Life In Moldova- 13 Important Things To Know About Living In Moldova

I spent a year in Moldova, with most of my days centered in its capital, Chișinău, but my wanderlust made sure I covered most of its nooks and crannies. On a whim, post a rather intriguing job offer, I found myself boarding a plane to this Eastern European surprise (actually, the least visited country in Europe and one of the least visited ones in the world). Through highs and lows, Moldova chiseled out a new version of me, and in this article, I’ll unwrap the profound lessons living in Moldova gifted me.

Life In Moldova: Relocating to the Hidden Gems of Eastern Europe

Nestled snugly between Ukraine and Romania, this often overlooked Eastern European gem is truly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Moldova is an interesting mix of Soviet-era relics and modern European nuances. It’s a place where the bustle of the city of Chișinău contrasts beautifully with the serene rural areas, and where horse carts coexist with cars. 

Moldova is one of Europe’s most affordable countries but also one of its poorest. Fresh produce, rent, transport – it’s all refreshingly light on the pocket. And Moldovans are as warm as their finest cognacs. From inviting you into their homes to celebrating their vivid traditions and festivals, the Moldovan hospitality will often leave you speechless.

Sounds surprising? Yup, it did for me too. At least until I got…

Beyond Western European Perspectives: Embracing Moldova’s Authenticity

When speaking about life in Moldova, we have to mention the most common misconceptions most westerners have about this country.

That’s basically Russia, right?”

While Moldova indeed shares a Soviet past, and has a strong Rusophile stronghold in Transnistria, these are different times. Moldova also has Romanian heritage, Eastern Slavic influences, and a sprinkle of Ottoman legacies.

Isn’t it all farmland and vineyards?

While the undulating vineyards are a sight to behold, and yes, its wine is divine, Moldova is not just grapevines and plows. For example, Chișinău, the capital is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, offering everything from chic cafes and bistros to contemporary art galleries and nightclubs.

Moldovans and Romanians are the same, no?” Moldova and Romania share the same literary language, the people are almost culturally identical, and the relations between the two is very friendly. However, time passed as separate countries, and especially after Romania joining the EU has increased the differences between the two. Moldova also has more minorities, including Russians, Gagauz, and Bulgarian, and each has added its own flavor to the Moldovan melting pot.

Moldova doesn’t have much to offer

Beyond its wine—which, let’s face it, is actually underrated—Moldova offers soul-stirring traditional music, intricate crafts, vibrant festivals, and some of the most fascinating ancient monasteries in Europe…

Now that we covered why some of the most common misconceptions about Moldova are false, let’s:

Peel Back the Layers: Understanding Moldova

For the uninitiated, Moldova might appear modest at first and as we move along with this article, we’ll explain why this conception is wrong. So, if you’re planning on living in Moldova for a while, here’s a few insider’s tips on what you need to know about life in Moldova.

Moldovan Hospitality is No Joke: The Moldovans might just redefine your understanding of generosity. Expect impromptu dinner invitations, heartfelt toasts in your honor, and second (and third) portions being heaped onto your plate before you can say “Mămăligă.

Speak the Language(s): While Romanian (often referred to locally as Moldovan) is the official tongue, don’t be surprised if you hear Russian, Gagauz, or Bulgarian in passing. Picking up a few phrases can bridge cultural gaps.

The Art of the Market: Central markets, like Piata Centrală in Chișinău are pulsating hubs of daily life where bargaining is a theatrical performance and exchange of goods, the beginning of new friendships.

Time Travel Exists: One moment you’re driving past gleaming modern structures, the next you’re ambling through villages that seem frozen in time, as epochs seem to intertwine in Moldova.

Wine Isn’t Just a Drink: It’s a culture, history, and identity. And the famous cellars of Mileștii Mici and Cricova are not only some of the largest in the world but also subterranean temples celebrating the country’s vinicultural prowess.

