Budget for a Trip to Chisinau: How Much Money Do You Need?

Table of Contents

• Guideline: How Much Does the Trip Cost?
• Currency and Exchange Rates
• Accommodations
• Food and Cafes
• Transport
• Tours and Entertainment
• Budget by Comfort Level
• How to Save Money
• FAQ

Guideline: Average Spending

A budget traveler spends $25–40 per day, an average tourist spends $50–70, and a comfortable vacation costs $90–130 per day. A week in Chisinau for one person costs an average of $350–500, not including airfare.

Currency and Exchange Rate

The official currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL, lei). Approximate exchange rates: 1 EUR ≈ 19–21 MDL, 1 USD ≈ 17–18 MDL. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. At markets and on minibuses, only cash is accepted.

Tip: Withdraw lei from ATMs at local banks (Moldova Agroindbank, Moldindconbank, Victoriabank)—the exchange rate is better than at currency exchange offices.

Accommodations

• Hostel/budget hotel: 250–400 MDL (~13–20 EUR) per night
• 3-star hotel: 500–700 MDL (~25–35 EUR) per night
• 4-star hotel: 800–1,200 MDL (~40–60 EUR) per night
• Apartments on Airbnb/Booking: starting at 400 MDL per night—often a better deal than a hotel for long-term stays

Most hotels in the city center are located along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and near Central Park.

Food and Cafes

• Market, street food: 30–60 MDL (placinta with cheese — 15 MDL, coffee — 25–40 MDL)
• “La Placinte” café (popular chain): 80–120 MDL for lunch
• Mid-range restaurant: 200–350 MDL for two
• Upscale restaurant: 400–700 MDL for two
• Moldovan wine at a restaurant: starting at 150 MDL per bottle
• Wine at a store: starting at 60 MDL per bottle of high-quality local wine

Transportation

• Minibus, trolleybus, bus: 3–6 MDL per trip (~0.15–0.30 EUR)
• Bolt (taxi) within the city: 40–80 MDL
• From the airport to downtown (Bolt): 60–100 MDL
• Car rental: $18–30 per day

Tours and Entertainment

• Admission to Crikova: starting at 250 MDL (~12 EUR)
• Mileștii Mic: starting at 150 MDL
• Zoo: 40–60 MDL for adults, 20–30 MDL for children
• Botanical Garden: free or nominal admission
• Parks and walks: free
• Spa/massage: 300–500 MDL per hour

Budget by comfort level

How to Save Money

• Parks are free: Valley of the Mills, Stefan Park, Botanical Garden.
• Eat at the market: Central Market (Piața Centrală)—fresh food for next to nothing.
• Transportation—minibuses: 6 lei instead of 60–80 lei on Bolt.
• Wine at the store: 3–4 times cheaper than at a restaurant.
• Book in advance: Booking 1–2 weeks ahead saves you 20–30%.
• Avoid currency exchange booths at the airport and in hotels—withdraw cash from ATMs instead.

FAQ

Is Chisinau an expensive city?
No. It’s one of the most affordable destinations. It’s cheaper than Kyiv, Warsaw, and Bucharest.

Cash or card?
Both. At markets and on minibuses, only cash is accepted.

How much does dinner cost?
At a café—150–250 MDL. At an above-average restaurant—300–500 MDL.

How much should I budget for a week?
Budget: 300–400 USD; mid-range: 500–700 USD; comfortable: 900–1,200 USD, not including airfare.

Do they accept euros or dollars?
In some tourist spots and hotels. It’s not worth paying in euros.