Moldova Discovery

Notes

Essentials

Visas
Most nationals, including EU, UK and US citizens do not require a visa to visit Moldova for stays of less than 90 days.

Regulations do frequently change though, so we advise that you check the current requirements with your nearest embassy.

Airport Tax
There are currently no taxes payable when leaving Moldova by air.

Health and Immunisations
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Polio and Typhoid.

Insurance
What should my travel insurance policy cover?

• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad

• 24 hour emergency service and assistance

• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property

• lost and stolen possessions cover

• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover

• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover

• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions
Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The local currency is the leu. For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com.

Where currency can be exchanged
It’s relatively easy to change money in Moldova’s banks and exchange booths, although it generally takes longer in banks. These are fairly widespread so you shouldn’t have too much trouble changing money.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
As a general rule we advise against taking travellers’ cheques as these can be difficult to change. The use of credit cards is limited to the better hotels and restaurants. – they are not readily accepted elsewhere.

Best time to go
Moldovan winters can be very cold, with significant snowfall. The best time to visit the country is from April / May to September / October.

Main Language
The official language is Romanian, a Romance language spoken mainly by people in Romania and Moldova.

Main Religion
The principal religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Other faiths include Catholicism, Calvinism and the Uniate creed.

Food and drink
Moldovan food is often centred around meat – pork, beef, lamb or chicken – and the many good cheeses that are produced in the region. Cabbage and vine leaves stuffed with meat and herbs are quite popular, and stews are fairly ubiquitous. You can expect to eat lots of local produce while you are here - simple yet flavoursome local dishes made with what is seasonally available, with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, especially in summer.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

A three course meal in Moldova will cost around €20-25, depending on where you eat – good restaurants in the capital are likely to cost more.

Transport
Our tours in Moldova usually use minibuses for getting around the country.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure.

While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
Our general recommendation is to bring light clothing with a couple of fleeces or jumpers for cooler evenings. You should also bring a waterproof jacket for any days that it may rain. You should bring at least one long sleeved top for any churches that you will visit.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. We advise you to travel with a rucksack or soft bag rather than a suitcase.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must – you should not rely on being able to find it in Moldova.

Insect repellent, including a bite spray will be useful to have.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines
You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Please make sure that you take any rubbish back to the hotel with you where they can be properly disposed of – this includes cigarette butts as well.

When visiting churches or monasteries it is respectful to dress appropriately – this means long sleeved shirts and trousers or long skirts.

Please do not buy any products made from endangered species – this is not sustainable and hastens the species’ decline.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few Euros will always be gratefully received.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to Moldova. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Moldova:
7-8 Jan Orthodox Christmas
8 Mar International Women’s Day
1 May Labour Day
9 May Victory Day
27 Aug Independence Day
31 Aug National Language Day

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year

Electrical Supply
Generally electrical supply is 200V AC (50 Hz) and uses European two circular pin style plugs.

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 5/12/11

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674