Chișinău, Moldova

• Chisinau is Moldova's capital, with around 700,000 people. The city has Soviet-era architecture mixed with newer buildings, tree-lined streets, and several parks. Wine culture is big here - Moldova has centuries-old wine-making traditions and locals are serious about it.
• Safety is better than many people expect. The city center stays fairly busy until late evening, and serious crime against tourists is uncommon. English works in most hotels and tourist restaurants, but you'll struggle in regular shops and with taxi drivers - having basic Romanian or Russian phrases helps.
• There are decent coffee shops where people work on laptops, and eating alone doesn't attract attention. Moldovans tend to be helpful but reserved compared to other parts of Europe - don't expect lots of small talk from strangers.
• Buses and trolleybuses cover most of the city. Taxis and Yandex Taxi are cheap. Main issues are pickpocketing in crowded areas and taxi drivers overcharging if you don't agree on the price first or use an app.

Romanian and Russian are the main languages in Moldova. English is spoken in most hotels, tourist restaurants, and by some younger people, but communication can be challenging outside tourist areas. The emergency service (112) has English-speaking operators available. Tourist Information Center staff speak English and can assist with translation or emergencies. Having Google Translate or a translation app is highly recommended.

• In churches and monasteries, women need to cover shoulders and knees and wear a head covering. City center dress is normal European casual, but don't go too revealing - Moldova is more conservative than Western Europe.
• Romanian and Russian are what people speak. Tourist areas have English, but regular shops, supermarkets, and taxi drivers won't. Learn 'Bună ziua' (hello), 'Mulțumesc' (thanks), and 'Vă rog' (please). Keep Google Translate handy.
• If you visit someone's home, take off your shoes and bring a small gift. With flowers, give odd numbers only - even numbers are for funerals. Toast with 'Noroc!' (like 'cheers'). Tipping 5-10% is becoming normal at restaurants.
• People here are helpful but not chatty. Make eye contact when greeting someone. Keep your voice down in public, give up your seat for elderly people on buses, and don't shake hands across a doorway - it's bad luck.

• Buses and trolleybuses run throughout the city. They're cheap (5-8 MDL per ride) and can be faster than taxis during rush hour, but they get packed and pickpockets work the crowded vehicles. Pay attention to your belongings.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Yandex Taxi, Hip) are cheap and more comfortable. Use the apps to avoid getting overcharged - street taxi drivers will quote tourist prices if you don't agree on the fare first. At night, stick to taxis rather than buses.
• For navigation, map.md, Moovit, or Google Maps all work here. The city center is walkable - Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and the main parks are easy to cover on foot during the day.
• Pickpockets target crowded buses, bus stops, markets, and tourist spots. Keep your bag in front of you and don't pull out your phone or wallet unnecessarily.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Chișinău with local guides and curated experiences.