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Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

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I am sending my research about the relations between UN and Moldova
VERY IMPORTANT: In the end I've written our potential enemies and allies please read specifically this part as it would help you during the conference!!

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MOLDOVA: Tier 2 Watch List

The Government of Moldova does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated significant efforts during the reporting period by convicting more traffickers and amending its laws to codify victim protection standards. However, the government did not demonstrate increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period. Pervasive corruption, particularly in law enforcement and the judiciary, impeded prosecutions and influenced the outcomes of cases, including cases against complicit officials. Law enforcement efforts were hampered by worsening legal and organizational obstacles, including changes in the national anti-trafficking investigative body. Authorities identified and assisted fewer victims, and victims continued to suffer from intimidation from traffickers. Although convictions increased, investigations and prosecutions of traffickers decreased. Therefore, Moldova was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOLDOVA

Vigorously investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers, including government officials complicit in human trafficking, and impose sufficiently stringent sentences; implement measures to address corruption in the judicial sector; exempt trafficking victims from the requirement of in-person confrontations with their accused traffickers before an investigation can begin; shield trafficking investigators and prosecutors from external influence and internal corruption; improve protection of victims and witnesses during court proceedings, including prosecutions for witness tampering and intimidation; train police, judges, and prosecutors on a victim-centered approach to investigations and prosecutions; seek restitution for victims in criminal cases; improve cooperation with non-governmental care providers, including coordination on policy development and assisting victims cooperating with investigations; and fund and maintain data for the hotline on child abuse and exploitation.

PROSECUTION

The government decreased law enforcement efforts. Articles 165 (trafficking in persons) and 206 (trafficking of children) of the criminal code prohibit all forms of trafficking and prescribe penalties of five to 20 years imprisonment, which are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with those for other serious crimes, such as rape. Article 168 of the criminal code was amended to increase fines for forced labor offenses. Corruption in the judicial system remained an acute impediment to bringing traffickers to justice. Courts frequently reversed convictions on appeal, sometimes without explanation or on weak grounds, although comprehensive statistics on the rate of appeal were not available. Criminal cases against public officials for complicity rarely resulted in conviction, in large part due to corruption and weaknesses in the judicial system. Several government officials were investigated in 2016 for complicity in trafficking. Two police officers were indicted for sex trafficking. A village mayor was indicted for labor trafficking. Several Moldovan diplomats and the head of the foreign ministry's consular affairs department were investigated, arrested, or indicted for extorting or accepting bribes to facilitate illegal migration. However, none of the criminal investigations of public officials initiated in 2014, 2015, or 2016 were finalized, and most remained pending in court.

Prosecutions against the head of a human rights agency for forcing children to beg in Russia and a bailiff for compelling two persons into prostitution remained ongoing. A 2014 trafficking conviction against a public official and his accomplices remained pending appeal. A court acquitted the former head of the Biathlon Federation of Moldova of child trafficking charges in 2014 and instead issued a 3,000 lei ($151) fine for organizing illegal migration; an appeal remained pending. A court still had not issued a verdict in a 2013 case against a police officer who allegedly accepted a bribe to convince his colleagues to close the investigation of a trafficking case. A case against the former head of the interior ministry's division to combat organized crime for involvement in human trafficking remained ongoing.

There were allegations of corruption by officers assigned to the interior affairs ministry's investigatory Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons (CCTIP); the Deputy Director of CCTIP and one of his trafficking investigators were arrested in February on corruption charges.

