Travel & Accommodation Info
Useful Information
The address of the venue is: Faculty of Political and Administrative Sciences – Moldova State University, Mateevici Street 60, Chisinau
The currency in Moldova is the Moldovan leu, MDL. You will often see the short version MDL displayed next to prices. The exchange rate is approximately 19.03 MDL for 1 EUR or 17.64 MDL for 1 USD. Bear in mind that you cannot use Euros or USD to pay, while credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants, rarely in taxis or by small vendors. You can pick up local cash at ATMs, currency exchanges in the city or at the airport. If you are going to visit the Transnistrian region, you will need cash to change for local money, as the banking system is different and Visa/Master cards are not accepted there.
In Moldova, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz (uses the European style plug, same as e.g. in Germany).
Visas are not required for all EU & most OECD citizens and permanent residents. The list of countries that require visa is here. We can assist you with an invitation letter, but participants are responsible to make their own visa arrangements and cover any associated costs.
Data roaming
For foreign SIM cards, including from EU countries, roaming charges apply and are quite steep (especially for data roaming, so make sure to turn this option off on your phone). Purchasing a prepaid local SIM card (Moldcell or Orange) with data plan is easy, cheap and affordable. They are available at most kiosks with options from several carriers.
Safety
Chisinau is a very relaxed and safe city. Almost all areas are safe to walk around even at night. Just use the usual caution and common sense as elsewhere. The level of crime is low, but you should beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, on public transport, and in areas known to be popular with tourists.
As a country, Moldova is largely safe to travel. This goes for both large groups as well as solo travellers. When hiking outside populated areas go with a guide or stick to paved paths.
You will find more information on the official Discover Moldova site https://moldova.travel/en/
Websites of tour operators if you wish to explore more of Chisinau and Moldova:
https://discovergagauzia.md/en/tour/
https://hoshutuda.md/ (in Russian)