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- Destinations
- Europe
- Moldova
Moldova
Moldova is a small landlocked country in Eastern Europe between
Romania and Ukraine. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Moldova
achieved independence in 1991 but remains the poorest and one of
the least developed countries in Europe. The far eastern portion of
the country, Transnestria, has formed a breakaway republic backed
by Russia and is a source of continuing cross-border conflict.
Moldova is most famous for its wines, which are of a very high
standard despite being largely ignored in the west. The average
rural household will press an average of 3,500 litres per year,
mostly from grapes grown in their own fields. Aside from this
enterprise there is little industry in Moldova, which means that
the air and rivers are largely unpolluted, even within Chisinau,
the capital and largest city.
The majority of the country's buildings were destroyed during
World War II, and subsequent Soviet-era rebuilding has provided a
drab and functional air to the resulting structures. However,
several historical gems did survive and these are well worth a
visit. Orheiul Vehci is an ancient church complex carved into
limestone cliffs, and the nearby village of Ivancea is a perfectly
preserved medieval settlement populated by people of Ukrainian
descent. Cahul, two hours from Chisinau, has restorative thermal
spas, while Milestii Mici is home to an astonishing underground
city of wine cellars stretching 120km (80 miles) below the
city.
Despite these charms very few people visit Moldova, making this
a genuinely offbeat destination that appeals to adventurous
travellers, wine lovers and those interested in post-Soviet
republics.
Information & Facts
Customs
Visitors to Moldova should not be unduly concerned with
transgressing social mores. Moldovans are for the most part polite
and friendly, and tend to go out of their way to ingratiate
themselves with foreigners. In the more rural areas, women
travellers who are smokers might want to light up in private, as
there is a social stigma attached to the act. Travellers, and
especially those who speak English, are advised to carry their
passports with them at all times, as police officials in Moldova
have been known to extract bribes from tourists who do not have
'proper identification' on hand. Finally, it seems as though
chivalry is alive and well in Moldova - if you really want to fit
in, be sure to offer your seat to the elderly on trains and buses,
allow others to pass through doorways before you, and be willing to
lend a hand if you see someone struggling with heavy luggage.
Duty Free
Travellers to Moldova 18 and older may import up to 200
cigarettes, one litre of wine or spirits, and perfume and gifts in
amounts reasonable for personal use.
Passport Visa
All foreign passengers to Moldova must have return/onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses
while in the country. Note that all visitors are required to
register their passports at the offices of Population Registration
of the Department of Information Technologies, within three working
days after arriving in Moldova. NOTE: It is highly recommended that
your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.