Just back after four days visiting my lady, just a bit of advice for any prospective visitors.
Austrian airlines were very good, only 45 minute wait both ends for the connection, times of flights good too.
Customs in Chisinau airport don't know what there doing, I got my case searched and the man picked up a bottle of wine and said i could not bring it into the country, i said i could, and he gave it back!!!
Don't even bother with credit/debit cards, there cash machines are not designed for chip and pin, cash only is the motto.
Stayed at apartment from Adresa, no complaints nice and warm and clean.
I've been to Chisinau four times - each time with gifts, of course, for my lady. Whether real jewerly or even costume - somebody ALWAYS found a piece in my luggage that they wanted. Whether it be a uniformed female guard, or on one occasion, nonuniformed girls who were apparently the GIRLFRIENDS of customs people, they always found a piece of jewelry that they wanted - and no I never gave it to them - and never paid them.
Correction - the last time I went, I was only asked how much money I had. Since I caried very little (under $100) and use ATM machines, I told them that. With a clear look of disappointment they let me pass.
The police at Dnepropetrovsk airport are similar, I allowed them to confiscate an aerosol of deodorant once but only after I had sprayed it everywhere to empty it, and twice they have tried to fine me USD20 only to receive my best 'f*ck off' expressions :)
The only problem I ever had upon departing was during first of my 4 trips there, when I was told that I couldn't take any local currency out with me. That I should deposit it at a local bank, so I gave them some, and they allowed me to "amend" my exit statement.
They worst exit is Ukraine's land borders to the west, probably to curb girl traffic.
All I will add is that, if things don't progress with my lady, I will be back to Moldova in the summer to asses the ladies a little closer :-)))
Never sore a fat bird and the woman certainly appear to have more class and sophistication than in the UK despite living in a bland place.
I saw a young fat Moldovan girl once. I think it was on my third trip. It was in the distance and she was standing in a crowd with several hundred other people. On the other hand - maybe she was an American Peace Corp worker or tourist. I never actually spoke to her.
Regarding LEAVING with Moldovan Lei... I am aware of the the law forbidding it. Therefore I generally make sure that I have less than $100 worth of it when I leave - I generally keep enough to pay the taxi driver to the airport, a little extra maybe 100 lei (about $8) for a potential bribe - if I need it at the last moment (never have so far) - then I give the last of my $100 or so in lei to my lady.
Its a system that makes sure I have enough to take care of myself and it leaves a little for her to use later.
Law or not, Moldovan currency is unexchangeable and worthless even in neighboring countries, so why not dump it anyway before leaving Chisinau. If exiting thru north, don't forget to get buy some wine at winery there, just before border. It's cheap and gooooooood.
As you get farther and farther away from Chisinau, the songs get folkier and faster. It's YE HA here, there it's YE HA HA.
Don't expect to find any maidens in villages because they've all moved to Chisinau with their kin. Many travel to country to visit their parents and other elders.
The wine is also available at the Duty Free Shop at the airport. A little more expensive, of course as they have a captive clientel - but if you don't buy it there you won't ever get ehe chance in any other country on your flight.
More and more cash points for bancomat and visa/mastercard are being put up. No problem at all, BUT, yes only in Chisinau and mostly in Center.....
For good apartments: just look on google and fing private owned good renovated ones, pay some more but be sure to have electricity and heating, it is also nice to know if you will have some hot water? Joke? Go ahead and book for less than 40$ and you will have your supprise. Just google : 'rent modern apartment chisinau'