Law enforcement efforts continued to face institutional obstacles in 2016. CCTIP did not have a director from May to November 2015 and from February to November 2016. Due to the lack of effective direction, cooperation between CCTIP and some civil society actors and international partners continued to deteriorate for much of the reporting period, hampering the center's ability to conduct complex international operations. Observers reported CCTIP focused on simpler domestic sex trafficking cases rather than complex international cases, potentially to boost the center's statistics. This focus on statistics moved CCTIP away from its traditional strength of resource intensive victim-centered investigations. The appointment of a new CCTIP director in November 2016 led to improved working relationships with civil society and international partners and an initial shift back to investigating complex cases of international sex and labor trafficking. However, CCTIP continued to lack sufficient resources, particularly financial resources and experienced investigative staff. Reforms to the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) in August eliminated the use of specialized prosecutors, disbanded the specialized anti-trafficking prosecutorial unit, ended the taskforce approach to investigations, and reduced institutional knowledge regarding the use of victim-centered approaches to investigations and prosecutions. Although the PGO hired four new prosecutors in November 2016 to cover trafficking cases, observers expressed concern the reforms had weakened the office's ability to prevent corruption and increased both the mistreatment of trafficking victims and the arbitrary dismissal of cases. Observers further noted the new unit was not dedicated only to trafficking cases, prosecutors had not received comprehensive training, and the new unit was vulnerable to corruption and political influence.

Developing investigative techniques that corroborate testimony and employing a victim-centered approach to cases are key to successful prosecutions. Prosecutors' reliance on victim testimony can hinder successful prosecutions and result in acquittals. A February 2016 Constitutional Court decision limited the time suspects may be detained to 12 months. Because it often takes years before a final verdict is issued in trafficking cases, this ruling would allow suspected traffickers to be released before trials conclude, enabling them to flee the country or retaliate against witnesses. The National Investigative Inspectorate (INI) maintained a policy requiring CCTIP to regularly inform the INI of the suspects in CCTIP's investigations, to include subjects of search warrants before searches are executed, which increased the risk of corrupt officers warning suspects ahead of raids or intervening in ongoing investigations.

Authorities decreased investigations in 2016, carrying out 151 trafficking cases, compared to 189 in 2015. The government decreased prosecutions, completing 33 cases in 2016, compared to 76 in 2015. The government increased convictions in 2016, convicting 56 traffickers, compared to 39 in 2015. Of the 56 convicted traffickers, 47 received prison terms, with one suspended sentence. The average jail sentence was 7.5 years for trafficking in persons and 9.5 years for trafficking in children. Moldovan authorities cooperated with foreign counterparts on multiple trafficking investigations. Mostly using donor funding, the government and international organizations trained police, border guards, prosecutors, and judges in 2016. Judges and prosecutors were required to complete a 40-hour course on trafficking.

PROTECTION

The government decreased victim protection efforts. Two provisions of the criminal code, articles 165 (4) and 220 (4), were amended to absolve victims and minors of responsibility for all acts committed as a result of being subjected to trafficking. In addition, a new law established a legal framework for the rehabilitation of victims of violent crimes, including trafficking victims, providing them with a right to specified public services. However, implementation of its protection mechanisms often fell short in practice, due to pervasive corruption and a lack of funding. The government identified 232 trafficking victims in 2016, a decrease from 310 in 2015. Of these identified victims, 35 were children, a decrease from 68 in 2015. Some law enforcement officials may have intentionally avoided taking action on victim identification and investigation of trafficking crimes. The law requires adult trafficking victims confront their alleged traffickers in person at a police station to begin an investigation, and sometimes on multiple occasions over the course of an investigation and trial; this requirement likely deters victims from reporting crimes and can re-traumatize victims.

The government maintained funding levels for victim protection, budgeting approximately 8.6 million lei ($430,151) to repatriation assistance and seven shelters for victims of crime and family violence, with increased funding for some shelters and programs offset by decreases to others. The government did not disburse all of the budgeted funds, with shelters and protection programs generally receiving 66 percent to 78 percent of the allocated fund amounts. The government often relied on NGOs and international organizations to supplement government employee salaries and fund victim services; government contributions are often insufficient to cover basic living expenses for both employees and victims.

