Only about 12,000 travellers a year visit Moldova, partly for its unspoiled natural good looks, but also for its wine. The country has some of the best up-and-coming vineyards on the continent, and they’re fuelling a bit of a cultural resurgence: you’ll find plenty of trendy bars, cafes and restaurants in the capital Chisinau. The only signs you’ve stepped into a Soviet time warp are the marble busts of Lenin lining the main boulevards, frowning over his goatee at a region outgrowing its communist roots.
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In the country’s most important historical site, uncover cave churches and remote, stark beauty
Explore some of 200 kilometres of underground passages, all lined with exceptional Moldovan wine
See an important Moldovan symbol, where locals gather for celebrations or protests
Trips on or before 31 December 2022
If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.
Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Travellers from Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Moldova. A 90-day stay within a 6-month period is permitted. Citizens of other countries must either obtain a visa in the nearest Moldovan embassy, at the airport, or at some land border crossings with Romania.
Service charges are not usually included on a bill. Consider adding a 5-10% tip.
WiFi is fast and widespread in hotels and restaurants in the capital Chişinău and other big cities. 4G mobile internet is also available in most urban centres.
Mobile coverage is good across the country, but roaming rates can be high. It’s simple and low-cost to purchase a local SIM card.
Moldova has Western-style flushable toilets.
Water is safe to drink in Chişinău, but in more rural areas consider sticking with filtered water. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water.
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban centres, less so in more rural parts. It is best to have a reserve of cash.
There are ATMs in Chişinău, but they are not always reliable.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Moldova go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/moldova/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
In Moldova, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
