Skip to content
Few scams

Eastern Europe

Tourist scams in Moldova

Crime rates in Moldova are relatively low, and most visitors face little trouble. The main risks described are online romance and business scams, taxi drivers leaving meters off, and occasional demands for bribes from officials. Police corruption aimed at foreigners is described as rare in Chișinău.
  1. 1 Online bookingsCommonOnline romance scamsSomeone uses an online romantic connection to draw you into a financial scam. Visitors travelling to meet someone they first contacted online should take extra care.Online, including contact made before a visit 2Read
  2. 2 TaxisOccasionalTaxi driver leaves the meter offA driver may 'forget' to turn on the meter. Without a running meter, you lose the clear basis for checking the fare.Chișinău 1Read
  3. 3 Other tricksOccasionalOnline business and financial scamsA business contact or financial offer can be used to scam a visitor, especially when first contact happened online. No specific payment method or detailed scheme is described.Online, including contact made before a business visit 1Read
  4. 4 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice pressure for a bribeA corrupt officer may use a minor offence as a reason to detain you, then add invented offences to frighten you into paying a bribe. In Chișinău, this is described as rare and usually follows being caught doing something illegal.Across Moldova, with a specific warning for Chișinău 2Read
  5. 5 Airport and borderOccasionalBorder guard demands a bribeA corrupt border guard may try to extort money. No specific pretext or payment amount is described.Border checks; no specific crossing is named 3Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check that the meter is on before entering a taxi in Chișinău.
  • Ask your hotel or a restaurant to call a taxi if language is a problem.
  • Confirm card payment when ordering.
  • Carry small notes. Drivers may struggle to change notes larger than 50 lei.

Money

  • Check online romantic or business contacts independently before sending money.
  • Pause any payment if you feel rushed or pressured.
  • Keep payment records and copies of important messages.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read the fee shown before confirming an ATM withdrawal.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available in case you need to freeze a card.

Nights out

  • Keep track of how much you drink so you can make clear decisions.
  • Politely walk away if an intoxicated person becomes intrusive.
  • Plan your route back and carry a small torch, as some streets and entrances are poorly lit.

Police and officials

  • Carry your passport and keep a separate good-quality copy.
  • Save your embassy's number and your accommodation's contact details.
  • Stay calm during checks and ask for written details of any alleged offence.
  • Ask for an official receipt for any requested payment.

What travellers say about Moldova

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourists often scammed in Moldova?

Crime rates are relatively low. The main warnings concern online romance and business contacts, taxi meters and occasional official bribe demands.

How do I avoid taxi overcharging in Chișinău?

Ask for the meter to be switched on before entering, and pay the amount it shows. Choose another taxi if the driver refuses.

Should I bring cash for taxis?

Many drivers accept cards, but confirm when ordering. For cash, carry small notes because drivers may struggle to change anything larger than 50 lei. Ordinary fares start at about 50 lei.

What should I watch for when visiting an online romantic contact?

Treat requests for money with caution. Check the person's identity independently and keep control of your bookings and finances.

Can an online business contact be a scam?

Yes. Visitors travelling for business are warned about financial scams, especially when first contact happened online. Verify the person, business and payment request before transferring money.

What if police demand money over a minor offence?

Stay calm. Ask for written details and the official payment process. Keep your embassy's contact details available. Rare cases in Chișinău involve invented extra offences used to pressure foreigners into paying.

What should I do about an unexplained border payment?

Ask what the payment covers and request written details and an official receipt. Stay calm and contact your embassy if you need help.

Does an ATM fee mean I am being scammed?

No. An ordinary fee of about 2% is described for users without an account at the bank or its parent company. Check the displayed fee before confirming.

How should I handle an intrusive drunk person at night?

Politely walking away usually works. Plan your route back, watch your drinking and carry a small torch for poorly lit streets and entrances.

Are there named scam hotspots to avoid?

No specific market, station, airport or attraction is identified as a scam hotspot. The taxi warning applies to Chișinău, while online scams and official bribe demands can affect visitors more broadly.

Reviewed by