£1 MDL 23.40
Today
4:55 am
+2h from you
Travel warning
There's an area with widespread military activity nearby that's outside government control, and your travel insurance would be invalid if you go there.
Weather in Moldova
Moldova
17°
Fog
Fri
3
17
Sat
6
19
Sun
9
18
Mon
10
17
Tue
9
13
SPF level in Moldova
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Moldova
Tipping in Moldova
Tipping is not always expected in Moldova, but it's a nice gesture to show appreciation for good service. Tips are usually given in cash.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount, such as 5-10 MDL
Taxi
Round up the fare or leave a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
10-20 MDL per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 MDL per day of stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Safety in Moldova
Tips for British travellers
Moldova is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page as police frequently ask for ID on the street.
Be alert to street crime and pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially in Chisinau.
Drink-driving is a serious offence, and penalties apply even for alcohol levels below England's legal limit.
Only use reputable taxis, negotiate the price before getting in if there's no meter, and avoid sharing with strangers.
Carry some euros in perfect condition as cash, as cards are not always accepted outside the capital and pounds are hard to exchange.
Bonus tips:
Avoid taking photos of military and government facilities as you could be detained or arrested.
Keep your valuables and passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe, to prevent theft.
Driving in Moldova
A UK driving license is accepted in Moldova for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended, particularly for longer stays. Check the latest regulations.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: Moldova drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Moldova
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in Moldova is 230V at 50Hz. Plugs Type C and Type F are used. Travellers from the UK will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in larger cities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is still advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Moldova
ATMs are available in cities and larger towns, especially at banks, shopping centers, and airports. Availability may be limited in rural areas.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to obtain Moldovan Lei. Ensure your bank card is enabled for international use and be aware of potential transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Moldova. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 300 MDL (~£13)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, GSM
Local carriers
Orange Moldova, Moldcell, Unite
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in Chisinau and other major cities.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Internet access is reasonably good in urban areas. Free Wi-Fi is often available, but connection speeds can vary. Mobile data is a good option for reliable internet access.
Health & vaccinations in Moldova
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Moldova. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for all planned activities.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as these can be contracted through contaminated food and water.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Drink bottled water and be mindful of food hygiene standards to avoid stomach issues. Tap water is generally not safe to drink. The risk of rabies exists, so seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an animal.
Calling Moldova
Country code
+373
To call Moldova from the UK, dial 00 373 followed by the Moldovan phone number (excluding the leading zero).
To call a Moldovan number 60123456 from the UK, you would dial 00 373 60123456.
The country code for Moldova is 373. When calling from abroad, dial the exit code of your country, followed by 373, and then the local number. Mobile numbers usually start with a '6' or '7'.
UK Embassy in Moldova
British Embassy Chisinau
73/1 Stefan cel Mare si Sfint Boulevard Chisinau MD-2001 Moldova
Airport in Moldova
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.