Overview
Moldova is a country in Europe according to hyperrestaurant. Moldova, a country with an interesting history and numerous fertile wine-growing regions, is an unjustly little-known travel destination. In this landlocked Eastern European country you can explore huge monasteries, taste local wines and hike through ancient forests. Although Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, its people are kind and hospitable. Even the larger cities like Chisinau, the capital, have a lot to offer tourists ranging from churches to monuments to museums that survived the heavy bombardment during World War II. In Chisinau, for example, there is a house
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline, Air Moldova (9U), flies non-stop from Frankfurt am Main, Geneva and Vienna to Chisinau, among others. Lufthansa (LH) flies daily from Frankfurt/M. to Chisinau. Wizz Air (W6) connects non-stop Berlin, Dortmund, Friedrichshafen and Memmingen with Chisinau. Swiss (LX) flies in cooperation with Austrian Airlines (OS) from Zurich via Vienna to Chisinau and Lufthansa (LH) from Zurich via Frankfurt/M. Tarom (RO) connects Frankfurt/M., Munich, Hamburg and Vienna with Chisinau via Bucharest. Fly One (5F) flies from Frankfurt Hahn to Chisinau.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Chisinau: 2 hours 20 minutes; Vienna – Chisinau: 1 hour 30 minutes; Geneva – Chisinau: 2 hours 25 minutes; Zurich – Chisinau: 3 hours 25 minutes (with stopover).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
The best route from southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria is via Vienna, Budapest and Timisoara (Romania) to the Moldovan border at Ungheni or Leuseni. From northern Germany there is also the option of traveling by car via Poland and the Ukraine. Long-distance bus: Mirtrans Express offers regular bus connections between Bucharest (Romania) and Chisinau (journey time: approx. 8 hours); Buses also operate between Kyiv (Ukraine) and Chisinau. Toll: For foreign vehicles, the entire road network is subject to tolls. E-vignettes can be purchased from vending machines in petrol stations, at Moldova Agroindbank branches or via the online portal E-Vignette. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient;
Arrival by train
There are regular train connections from Moscow (journey time: 28 hours 48 minutes), Kyiv/Ukraine (journey time: 15 hours 11 minutes), Odessa/Ukraine (journey time: 3 hours 40 minutes), Bucharest/Romania ( Journey time: 13 hours 11 minutes) and Sofia/Bulgaria (journey time: 24 hours) to Chisinau.
Arrival by ship
The Danube connects Moldova with the Danube countries.
Cruise ships
Phoenix also calls at the Republic of Moldova on its river cruises that depart from Passau.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
The road network covers more than 13,000 km. Toll: For foreign vehicles, the entire road network is subject to tolls. The electronic vignette required for this can be purchased from vending machines at petrol stations, at branches of the Moldova Agroindbank or via the online portal E-Vignette. Petrol stations: It is advisable to refuel when you have the opportunity, as fuel can also be scarce at petrol stations. A spare canister should also be carried. However, fuel may not be imported.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 11,000 km of the entire road network is asphalted. Road conditions outside of Chisinau are often poor.
Car rental
Numerous car rental companies are represented at the airport in Chisinau; rental is also possible in the city. Drivers must generally be at least 21 years old and have held their driver’s license for at least 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 often pay an additional young driver fee. Rental cars can often be booked with a chauffeur.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available and can be ordered by phone. Kiwitaxi also offers online bookings in various cities. All taxis are metered.
Bicycle
Bicycles and scooters are available from various providers in Chisinau.
Coach
The long-distance bus network is well developed; most towns and all cities are served by buses. Fast minibuses with around 15 seats are often used. The hub is Chisinau with its three bus stations.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰. – A fire extinguisher must be carried. – Children up to the age of 12 may only be transported in the back seat. – In winter, you must also drive with your headlights on during the day. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – on rural roads: 90 km/h; – on expressways: 110 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns with the rental car, the rental car company must always be informed first. The ADAC partner club of the Republic of Moldova is the Automobil Club din Moldova (ACM) in Chisinau, tel. +373 (0)2 229 27 03.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient; nevertheless, it is recommended to carry the international driver’s license with you. The international insurance card for motor transport must always be carried with you.
Traveling in the city
In Chisinau, inexpensive buses, trolleybuses and minibuses operate between 06:00 and 23:00. Tickets are available on the bus. Taxis are available in front of hotels, restaurants and at taxi ranks.
Locally on the way by train
The national railway company Calea Ferata din Moldova serves the Moldovan railway network. There are regular train connections from Chisinau to Ocnita, Bender, Calarasi and Ungheni as well as good connections to all parts of the country.
