Tips on Chisinau Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Important Safety Tips and Warnings while in Chisinau

If you are going to be in Chisinau anytime soon, it’s important to be prepared in regards to safety before your arrival. Having knowledge beforehand can increase safety and make your time more enjoyable.

Beware of local police

Be prepared to feel like you are under interrogation if you get stopped by the local police. They have a reputation of making travelers uneasy when asked to produce their passport. Visitors have often been required to pay a fine if they don’t have their passport on hand or even if the picture did not look exactly like the one who held the passport.

Stay safe by being informed before you go

If you want to explore Chisinau, be prepared by understanding what the city is all about ahead of time. One simple way to do that is to buy “TENDDIS set” in the airport or at your hotel.  This will at least save you some money and will guarantee that you won’t be visiting strange or unknown places in the city. Details can be found at www.tenddis.com.

This and That

As an ex-patriot American living in Kishinev, let me try to address some of the things mentioned by other reviewers.
First of all, never use a street ATM. Banks all have one just inside the door and those are your safest bet. Check your notes carefully, the 10 and 100 notes are very similar. The wise traveler will establish and maintain a supply of small bills. Having a 1000 Lei note is often just as useless as having Yen in your pocket.

I walk anywhere in town,  day or night, and don’t feel any more apprehensive than in any other large city. Use common sense while out and about; don’t flash around valuables or jewelry and you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Renting a Car

Be sure to check your rental car carefully before heading on your way. There is no public lighting in the city at night, nor are there nicely painted white lines on the pavement. This can make it very tricky with the multitude of holes in the roads so be thorough ahead of time.

Editor’s Note: The information on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews on important safety tips and warnings while in Chisinau.