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Is it worth renting a car in Chisinau?
Not for getting around the city. The center of Chisinauis small, there are few parking spots (and they’re paid), and there are traffic jams during rush hour. Minibuses, trolleybuses, and Bolt are cheaper and more convenient for getting between neighborhoods.
Outside the city—yes, definitely. A rental car gives you access to: Crikova (15 km), Milesti Mici (20 km), Old Orhei (50 km), the Saharna Monastery (110 km), the Codru Nature Reserve (70 km), Tiraspol (75 km). Without your own car, you’ll have to take a guided tour or wait for a minibus with an unpredictable schedule to reach these destinations.
Documents and Licenses
To rent a car in Moldova, you’ll need:
- A valid passport or ID card
- Driver’s license (Ukrainian, EU, or international)—all are accepted
- A credit card for the security deposit (typically $100–300 is held on the card)
- Age—minimum 21 years old; some companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old for categories above “B”
An international driver’s license is not officially required in Moldova for citizens of countries that are parties to the Hague Convention (EU countries and many others), but some rental companies ask to see it along with your national license—please confirm this when making your reservation.
Car Rental Companies in Chisinau
Hertz
Office: KIV Airport. One of the largest international chains—convenient if you need to pick up a car right upon arrival and drop it off there as well. Prices start at $30/day. Website: hertz.com
Sixt
Also has locations at the airport and in the city. Known for its good fleet and flexible terms. Cheapest deals start at $19/day. Often offers some of the best prices through booking aggregators (Discovercars, Kayak).
Europcar
An office at the airport and several locations in the city. Has a good reputation in Moldova, with a fleet ranging from compact cars to SUVs. Starting at $25/day.
Autochirie (local company)
A local rental company with more flexible terms—especially appealing for rentals of 5+ days or for groups (discounts available for 20+ cars). Prices are lower than those of international chains. Website: autochirie.ru
Localrent / Discovercars
Car rental aggregators—here you can compare all available options in Chisinau and choose the best one. We recommend booking through discovercars.com or rental24h.com—they usually offer the best prices and a wider selection.
Car Rental Rates
| Class | Example Vehicle | Price/day |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Dacia Logan, Renault Clio | $18–25 |
| Standard | Dacia Sandero Stepway, Citroën C3 | $28–38 |
| Comfort/SUV | Toyota RAV4, Škoda Octavia | $45–70 |
| Minivan | Ford Transit, VW Transporter | $60–90 |
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is the most popular choice among tourists in Moldova: it’s compact, all-wheel drive, affordable, and well-suited for Moldovan roads outside the city (not all roads are in perfect condition). Prices are higher during the summer season (June–August) and in October (Wine Day).
Traffic Rules and Characteristics
- Right-hand traffic.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside the city, 130 km/h on highways (of which there are few).
- Alcohol: 0 per mille for drivers. Seriously—don’t drink and drive.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Usinga phone while driving is allowed only via hands-free; otherwise, you’ll be fined.
- Road conditions: Downtown Chisinau—good asphalt. Roads outside the city (toward Orhei, Saharna)—average, poor in places. An SUV or Stepway is more comfortable on these routes.
- Parking in the city: paid in the center (~5 MDL/hour), free in residential areas.
Where to Go in a Rental Car
Cricova (15 km, 20 min) — an underground wine city. You’ll need to book a tour in advance to visit. It’s perfect to combine with a visit to Mileștii Mici.
Mileștii Mici (20 km, 25 min) — the world’s largest wine cellar, according to the Guinness World Records. The tunnels stretch over 200 km. A wine tasting is a must.
Orhei Vechi (50 km, 45 min) — a medieval monastic complex carved into the cliffs above the Reut River. One of Moldova’s most beautiful landscapes.
Codru (70 km, 1 hour) — Moldova’s only nature reserve, featuring oak forests, rolling hills, and tranquility. Perfect for a picnic or a walk.
Tiraspol, Transnistria (75 km, 1 hour) —you can travel to this unrecognized republic, but the entry rules are specific. Read the separate guide before your trip. Cars are usually allowed through, but border checks are possible.
Tips
- Book through an aggregator (DiscoverCars, Rental24h)—the price is often lower than booking directly.
- Take photos of the car from all angles before leaving the rental office—to avoid disputes over scratches.
- Fill up the gas tank—Moldovan rental companies hand over cars with a full tank and expect them to be returned with a full tank.
- Comprehensive and liability insurance—check the terms when booking. A deductible of $200–500 is standard practice.
- Google Maps works well in Moldova, but it can be inaccurate on rural roads—Orient GPS is a local alternative.
FAQ
Can I drive a rental car into Transnistria?
Usually yes, but check the terms of the specific rental company—some companies prohibit entry into the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (PMR). Clarify this in advance.
Is it possible to rent a car without a deposit?
Virtually none—a deposit of $100–300 is held on your credit card. It is released when you return the car undamaged.
Where is it cheaper to rent a car—at the airport or in the city?
It’s slightly cheaper in the city through booking platforms, but airport rental is more convenient if you’re returning the car on your departure.
Do I need AI-95 gasoline?
Most cars run on AI-92/95. Check the permitted fuel type when you pick up the car—it’s specified in the contract.