Living In Moldova- Walking The Moldovan Mile

We all hear the saying to walk in someone’s shoes all the time and in this part, I’ll try to briefly answer the question how does it feel like to walk in the average Moldovan’s shoes.

And no, I don’t mean understanding the local language or knowing the best wine taverns (though that’s an adventure in itself). It’s about the random acts of kindness to strangers, the surprisingly passionate debates about “sarmale” fillings, or the unexpected joys of mastering the art of a proper Moldovan toast.  There’s a rhythm to life in Moldova that’s distinct—where old-world charm marries post-Soviet resilience and creates and walking the Moldovan mile means dancing to this unique beat…

And speaking of people, this brings me to my next point…

Moldova’s Population Dynamics & Changes

Moldova suffers from one of Europe’s worst cases of brain drain, the act of exodus of educated and skilled individuals seeking more prosperous opportunities abroad. See, many Moldovans obtained Romanian passports (because the two are very similar and most of them have at least some relatives in Romania) and many of them live and work in the EU. The reason for this is a cocktail of economic, political, and social factors.

Now, as an expat, this sets a rather unique scene. While on one hand, you might find plenty of opportunities, there’s also the bittersweet realization of becoming part of a community with a significant chunk of its heart elsewhere…

The Magnetic Appeal: Why Moldova Beckons Newcomers

While it’s true that Moldova might not be topping any ‘most moved to’ lists, it does see a steady stream of newcomers, especially from neighboring countries. So, this begs the question: What’s so appealing about life in Moldova as a foreigner?

For starters, there’s the cost of living in Moldova. From rent to food to entertainment, the affordability factor is off the charts. Then there’s the ever-enticing lure of the off-the-beaten-path, perfect for introverts, adventurers, or hipsters who like to go when most others don’t.

And then, of course, there are the wines – divine, delectable, and incredibly pocket-friendly and part of Moldova’s wine culture that is a whole tradition.

And the charm offensive doesn’t stop there. The people are welcoming, the countryside is breathtaking, and the food it is a story in on its own.

Enjoying expat posts? Then you may also like our guide to living in Georgia country, living in Bulgaria, and life in India.

Culinary Chronicles: What Moldovan Cuisine Teaches About Its Culture

What comes to mind when you think of Moldovan cuisine? Drawing a blank? Don’t worry, I was in the same boat before visiting. And the best way to understand a people is by eating their food. In Moldova, the food is almost identical to Romanian cuisine (because again, the people are very similar) but then there are also dishes from Moldova’s minorities.

Take, for instance, the beloved mămăligă, a cornmeal staple that might initially come off as Moldova’s answer to polenta. Then there’s the iconic sarmale—cabbage rolls stuffed with a tantalizing mix of meat, rice, and spices that’s also known as Sarma in the Balkans. You’ve surely heard of pastrami too. But then there are also dishes like Olivier (Russian) salad, borscht, Colțunași (or pelmeni), and other dishes that are closer to Russian cuisine.

The Expat’s Experience: Realities and Revelations

Let me be frank, when I first told friends I was moving to Moldova, the responses varied from “Wait, where now?” to “Are you auditioning for a new reality show I haven’t heard of?”

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it; adjusting to life in Moldova came with some hurdles. I remember my first winter, which seemed to extend its icy grip way longer than I was used to. But with every chilly evening came the warmth of Moldovan hospitality, the tantalizing aroma of a hot zeamă soup, and neighbors always ready to share a bottle of homemade wine. Brrr-illiant, right?

The Moldovan way of life, at first, seemed unhurried. People take their time, they have long conversations at the local market or at the street. The bus is always “just five minutes away.” And so are people, not shy about being late, I’ll tell you that. Kind of annoying but after some time, it gets refreshing. Back home, I was always racing—against time, but here, I’ve learned the fine art of patience and the joy of living in the moment.

