- Meals
- Budget: US$1-5
- Mid-range: US$5-10
- High: US$10-20
- Deluxe: US$20+
Lodging
- Budget: US$15-20
- Mid-range: US$20-80
- High: US$80-120
- Deluxe: US$120+
The good old cash-and-carry system still operates in Moldova, so take lots of US cash including some smaller denominations. There is often a shortage of ready change which means you may find yourself holding a box of matches or half a loaf of bread in lieu of a leu. Travellers cheques are almost impossible to exchange in Moldova although there are a few banks in Chisinau that will exchange and one that charges a 4% commission for advances on Visa or Mastercard. This is about the only time your credit card will get a workout as they are not accepted anywhere else in Moldova.
Transdniestr (a separate republic in everything except international recognition) has introduced its own currency, the Transdniestr rouble. It's about as valuable as Monopoly money but not as stable or straightforward. When inflation reaches critical meltdown, zeroes are added to selected bills with an insouciance that would make an economist weep. All you have to remember is that the blue 50,000 notes are worth 50,000 roubles while the brown 50,000 notes are actually worth 500,000 roubles, and five rouble notes are really worth 50,000 roubles if they have a silver hologram attached to them. And none of them is worth anything outside Transdniestr. Got all that?
A tip of 10%-15% is expected in restaurants and taxis.