The government assisted 124 victims with repatriation assistance or shelter care, compared with 132 in 2015. Teams of local officials and NGOs in all regions of Moldova coordinated victim identification and assistance; observers noted some teams were less effective than others in assisting identified victims. Through the Chisinau and regional centers, victims could receive shelter and medical, legal, and psychological assistance, regardless of their cooperation with law enforcement. Psychological assistance, legal aid, and long-term reintegration support were insufficient, however, and victims were unable to obtain the free medical insurance that is afforded under Moldovan law. Trafficking victims often struggled to find pro bono legal representation. The weak capacity of social workers in outlying regions led to inefficient and poor quality services offered to victims. These deficiencies contributed to the continued vulnerability of trafficking victims to re-victimization. Authorities placed child victims with relatives, in foster care, or in rehabilitation clinics that provided specialized medical and psychological care. Officials interviewed victims 14 years old or younger in specialized hearing rooms with recording equipment with the assistance of a psychologist. Male victims were entitled to all forms of assistance, but lacked access to shelters, which were designed for female victims. Care providers reported bureaucratic impediments to moving victims with severe mental health needs to state-run psychiatric institutions.

The government did not adequately protect victims participating in investigations and prosecutions. Victims were seldom fully informed of their rights. At times, police may have done so intentionally attempting to secure victims' cooperation. Shelters had little security and corruption undermined police protection. Prosecutors did not maintain regular contact with victims or adequately prepare them for trial. Judges disregarded laws and regulations designed to protect victims during trial proceedings thereby violating victims' rights and allowing traffickers to intimidate some victims in the courtroom so that the victims felt pressured to change their testimony.

Victims had the right to sue traffickers for damages, but most did not due to threats from perpetrators, inability to present proof required by courts, and perceived corruption in the judiciary. There were no civil suits against traffickers in 2016; and seven cases in which prosecutors froze suspected traffickers' assets remained pending from the previous year. While the law provides for restitution awards to trafficking victims in criminal cases, none were reported. It is unclear whether prosecutors do not seek restitution or judges do not award it when requested. The criminal code exempts trafficking victims from criminal liability for committing offenses related to their exploitation. However, when authorities classified cases under related statutes, such as the article criminalizing forced labor, victims were no longer exempt from criminal liability. The government punished trafficking victims for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being subject to trafficking. Similarly, when authorities reclassify sex trafficking cases to pimping cases, victims were no longer exempted from punishment and could be charged with prostitution offenses. Victims can be fined or imprisoned for making false statements if they change their testimony, whether deliberately due to bribes or intimidation, or unintentionally due to the traumatization experienced. Observers reported some cases of authorities charging child sex trafficking victims with prostitution or other offenses, in violation of Moldovan and international law. In one case, police detained a child sex trafficking victim for theft and extortion after she refused her trafficker's demand to have sex with a purchaser of commercial sex. Police terminated the investigation only after an international organization interceded for the victim.

PREVENTION

The government decreased efforts to prevent human trafficking. The national anti-trafficking committee (NCCTIP) and its secretariat coordinated the government's anti-trafficking response. The government eliminated a coordinator staff position on the secretariat, reducing the committee's ability to coordinate public awareness campaigns and advocacy. As prescribed in the national action plan for 2014-2016, which was extended for an additional year, NCCTIP implemented programs to raise awareness among students and Moldovan citizens abroad, as well as the general public through a website and a national anti-trafficking week. In 2015, the government ceased state funding to the specialists running a hotline on child abuse and exploitation; the hotline continued to operate with funding from an international organization in 2016. The government provided training for its diplomatic personnel on identifying trafficking victims. The government did not make efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts or forced labor.

TRAFFICKING PROFILE

As reported over the past five years, Moldova is primarily a source country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Moldovan victims are subjected to sex and labor trafficking within Moldova and in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia. Women and children are subjected to sex trafficking in Moldova in brothels, saunas, and massage parlors. Increasingly, girls aged 13 to 15 are victims of sex trafficking. Child sex tourists, including from the EU, Turkey, Australia, Israel, Thailand, and the United States, subject Moldovan children to commercial sexual exploitation. The breakaway region of Transnistria remains a source for victims of both sex and labor trafficking. Official complicity in trafficking continues to be a significant problem in Moldova.

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MOLDOVA: Tier 2 Watch List The Government of Moldova does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated significant efforts during the reporting period by convicting more traffickers and amending its laws to codify victim protection standards.

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Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project

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Human Trafficking in Moldova: 'Shocking Situation'

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Facts about Gagauzia..( Από πού το να το πιάσω και πού να το αφήσω με αυτή τη χώρα που μας δώσανε..)