Diving Deeper: The Moldovan Mindset

Moldovans possess an enviable resilience, fuelled by their tumultuous history. And as a result, their ways can best be described as a blend of Eastern European stoicism peppered with Mediterranean-like vivacity

One of the most endearing traits I’ve come to admire is their innate sense of community in an era where individualism often takes the spotlight. Moldovans hold family and community close and the notion of “mine” often blurs into “ours”. And then there’s the famed Moldovan patience which is a crucial aspect of life in Moldova. Be it standing in queues, waiting for the harvest, or simply allowing wine to age to perfection, Moldovans have mastered the art of waiting. It

But perhaps the most striking revelation was the Moldovan approach to challenges. Where most see a dead-end, they see a detour and find another unconventional solution to address problems with what’s on hand, kind of like jugaad in India.

The Poverty- Close To Fifth Of The Population Lives In It

Almost a fifth of the people living in Moldova grapple with poverty, a statistic that isn’t always evident to tourists but becomes apparent when you’ve become a new resident. And in no other place this is more evident than the bustling markets of Chișinău. I’ve witnessed grandmothers with wrinkles, knitting beautiful crafts to make an extra leu or two. Children, with wisdom far beyond their years, often help in family trades or farms, accepting the hard challenges of life early on.

Yet, in this narrative of economic struggle, there’s an unwavering spirit that refuses to be defined by financial constraints. One of my favorite aspects of life in Moldova is that communities come together, pooling resources, sharing meals, and ensuring that the “proverbial pot of mămăligă” never runs empty.

All In All, It Has Come Long Way But Is It Enough?

Now, for starters, there’s no denying the leaps Moldova has made since being an independent country. The streets of Chișinău, that once looked like a copy-paste Soviet city, now buzz with youthful energy that’s unmistakably European. The cityscape has evolved and business have expanded, even though it’s still one of the poorest countries in Europe.

But beneath the surface, lies the question: “Is it enough?”

While modern conveniences have become accessible, economic disparity and corruption are still a big problem which is why many people living in Moldova still seek opportunities abroad, often leaving behind families and an aging population. Infrastructure has improved but doesn’t always reach the remote corners of the country where progress is still very slow which leads us to my next point…

Drawbacks Of Life In Moldova

Coming from a bustling metropolis where everything was available at the click of a button, the leisurely tempo of life in Moldova’s was maddening at start but also became endearing as time passed by. The stark economic disparities are impossible to ignore. While Chișinău is a hub of growth with swanky cafes and upscale boutiques, a mere hour’s drive into the countryside paints a completely different picture which just fuels more migration among young people.

And speaking of migration, it’s an omnipresent theme. Too many evenings have been spent in the company of locals sharing tales of loved ones who’ve ventured abroad. And many blame corruption and bureaucracy.

Oh, and the bureaucracy! It’s the kind of place that would even inspire Kafka to write a sequel to the Process. Securing even a simple permit can spiral into a Byzantine maze of documents, stamps, and ping-ponging among different departments.

Expat Essentials: Services, Apps, and Local Secrets for Seamless Living

Last but not least, this guide to living in Moldova wouldn’t be complete without a few expat essentials (from my personal experience). 

Tappin’ Around Town: First off, say hello to Yandex.Taxi. It’s like the Moldovan cousin of Uber. Reliable, affordable, and with a user-friendly English option.

Speaking the Lingo: While I’m still perfecting my “mulțumesc” and “salut,” Duolingo has been a faithful companion but when in doubt, the Google Translate app.

Local Loop: Want to be in the know? The Diez website offers news, cultural tidbits, and expat stories in English.

Market Marvels: The 999.md app is Moldova’s answer to Craigslist. From apartments to antique trinkets, this platform is where Moldovans buy, sell, and barter.

Social Circles: Life in Moldova wouldn’t be the same without its people. Internations and local Facebook expat groups have been my lifeline for social events and networking.

Moldovan Munchies: To order food to my doorstep, FoodHouse and Linella Delivery have been godsends.

How did you like our guide to life in Moldova? Is living in Moldova something you’d consider? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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