Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism in Moldova

Travel alerts, currency, climate, transit, health, and safety information for visitors to Moldova.

Practical Information

Travel alert status, currency, climate, and transit details.

Travel Alert Status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL)
Climate: Moldova's climate is mild in the winter and warm in the summery. Winter temperatures are typically in the 20s (F) but occasionally fall below zero. Highs in the summer are typically in the 80s but can go as high as 100. There are four distinct seasons, with foliage on trees between April and October. The climate is semi”‘arid. Because of the clearing of land for agricultural cultivation--especially in the Soviet era for grape production--there are few forests or woodlands. There has been soil erosion due to farming methods. The effect in the cities is that occasionally dust can blow up from the streets in gusts. Humidity in the summer can be high.
Ethnic Groups: Moldovan/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, Gagauz and other 5.2%
National Holiday: Independence Day, 27 August (1991)
Geographic Coordinates: 47 00 N, 29 00 E
Location: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania
Airports: 24

Medical facilities, vaccinations, disease risk, and sanitation conditions.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical care is substandard throughout Moldova, including in Chisinau. If you are sick or injured, try to go to Western Europe for treatment. In an emergency, try to contact the local ambulance service. Hospital accommodations are inadequate, technology is not advanced, and there may be shortages of routine medications and supplies. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors, but cannot endorse any doctors. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, you should bring an extra supply with you. Pharmacies are not always stocked to Western standards, products are not always labeled in English, and poor quality and/or counterfeit medications have been reported.
Accessibility: While in Moldova, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. There are very few wheelchair ramps in Moldova, and most are narrow and steep. Most streets, sidewalks, and other public paths are not well maintained. You are encouraged to call ahead to inquire about accessibility with your hotel before traveling to Moldova.