Orthodox Easter Sunday

📣 Traveler notes

Moldova is a small, landlocked European country situated between Romania and Ukraine, known for its monasteries and wines. It is an infrequently visited European destination, with tours available from the capital, Chișinău, focusing on wineries and monasteries.

• Moldovan political discourse is highly polarized among groups favoring closer ties with the EU, Russia, or neutrality.
• Avoid discussing the unification of Romania and Moldova, the Transnistria conflict, or Moldova's relationship with Russia.
• Be mindful of the sensitive nature of political discussions regarding EU membership, particularly in pro-Russian areas.
• While Romanian is the official language, both language and identity can be sensitive.
• Expect that some locals may treat foreigners as wealthy, which is a noted cultural observation.
• Be prepared for local curiosity. When encountering scams, ignore or dismiss the individuals. In general, women are highly respected, and traditional male chivalry (like paying bills or opening doors) is appreciated. In rural settings, women are customarily expected not to smoke or consume alcohol.