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Facts about Gagauzia..( Από πού το να το πιάσω και πού να το αφήσω με αυτή τη χώρα που μας δώσανε..)

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Driving across Moldova towards the city of Ciucur-Minger, you might pass a small sign reading "Gagauziya" and below that, "Komrat Dolayi." It would be easy to miss the fact that you have just entered a separate country... the beginnings of one at least.

There are currently 195 countries and 38 dependencies (areas such as Guam and the Falkland Islands) in the world. Considering the diversity of language, heritage, and history of nearly seven-and-a-half billion people, 233 states and dependencies is shockingly small number. Enter the autonomous region. Often disputed and rarely recognized by the country they wish to secede from, around the world autonomous regions fight to represent themselves as an independent entity, and more importantly, to control their destiny.

Such is the case of Gagauzia, a proto-state consisting of just three towns, separated into four geographically disconnected enclaves all contained within the borders of Moldova; Gagauzia is an archipelago of national yearning.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s as the USSR began to crumble and Moldova moved towards becoming an independent country two groups of Moldovans began to wonder if perhaps it was time to declare their own independence. Nation building, it seems, can be contagious. In the more extreme of the two cases, Transnistria also known as Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic' (or 'PMR') declared war on its parent country of Moldova in 1990, a conflict which lasted two years, resulted in over a thousand deaths, and ended in a 1992 ceasefire. The conflict has never been resolved and Transnistria has been locked in a state of suspended military aggression ever since.

Gagauzia meanwhile took a softer approach. Gagauzia is made up almost entirely of ethnic Gagauz, a group of Turkish speaking Bulgurs of mysterious descent. Eastern orthodox Christians they speak mostly Russian or Gagauz and tend to share a rose tinted vision of rule under the USSR. However unlike Transnistria the existence of Gagauzia was announced not with guns but with a referendum. In 1991 Gagauzia voted unanimously to stay in the USSR, which quickly became a moot point. The next vote was for their own independance. By 1994, the Moldovan parliament had given Gagauzia a special legal status. Not a country exactly, but the right to some self-determination.

Today Gagauzia is in a perilous situation. The poorest region of the poorest country in Europe, they lack many of the basic resources to advance their proto-state. In addition, while Moldova is actively trying to make its way into the European Union, Gagauzia leans heavily towards Russia, with statues of Lenin still proudly standing outside their state buildings. With Ukraine right next door, and Moldova looking to the EU, Gagauzia starts to look a lot like the Crimea, a strategically important area with a population looking to Russia for help.

It may only be a matter of time before rather than gaining its independence Gagauzia is reabsorbed by a much larger, and perhaps crueler, empire than Moldova.

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The Entrance to a Nation You Didn't Know Existed

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Driving across Moldova towards the city of Ciucur-Minger, you might pass a small sign reading "Gagauziya" and below that, "Komrat Dolayi." It would be easy to miss the fact that you have just entered a separate country... the beginnings of one at least.

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Unbelievably interesting facts about Russia....!!!!!

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Transnistria: The Country Which Doesn't Exist | ARTE in English

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Sandwiched between Moldova and the Ukraine, the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria seems to have hardly changed since the Soviet era. Not recognised by the UN, the territory is a pawn in Russia's quest for continued influence in the region.

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Breakaway republics fascinate me. It's a story of how a section of a country feels so strongly that they aren't part of that country that they pull away, but don't manage to separate completely. Some of these countries eventually gain independence, others don't ever really intend to get it, and still others remain in limbo, part and yet not part of the host country.

Transnistria is one of these limbo countries. It's technically part of Moldova, but doesn't regard itself as such. Border controls are strict and it has its own currency (with plastic coins), and the primary language is Russian rather than Moldova's Romanian. It's different. And, we'd been told, dangerous.

In fact, when we mentioned to our Moldovan friends that we were heading to Transnistria, they all said "be safe." Several times. And then, when we didn't update social media to their liking, they started joking that perhaps we hadn't made it out... at least, I think they were joking.

So, is it safe?

