Chișinău, Moldova 🇲🇩
#2075
47.024511, 28.832292
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chișinău is the capital and largest city of Moldova, known for its green parks and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 700,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 35 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Moldovan Leu (MDL). 1 EUR ≈ 20.75 MDL, 1 USD ≈ 18.75 MDL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, uses type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, Moldcell, and Unite, offering competitive prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, Wise, and local banks like Moldindconbank are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local apartments via real estate websites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted in shops and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have numerous options available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Vivaldi and Green Hills Hostel offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | British Centre and K-Work are popular coworking spaces with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 7 and Zexa Coffee are known for their cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups in Chișinău are organized through platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Chișinău Expats group on Facebook often organizes events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Yango are popular ride-hailing apps in Chișinău. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental is available through providers like Green Go. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beaches are in the coastal cities of Odessa, approximately 2.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Moldova offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Wizz Air operate budget flights to several European destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Chișinău with Tiraspol and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chișinău Railway Station serves as the main transit hub for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for public transport at around 75 MDL. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and mini-buses travel regularly to nearby cities and villages. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mother and Child Institute is a top hospital for healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Chișinău offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House and World Class are popular gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are widely available, with options like MyClean. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Delivery Club are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Mămăligă, a traditional cornmeal dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Café and L'Artigiano offer plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cofetaria Viorica is known for its pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market (Piata Centrala) offers fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Promoz.ro and eMAG.md are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Cris-Tim and Auchan offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sîrbu and Miorita are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Berea Noastră brews craft beers and offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Art is a well-known wine bar with local selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food at the Central Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Azzaro serve a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Stephen the Great Central Park and the Arc de Triomphe are must-see locations. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of History of Moldova and Art Museum are significant cultural sites. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Christ's Nativity is an iconic historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Metropolitan Cathedral is a prominent religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The National Wine Day celebrated in October is a highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town features charming streets and historic architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Mihai Eminescu National Theater is the main performance space. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market (Piata Centrala) is the largest and busiest marketplace. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at various venues, particularly in the city center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and street art can be found throughout the city, especially in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at cooking schools and cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Art Museum features contemporary and classical Moldovan art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Triumphal Arch and many buildings in the city center reflect rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | National costumes and traditional crafts highlight Moldovan heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Codrii Natural Reserve offers hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parcul Național Orhei offers scenic landscapes and historical sites. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Green parks like Valea Morilor have walking and cycling trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint near the Eternal Flame offers a great view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The lower Dniester National Park is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in forests outside the city allow for bonfires with permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and UPS provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and other local shops offer electronics repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several sports clubs in Chișinău have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Moldova is an excellent study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Moldovan Cultural Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges like Gamers House are popular among locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Several casinos including Olympic Casino offer gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% for dividends distributed to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 12% is the highest personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Moldova has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the property value is applied during transactions. |