recent years the presence of Russian troops and large reserves of ammunition has been controversial.
Moldova Country Profile
Moldova Population
The Capital of Moldova, Chisinau, is home to 656,000 people out of a total national population of 4.3m. The indigenous people are 65%Moldovan/Romanian, 14% Russian, 13% Gagauz (Turkish Christians) 3.5% Jewish and 1.5% Bulgarian.
Religion In Moldova
The Eastern Orthodox Church is followed by 98% of the population with the Jewish and Baptists the most notable leading minority faiths.
Languages In Moldova The main languages are Moldovan, Russian, Gagauz & Ukrainian.
Moldova Currency The unit of currency is the Moldovan Lei. Currency Exchange Moldova American Dollars and Euros are easy to exchange in Moldova. Some establishments may accept these units as currency. The British pound is more difficult to exchange especially outside Chisinau.
ATM Machines In Chisinau & Moldova
Local currency can be obtained at ATM machines in Chisinau but not all machines accept chip and pin cards. Outside Chisinau ATM's are scarce and non accept chip and pin cards.
Credit Cards In Moldova
Credit cards are not widely accepted Moldova even in Chisinau. Credit Card Fraud Moldova This is an increasing problem and it is advisable to pay in cash if possible. Where you have to use a credit card to pay for a service card do not let it out of your sight.
Moldova Economy Business
The economy in Moldova has a annual growth rate of over 7% with an inflation rate in double figures. Its major industry is manufacturing - farm machinery, food processing, white goods, sugar, vegetable oils, textiles and shoes. Its prosperity has been adversity affected by the unofficial independence of the Transnistra region in eastern Moldava which once was a major contributor to the country's industrial wealth.
Major trading partners are Russia, Romanian, Ukraine, Germany and Italy. America and Spain have made large investments in the state. The Moldovan Government hope in the long term to become European Union members.
Visa Requirements Moldova
UK & other EU passports holders and American citizens do not require a visa to visit Moldova if the visit is less than 90 days. Visitors travelling on other documentation issued by these countries must have a visa. For further information see the Moldovan links on the euromost consulate page.
Crime In Moldova
Serious crime in Moldova rarely involves tourists. Petty crime, namely pick-pocketing and bag snatching targeted at tourists can be a problem, especially in Chisinau, in tourist areas and near ATM machines. Some of these incidents occur at night in poorly lit streets and it is advisable to carry a torch with you.
Healthcare In Moldova
There is no agreement between Moldova and EU Countries for free medical treatment. All medical treatment has to be paid for. Not many medical staff in hospitals in Moldova speak English. English speaking doctors can usually be found by contacting the British Embassy in Chisinau website / telephone +373 22 225902.
Drinking Water In Moldova
Visitors should drink bottled water only
A Web Of Vineyards
For centuries Moldova has harvested the grapes and since the fall of communism in western European terms the secret is out. Chisinau is not only Moldova's capital it is also the centre of a host of wine routes which capture the capital in the same as a spider rests in his web.
The wine routes lead to places like Purcari, Cricova, Ciumai, Romanesti, Cojusna, Milestii Mici -to name just a few - which are home to national wines including Rara Neagra, Feteasca, Plavai etc. Incidentally Moldovan wines are traditionally either named after the grape they come from or the villages where the wineries are housed.
In Cricova travellers can discover the biggest wine cellar in the world. Its underground cellars, some of which are open to visitors stretch for over 100 km. Visitors can view a wine collection of over 30,000,000 litres, before being welcomed into the spacious tasting halls.
The harvest from Milestii Mici is renowned for its contribution to full bodied wines and the local cellars which cover 50 km are awash with these wines appreciated by those with discerning tastes. Cojusna has a bouquet of wines though seemingly gentle can be very relaxing. Purcari and Ciumai offer generous tasting ceremonies of wines that many describe as simply divine - and the word divine in Moldova means strength!
Travel In Moldava
Road Travel In Moldova
European Union and International driving licenses are accepted in Moldova - though technically you can only use them for up to thirty days after your entry into the country. Drivers should carry their licence and vehicle registration documents with them at all times.
In Chisinau roads are generally well maintained. Elsewhere Moldova’s roads are in poor condition. Main roads between cities are usually two lane and often badly marked, poorly sign posted and are rarely lit at night. In some areas maintenance of these roads is also poor. Rural roads fair even worse with livestock, horse drawn carriages and agricultural vehicles being particular hazards. Chisinau excepted, it is advisable to avoid travelling on roads in Moldova after nightfall. Many accidents, especially at night are apparently attributed to drunken driving.
Though driving standards vary many foreign motorists have described the Moldovan attitude to driving as some what aggressive. Moldovan driving licenses are not recognized by the European Union.
Speed limits in Moldova vary especially in built up areas where they do not exceed 60 KPH but are often lower. On main roads between cities the limit is 90 KPH. It is illegal to drive in Moldova with any alcohol in the blood.
Road Travel In Moldova In The Winter
During the winter Moldova can suffer from severe weather conditions heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures - see the Chisinau City Guide These conditions can occur between November and March. Motorists travelling in Estonia during the winter are advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out. They are also advised to carry mobile phones for use in an emergency along with emergency supplies of food and warm drinks especially if they are going on a long journey. Winter tyres / snow chains should be fitted to vehicles.
Personal ID In Moldova
Wherever possible you should leave valuables including your passports in a hotel safe etc. However on the spot police checks are a routine part of life in Moldova especially if your are a tourists. You should therefore always have with you a photocopy of your passport, visa and other relevant travel documents
Taking Photographs In Moldova
It is illegal to take photographs of military installations. Its also advisable not to take photographs in airports. Penalties can include imprisonment.
Use Of Drugs In Moldova
There is zero tolerance of the use or sale of any illegal drugs including cannabis. Anyone arrested and convicted of drug offences can expect to serve a term of imprisonment. Sentences given commonly run into years.
Marisha.net Unusual web site See review in the Chisinau City Guide
