Moldova Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Chisinau

Area:  33,851 sq km

Climate:  moderate winters, warm summers

Population:  4,314,377 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  Moldovan (official, virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect

Government-Economy

Government type: republic

Independence Day: 27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Currency: Leu (MDL; symbol (plural) Lei); 1MDL = 0.09USD; 1USD = 11.65 MDL

GDP: $11.01 billion (2010 est.)

GDP – per capita (PPP): $2,500 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Moldova

Obtaining a Visa

There are particular requirements according to travelers' home country: Australians need a letter of invitation and in some cases a return ticket; whereas nationals from the UK, USA, Canada and EU countries do not need a visa. However, travellers are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Types and costs: Type 'A': Airport transit, £20; Type 'B': Transit, £37: Type 'C': Short-term, £55: Type 'D': Long-term visa, £72.

Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in the UK: www.moldovanembassy.org.uk

Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in the USA: www.embassyrm.org

Housing

There is a small selection of hotels in the capital Chisinau, most of which are located close to the railway station and in the city centre. There are some lower-grade hotels in other towns.

Link for hotels: http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/moldova/chisinau-r1975562/ ;

http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/moldova/tiraspol-r1975564/

Health

The standard of medical care in Moldova is below that available in some other European countries. Non Russian/Romanian speakers may encounter difficulties in a medical emergency. The embassy (see Contact Addresses) has details of English-speaking doctors. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK for urgent medical treatment. Otherwise, all services and prescriptions are charged for and doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment; medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Money

Credit cards are only accepted by a few banks. Moldova is essentially a cash-only economy. There are ATMs in Chisinau and other main towns.

Traveller's cheques are not generally accepted, though a few banks may exchange them.

Transportation

http://info.moldova-travel.com/transport.html

Keeping in Touch in Moldova

There are Internet cafes in main towns. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is generally good all over the country. Local payphones are cheap and plentiful. They work by phonecards available at kiosks.