The Moldovan Leu is the currency used in Moldova. You will find that Moldova has a more or less cash-only economy, with your credit card completely useless in all but a handful of banks in Chisinau. Travellers cheques are almost impossible to exchange, so it is strongly recommended that you carry cash, and remember to get ample supply of smaller denominations.

Western tourists will find Moldova a relatively inexpensive place to travel, as is the case with most ex-soviet countries. The biggest expense will be accommodation, though if your expectations arent to high you can get by on as little as US$ 30/day.

Here is a guide to average daily costs in Moldova you can expect to pay:

- Beer in Chisinau US$ 1.50 approx
- Pizza lei38- 45
- Accommodation ranges from US$ 15-20 budget, US$ 20-80 mid-range and US$ 80-120 top-end
- Meals range from US$ 1-5 for budget, US$ 5-10 for mid-range and US$ 10-20 for top-end.

Check out our Moldova weather page for some useful information about the climate in Moldova, along with our six-day Chisinau weather forecast, the perfect tool to help you plan your upcoming adventures in Moldova.

Telephone: Payphones are common and cheap, and can be operated using phone cards. You can buy phone cards at local kiosks. Country code for Moldova is 373.

Mobile Telephone: Many global phone operators provide roaming facilities in the region. Good connectivity is available throughout the country.

Internet: Internet cafes can be found in the main towns.

Post: Moldovan postal service is very poor and long delays are quite common. Express mail facilities, however, are available in Chinisau.

Post office hours: Post offices function everyday from 9.00am to 8.00pm.

Media: Although freedom of press is guaranteed, local laws against defamation of the state and its people are in force. Newspapers owned by the political parties serve to express the party's views and comments on the government. Most of the popular Russian titles are available in Moldovan editions and are welcome among Russian language enthusiasts.

Leu is the national currency of Moldova and 100 Bani make a Leu.

Currency Exchange: Foreign exchange is available at the bureaux de change or at the hotels.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs: Cash transactions are predominant with a few banks accepting credit cards. ATM facilities are available in main towns and in Chisinau.

Traveller's Cheques: Traveller's cheques can be exchanged only at a few banks and are not very popular.

Banking Hours: Bureaux de change and banks are open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm during weekdays. A few institutions though function during the weekends also.

Moldova runs off a 220V/ 50Hz system, with 2-pronged electrical socket.

To view a list of Moldova embassies around the world, as well as foreign embassies within Moldova, check out EmbassyWorld.com.

Population: 4,324,450 (July 2008 est.)
Total Area: 33,843 sq km
Capital: Chisinau
Time Zone: UTC +2 hour (daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October)

Click here to view the current time in Chisinau.

Moldovan (dialect of Romanian language) is the language that is widely spoken. In the semi-autonomous province of Gagausia, Gagauz (derived from Turkish) is prevalent, while Russian is the official language of the breakaway republic of Transnistria. In Chinisau and other main cities, Russian language is the most popular and is the first choice even while addressing strangers. Though people in Chinisau speak English, they prefer to speak their native tongue. Most of the published material, in both print and electronic media, is available only in Russian.

Click here to view the public holidays for Moldova.

Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Moldova. Eastern Orthodox Christians form 98% of the population, Jews 1.5%, Baptists and others form 0.5%.

Passports: A Moldovan passport is mandatory for all citizens and has a validity period of at least 6 months.

Visas: Visitors from USA, Canada, EU and the UK do not require a visa for stays not exceeding 3 months. Australian nationals do not need a visa to visit Moldova.

Visa Note: Australians travelling to Moldova need to produce a formal letter of invitation and also a return ticket at times. It is mandatory for all foreign tourists to register their arrival with the local police within three days of landing. A formal invitation is required for trips extending beyond 3 months. To locate the visa requirements specific to your nationality, please contact the Moldovan embassy.

Note: It is recommended that you check the latest visa and passport requirements with your embassy before planning a trip to Moldova. These rules are subject to changes very often.

Surrounded by land on all sides, Moldova is a small country situated in Eastern Europe, with Romania on the banks of the Prut River in the southwest, and Ukraine in the northeast as its neighbours. The land has abundant rock formations that are rich in minerals like limestone, silica, gypsum and gravel. The sprawling grasslands (steppe) form a smooth gradient towards the Black Sea in the south.

To view a map of Moldova, click on this link to WorldAtlas.com.

Originally a part of Romania, after World War II Moldova was forcefully made a part of the Soviet Union.

Important Dates

27 August 1991: Gained Independence from USSR. Independence Day has been declared national holiday.

28 July 1994: A new constitution was adopted, replacing the 1979 constitution of the USSR.

In spite of being independent from the Soviet Union, Russian forces are still stationed in the region east of the Dniester River to protect the interest of the minority population of Transnistria. Russians and Ukrainians of Slavic origin have proclaimed Transnistria a republic. Moldova is also the poorest country in Europe. It is also the first state to have elected a communist president and a communist government in 2001.

Though the country's main water supply has been treated with chlorine, it is safe to drink bottled water. Other foodstuff like vegetables, fruit, poultry and meat can be consumed without fear of infection.

An HIV-negative proof certificate may be demanded in case of visits extending beyond 90 days. Also, a vaccination against encephalitis (spread by ticks) is advised.

Medical care and medical emergency procedures do not measure up to the standards prevalent in Europe. If you are familiar with the local languages (Russian or Romanian) getting help during an emergency will be a lot easier.

You could, however, check with the embassy for details of doctors who can speak in English.

The Republican Clinical Hospital and several other big hospitals function in Chisinau, but medical facilities are not adequate. Visitors with health problems, those prone to illness and senior citizens travel may be at a risk.

Intensive use of harmful pesticides like DDT and farm chemicals has rendered the soil and ground water unfit for use. Ensure that water for consumption and gargling purposes are drawn from safe sources since any amount of conventional water treatment like filtering or boiling water will not rid the water of its contaminants.

Transnistria is a self-proclaimed republic that has since broken-off from Moldova. This region has a strong mafia presence and lacks any kind of consular support. It is safe to stay away from this place while travelling on the Odessa-Chinisau route. You might be harassed by corrupt cops if you travel without proper entry documents.

In case you visit Transnistria, remember to register your name with the local Militia; it will facilitate an easy exit from the place. Also leave word with your country representative in Chinisau regarding the exact travel dates to and from Transnistria.

In spite of poverty, political strife and ethnic conflicts, Moldovan people are hospitable and friendly. The country is home to many ethnic factions. Internal conflicts among them have led to Transnistria breaking off from Moldova to become a self-proclaimed republic in 1994. Located in eastern Moldova, the republic boasts of a government and a local currency, but international recognition and consular support are still lacking.

While out in the Slavic regions of Romania or Moldova, acts of chivalry will keep you in the good books of the locals. Discourtesy or comments aimed at the local women will not be well received.