Group trips to Moldova

Find out the entry requirements for Moldova (the Republic of), and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Moldova (the Republic of) – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Moldova is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is UTC+2. During daylight saving time, it switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3. Typically, daylight saving time starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.

So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 2pm in Moldova, and if it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 7pm there during standard time. During daylight saving time, if it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 3pm in Moldova, and if it's 12pm in New York, it will be 8pm there.

Moldova uses the Moldovan Leu (MDL) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check current rates before you go. As a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 24 MDL
• 1 USD is about 18 MDL
• 1 EUR equals around 21 MDL

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or withdraw local currency from ATMs in Moldova.

In Moldova, cash and cards are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are commonly used in cities, hotels, and restaurants. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially in rural areas or for small purchases. ATMs are widely available in major cities where you can withdraw Moldovan Leu (MDL). Always check with your bank about foreign transaction fees.

In Moldova, tipping is not mandatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving a tip of about 5-10 percent of the bill is common if you've received good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff, like porters or housekeeping, might also appreciate a small tip for their assistance. While tipping is not expected, it can always brighten someone’s day!

In Moldova, you won't find yourself disconnected as Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas like Chişinău, including cafes, hotels, and some public spaces. However, when traveling outside cities, internet access might be less reliable. Since Moldova is not part of the EU, roaming charges can be high, so we suggest grabbing a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for seamless connectivity. Popular providers include Moldcell and Orange Moldova, offering affordable plans with good coverage.

In Moldova, the official language is Romanian. You might hear some local expressions that could be useful during your visit:

• Hello: Bună
• Thank you: Mulțumesc
• Please: Vă rog
• Yes: Da
• No: Nu

Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas, so you might hear some Russian phrases too. Enjoy picking up a few local words while you're there!

In Moldova, the plugs are of type C and F, which means they have two round pins. The voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your devices use a different type of plug, like those in the UK or USA, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any issues. This way, you can keep your gadgets powered up while exploring Moldova!

In Moldova, the main religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This is the predominant faith, and you'll find many beautiful Orthodox churches throughout the country. Important religious holidays include Easter and Christmas, which are celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar. During these times, you can experience vibrant local traditions and festivities.

When packing for Moldova, consider its climate and your activities. Here's a handy list to help you pack your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight clothes for summer
  • Warm layers for winter
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable pants or jeans
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals for warmer weather
  • Boots for colder months
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Travel adapter (Moldova uses Type C or F plugs)
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
  • Sunscreen
  • Travel-sized first aid kit
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers, antihistamines

Packing appropriately ensures a comfortable and enjoyable trip!

Moldova has a continental climate with distinct seasons, so the weather can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit:

• Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures gradually rising. Perfect for exploring the countryside.
• Summer (June to August): Warm and sometimes hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Ideal for experiencing local festivals.
• Autumn (September to November): Cool and colorful, with temperatures dropping and occasional rain. Great for wine tours.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, often below freezing, especially in January and February. Snow is common.

The best time to visit Moldova is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are picturesque.