In the event of an emergency, go to the emergency room in Suite 401, on the 4th floor of the Hotel National. A hospital with a 24-hour ambulance is also available. All treatments and prescriptions are chargeable. If you are dependent on medication, you should carry a first-aid kit with you. The supply of medicines is insufficient. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. The emergency number is 903. Check ebizdir for more information.
Food and drink
Tap water is generally chlorinated, but bottled mineral water is recommended and widely available. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables can usually be consumed without hesitation. Meticulous food hygiene should be practiced in rural areas.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Across the country, there is a risk of transmission of borreliosis/Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Ticks are active in some areas of Moldova during the warmer season (March/April to October/November). For work or leisure activities with possible tick exposure in endemic areas, a vaccination against TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV infections are a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Money
Currency
1 Moldovan leu = 100 bani. Currency code: L, MDL (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1L; Coins in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bani. Prices are often given in dollars or euros and can be paid with these.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants in larger cities, but should be kept in mind for security reasons. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used with restrictions at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. ATMs that accept international credit or debit cards are only available in larger cities (except in Transnistria). However, bank customer cards with a chip that were issued after January 1st, 2014 do not work. Attention: travelers,
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Moldova.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Some banks are also open on Saturdays and some exchange offices are also open on Sundays.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of local currency and foreign currencies is unlimited; amounts with an equivalent value of €10,000 or more must be declared. Export of foreign currencies and national currency up to the amount declared upon entry or a maximum of up to an equivalent value of €50,000, less the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Is possible in many banks, in all exchange offices and hotels. Money should only be exchanged in banks or exchange offices, never at money changers on the street.
Currencies
Code
Symbol
Exchange rates (no guarantee)
MDL
lei
1 EUR = 20.96 lei
1 CHF = 24.95 lei
1 USD = 20.16 lei