Yes, it's safe. Transnistria is a perfectly ordinary eastern European country, full of normal people going about normal lives. The people we met were politely reserved, and we didn't feel unsafe during our visit there.

The border guards carry guns and there are certainly a lot of tanks on display (mostly as monuments, but not all), which is a little intimidating, but away from the border we didn't see as much military presence.

Day trip from Chișinău

Tourism agencies organize day trips to Transnistria from Chișinău, and some seem to be good value. Make sure to ask what's included in the price before you book.

We decided to find our own way to Tiraspol (the capital city) and headed to the Chișinău's central bus station, which is more or less part of the central market. Near one of the entrances we noticed minibuses labeled "Tiraspol" in Cyrillic; a man tried to sell us tickets for 50 lei, but as we'd heard that the price was 35 we politely declined. A driver directed us to a small booth where we were sold printed tickets for 37 lei each, and the minibus left within five minutes of us boarding.

Moldovan roads are proverbial for their unevenness, so the journey was a little bumpy but otherwise uneventful. At the border we headed into a small office where the English-speaking border guard asked us how long we'd be staying, then gave us a stamped receipt with a time printed on it: we'd have to leave the country by 9:57pm that night.

Leaving that evening was even easier. A guard boarded the van, collected our receipts, and hopped off again - and that was that. No problems at all.

How to spend a day in Transnistria

We made a late start to the day and only managed to head out the door at around 10.30am; the mini bus journey took around 90 minutes and we arrived in Tiraspol at around 12:15pm. We wandered around the city for a while, spent some time in the markets and bought a plastic bottle of wine from a small shop that dispenses five or six varieties from taps, and admired the churches and monuments around the city.

Since Transnistria has its own currency, the ruble, we had to change some money in order to make purchases. US dollars seemed to get the best rate ($1 = 11 rubles); both lei and euros (which we had) were less favorable. We also had some British pounds, which many exchange bureaus wouldn't accept; we finally found a bank that would take them, right by the spot where we'd originally got off the bus.

Options for lunch were a little limited: there were a few expensive restaurants to choose from, or we could put together a picnic from food from the market. In the end we headed to a branch of Andy's Pizza for their lunch deal of three courses for 45 rubles, which featured dumpling-like ravioli and a delicious traditional soup.

We'd arranged a tour at Kvint cognac factory for 3pm; if you're interested in cognac it's worth visiting, though it's best to book in advance or join an organized tour. Prices start at US$17 for a tour and tasting for groups of seven or more, if you're travelling alone or as a couple the prices skyrocket.

The tour lasted almost two hours, so it was 5pm by the time we left. Next, we planned to visit the Bender fortress, but we didn't realize that it closed at 5pm until we were turned away at the gate. It would have been smarter to have hopped off our minibus from Chișinău in Bender, seen the fortress, and then gone on to Tiraspol. As it was, we caught a bright-yellow trolley bus from Tiraspol to Bender (3 rubles) and then walked for about 15 minutes to get to the entrance. After failing to get in, we found the Bender bus station and caught a bus back to Chișinău from there, for the price of 30 rubles each. This was certainly easier than going from Tiraspol would have been - on arrival we'd been dropped on the side of the road somewhere, and would have had to flag down a passing van in order to return. We'd found a bus station while wandering around the city, but were told that Chișinău buses didn't leave from there... We're not quite sure why!

Final thoughts

It's certainly possible to do a day trip to Tiraspol in Transnistria from Chișinău, and going independently is a valid option. However, you'll probably see more on an organized tour and might well save money if you want to visit Kvint.

Podcast

Want to hear more about Moldova? Listen to our Moldova podcast or read our Moldova questions article.

Linda Martin

Linda Martin is a self-confessed word geek, Spanish addict and world traveller. She and Craig have been travelling full-time since 2006, taking in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. She's currently travelling somewhere in Europe.

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Is it safe to visit Transnistria? | Indie Travel Podcast

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Breakaway republics fascinate me. It's a story of how a section of a country feels so strongly that they aren't part of that country that they pull away, but don't manage to separate completely. Some of these countries eventually gain independence, others don't ever really intend to get it, and still others remain in limbo, part and yet not part of the host country.

