Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Moldova

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Hostels, budget guesthouses, shared dormitories, and basic private rooms in family-run establishments

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Local markets, street food, traditional Moldovan cafeterias, self-catering, and basic restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, marshrutkas (minibuses), walking, and occasional shared taxis

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, Orthodox monasteries, wine cellar visits, and occasional museum entries

Eat at local markets and traditional cafeterias instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-70% cheaper)

Use marshrutkas and public buses instead of taxis for transport (usually 80-90% savings)

Visit wineries directly rather than booking organized tours (generally 40-60% less expensive)

Stay in family-run guesthouses outside Chișinău city center (typically 30-50% lower rates)

Shop at local supermarkets for snacks and drinks rather than tourist areas (usually 50-70% cheaper)

Take advantage of free monastery visits and public parks for cultural experiences

Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking platform fees (typically 10-15% savings)

Only eating in restaurants catering to tourists instead of local establishments (typically 100-150% markup)

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using efficient public transport system (usually 4-6x more expensive)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak seasons without comparing options (generally 40-80% higher costs)

Purchasing all wine and souvenirs in Chișinău tourist areas rather than directly from producers (typically 50-100% markup)