Moldova Travel Safety

Precautions

Do not travel alone after dark. Theft from hotel rooms is common. Always leave your valuables in a hotel safe. There have been incidents of theft on trains. Do not leave your compartment unattended, and ensure that the door is secured from the inside. Theft on buses has also occurred.

Road safety

Avoid driving after dark. Accidents are common and often involve drunk drivers. Farm vehicles, livestock and other similar hazards also pose risks. Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers do not always give pedestrians the right of way. Roads are poorly maintained and most are not well lit. Poor signage and a lack of maintenance also pose hazards.

Identification

Always carry adequate identification, such as a passport, as police are entitled to request it at any time. If you fail to produce proper identification when requested to do so by authorities, you could face detention or fines. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure.

Taxis

Avoid flagging taxis on the street and do not share taxis with strangers. Only use licensed marked taxis, including at the airport. Establish a rate or a fixed price before starting the journey to avoid excessive fees.

Public transportation

Minibus accidents are common. Trains are often unheated and prone to cancellation.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Moldova, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel. Isolated reports of unwanted verbal attention or touching in parks, on major streets, and in bars/night clubs in Chisinau both during the day and night.

Fraud

Credit card and automated teller machine (ATM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:pay careful attention when your cards are handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements. Beware of Internet fraud and scams, which can range from product purchases to Internet romances. There have been incidents of police, or people posing as police, requesting bribes. While you may be delayed if you refuse to pay the bribe, there have been few incidences of problems beyond inconvenience.

Crime

Violent crime can occur. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, particularly in the capital, Chişinău. Common targets for criminal activity include public transportation, bars and restaurants, and other public areas. Harassment and assaults take place, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Organized crime

Organized crime is widespread. Criminal groups are active in casinos and nightclubs and are involved in prostitution.

Spiked food and drinks

Beware of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not forbidden in Moldova, though the Moldovan government does not formally recognise unmarried or same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau, but public attitudes are less tolerant. Be careful about public displays of affection.

Illegal or restricted activities

Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited and could result in detention or even arrest.

Driving

You can drive with an International Driving Permit. Residents must have a Moldovan driver's licence. You will also need:proof of valid insurance, passport,if you are not the owner, written permission from the vehicle's owner. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. You must carry in your car a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.