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some interesting facts presented in a simple way

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some interesting facts presented in a simple way

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Moldova's one of those countries that doesn't get much press, though that has been changing recently with the high-profile arrest of its president for corruption. It's poor and misunderstood, but is rapidly forming new connections with Western Europe and is sharing its spectacular wine with the world.

Geography

Where is Moldova located?

Moldova is located in eastern Europe. It's a land-locked country that's shaped roughly like a semi-circle, with Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east and south. Its southeastern point almost touches the Black Sea.

Which country is close to Moldova? Which country is to the west of Moldova?

Romania borders Moldova to the west, and Ukraine is to the east. Bulgaria isn't far away, it's easily reached through Romania; and Turkey is to the south and south-east, reached through Romania and Bulgaria by bus, or across the Black Sea.

What is the landmass of Moldova? How big is Moldova?

Moldova is quite a small country, especially in comparison to its neighbours Ukraine and Romania. It has a landmass of 33.843 sq km.

What is the capital city of Moldova?

The capital city of Moldova is Chișinău, which is located in the center-south of the country. You pronounce Chișinău "KISH-ee-now".

General facts

What is the currency of Moldova?

The currency of Moldova is the leu (singular), or lei (plural). One euro = 22.5 lei, one US dollar = 19.8 lei. Credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and in major hotels, but you'll need cash for most transactions. ATMs are widespread and currency exchanges are located almost every 50m in Chișinău. The exchange office in the airport gives a fair exchange rate.

Is Moldova a country?

Yes, Moldova is a country in eastern Europe. Check out a Moldova map here.

What language is spoken in Moldova? What is the native language of Moldova?

The official language of Moldova is Romanian, and Russian is also widely spoken by Moldovan people. A Turkish dialect called Gaguaz is spoken in some areas.

English is not widespread, though it is now being taught at school from the first year of study. Many younger people and people in the tourism industry speak good English, but it is not common among older Moldovan people.

What is the climate like in Moldova?

Moldova has a temperate climate, with hot summers and winters that can be quite cold. Lows go below 0 in winter and highs in summer hover around 27-30. It's mostly dry, with rainfalls in early summer and in October.

How safe is Moldova?

We found Moldova to be a very safe country. Corruption is a problem at a state level, and there is a big anti-corruption press campaign going on at the moment, as well as frequent protests. Pickpocketing is as common as in other European countries, and because of poor street lighting it's important to be careful at night. You're most likely to have problems with the uneven pavements!

Economy and government

What type of government does Moldova have?

Moldova is a parliamentary republic. It was part of Romania until the Second World War, when it became part of the USSR. It declared independence in 1991 and joined the UN in 1992. In 2014 it signed the Association Agreement with the European Union.

What is the economy like in Moldova?

Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and is plagued by corruption. A major part of its production is produce, and since Russia banned produce imports from Moldova in 2014, the fruit and vegetable industry is having major problems at present.

What is the average salary in Moldova?

The current average monthly salary is increasing, it's currently around 4,900 lei or US$250. The GDP is US$3500.

Why is Moldova not part of the European Union?

Moldova is a relatively new country that is rapidly opening up. It signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014, so although it's not a member it is associated with the EU, and may be able to join in the future.

Why is Moldova so poor?

It's a largely agricultural society plagued by corruption. Things seem to be changing now, though, with more connection with the western world and more opportunities for young Moldovan people to choose alternative jobs.

Tourism

Do I need a visa for Moldova?

Probably not! On April 28, 2014, Moldova made a huge change to their visa regime which means that citizens of many countries don't need a visa to enter. So if you're from the EU, US, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, no visa is required. South Africans still require a visa. Check the official website for more information.

What is Moldova famous for? What is Moldova best known for?

Moldova is perhaps best known for its wine, which is absolutely delicious. Most Moldovan families make wine at home, so the wineries chiefly produce wines for export. This is a relatively new industry and it's growing fast.

There are also a lot of amazing religious buildings and institutions in Moldova, including churches and monasteries. There are castles and fortresses dating back to medieval times, as well as historical monuments to visit.

