The leu (plural: lei) is the currency of Moldova (ISO 4217 code MDL) . Like the Romanian leu, the Moldovan leu is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates in Romania and means “lion”.

While in Moldova make sure to visit at least one piata and check out the Soviet memorabilia, but be careful as sellers may charge foreigners much higher prices than locals.

Banknotes are in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 lei denominations.

The most reliable and extensive domestic transport is bus – you will get to most parts of the country.

Chişinău is the main transportation hub for the country. The three bus stations serve every city and town in Moldova. The fastest form of transport are small minibuses which seat around 15 people. Larger buses are also used and are marginally safer, because they travel at slower speeds.

In Chișinău there is a state run trolleybus system which includes many new vehicles. Fare is 2 lei; a conductor collects fares and issues tickets. There is also a ‘bus service which operates with fewer routes.

Minibuses (rutierele in Moldovan Romanian; marshrutki in Russian) are available in most cities. They are privately operated and are called by requesting the vehicle to stop, however can often be very crowded. Drivers should be paid on boarding (3 lei in Chișinău), however some insist on sitting down first and passing the money to the person in front of them to pass to the driver, so don’t be alarmed if random people behind you start handing you money.

EAT:

Chişinău is a good place for gourmands. There are a lot of good places to eat all over Chişinău.

Cheap, tasty food that is very popular with the locals is served in most places. For better service and more diverse food, there are a lot of small restaurants and cafés. Good restaurants have prices comparable to those elsewhere in Europe. For a quick lunch, fast food and pizza shops are recommended; these can be found at nearly every corner. For groceries, there are small shops all over. Some are even right in front of apartment blocks just a few steps away from the entrances. For harder-to-find items, go to the supermarkets. For fresh fruits and vegetables, markets are a great place to shop. Most of the products are local, but there are a lot of sellers who to sell imported stuff, mostly oranges, bananas and other tropical fruits and vegetables. Meat and meat products are best purchased from supermarkets or shops. The quality is much better than from the market, and the prices aren’t much higher.

While in Moldova, make sure you try at least some of the traditional dishes: Mamaliga, placinta and sarmale are essential for a complete experience during your visit to Moldova. For the full experience these should be accompanied by homemade wine.

DRINK:

Moldova has a long tradition of long local wine. The reds are especially popular throughout the country. Most Moldovan villagers grow their own grapes and press their own wine, and many standard rural households will press thousands of litres per year.

The nightlife of Chişinău is also quite spectacular compared to what could be expected. It is the host of many clubs and bars that are equal in every aspect to many other places throughout Eastern Europe.

Accommodation in Chişinău is surprisingly expensive and there is no shortage of €100 a night options. Most hotel prices are listed in euros but some are listed in US dollars.

Many smaller towns will have a Soviet relic hotel complete with service with a frown. Rates will be high for what you’re getting. In many places it’s possible to pay about €10 to stay in a local’s house. This is an informal arrangement and can only be organized by talking to people upon arrival but it is well worth considering if you want to get out into the countryside.

Hostels. Hostelling is still in its infancy in Moldova, but there are a few nice hostels to be found in Chişinău. Amongst others Chişinău Hostel and Central Youth Hostel. Prices range from US$10–20.

Apartments. Many people in Chişinău rent out apartments. The location and quality can vary. Many are also not very modern. You may want to use a booking company as it may be hard to find people who speak English. Price €20–50. You can book an apartment in Chisinau on the site www.MoldovaRent.com

Local wine is of superb quality and cheap in comparison to other countries, but for political reasons is mostly unknown in Western Europe.