What to do in Moldova?

Since wine is such an important part of the culture, visit during the first weekend of October to take part in the annual wine festival. This festival has been running for 15 years and now that citizens of most countries don't need a visa to enter the country, it's a lot easier to get to.

How much is a beer in Moldova?

In a local restaurant, expect to pay around 20 lei for a small beer (less than €1 or US$1). Check out Andy's Pizza's menu for more food and drink prices.

There are a couple of boutique breweries that are worth checking out, though the beer is a little more expensive.

Should I visit Moldova?

If you like wine, definitely. If you want to visit somewhere that's relatively untouched by western tourism, it's also a good choice; and if you're into architecture you'll also like it. It isn't full of tourist attractions and getting around by public transport can be a challenge, but I think it's certainly worth a visit.

Where should I stay in Moldova?

Moldova is a small country and most of its attractions are easily reached within two hours' drive from Chișinău. You're best to base yourself there, and you'll find a full range of accommodation options, from apartment rentals to five-star hotels. Check out Booking.com for hotels and hostels.

If you want to get out of the city, consider an overnight stay at Butuceni Eco-resort, or at one of the wineries that offer accommodation (like Purcari or Chateau Vartely; Asconi, Castel Mimi, and Et Cetera are in the process of creating accommodation).

How to get to Moldova?

There are direct flights from many European cities, such as London and Milan. Wizz Air is a good budget choice: check options on Skyscanner. You can also arrive by bus or (infrequent) train from Romania or Ukraine.

Which Moldova guidebook should I buy?

Online information about Moldova is scarce (though Moldova Holiday is quite useful) so a guidebook could be a good option. Unfortunately, there aren't too many available. If you're travelling there as part of a larger trip, Lonely Planet's Europe on a shoestring and Eastern Europe guidebooks both include basic information, but their Romania and Moldova guide was last published in 2007.

Do I need insurance for Moldova?

Yes, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance. We use World Nomads, which allows you to extend your policy and make claims online.

Do you have any questions about Moldova? Ask in the comments below.
Some of the links in this post are affiliates.

Linda Martin

Linda Martin is a self-confessed word geek, Spanish addict and world traveller. She and Craig have been travelling full-time since 2006, taking in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. She's currently travelling somewhere in Europe.

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22+ things you wanted to know about Moldova | Indie Travel Podcast

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Moldova's one of those countries that doesn't get much press, though that has been changing recently with the high-profile arrest of its president for corruption. It's poor and misunderstood, but is rapidly forming new connections with Western Europe and is sharing its spectacular wine with the world. Where is Moldova located?

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This is what I handed out today.. Everybody got sth to research. Evi, Stavroula and Marietta you can choose from what's left: 1) the UN system (2nd page) 2)Economy question 4 and
3) Economy question 5.
Let me know what you choose.
P.S. Our country is Moldova..

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Short quiz due next Sunday.. Submit your answers.

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Short quiz due next Sunday.. Submit your answers.

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Answer in a few words the following questions..

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Timeline assignment: Based on Nasia's document on the history of Moldova, visit https://www.timetoast.com/ and create a timeline of the main events. I attach Nasia's work and a document about who will work on which period.. Sharing is caring ;

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Timeline assignment: Based on Nasia's document on the history of Moldova, visit https://www.timetoast.com/ and create a timeline of the main events. I attach Nasia's work and a document about who will work on which period.. Sharing is caring ;

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Tensions with Romania

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Timetoast timeline maker. Make a timeline, tell a story.

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Timetoast's free timeline maker lets you create timelines online. Make educational timelines or create a timeline for your company website. How to make a timeline? Well, it's easy as toast!

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This is the text that will be used in the Timetoast presentation

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Soviet Moldova, a timeline made with Timetoast's free interactive timeline making software.

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Moldova's neighbours and borders by Ortensia

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Moldova's neighbours and borders by Ortensia

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Moldova's neighbours and borders by Ortensia

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https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/1801354
Aν δεν σας το εμφανιζει να μου το πειτε!

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Policy statement Republic of Moldova.edited evi