Credit card declined in Moldova

Moldova is not very card-friendly. My Mastercard failed at two ATMs before Moldindconbank accepted it. In the capital, most places accepted cards, but outside it was cash-only. Budget about 850-950 MDL per day for food, transport, and entry to attractions. Always keep leu in hand, because rejections are normal and some ATMs run out of money. If your card keeps declining, don’t panic-just rely more on cash.

From my trip, I’d say Moldova is cash-heavy. My Visa was declined several times before an ATM from Victoriabank finally worked. In Chișinău malls, cards were accepted, but smaller shops and cafés weren’t. Budget 800-1,000 MDL daily for meals and buses. Always carry cash, because international cards are hit-or-miss. If your card keeps declining, try another ATM, but be prepared that rural areas will be cash-only.

My Mastercard kept failing at some ATMs in Chișinău, but MAIB (Moldova Agroindbank) finally worked. Larger hotels and restaurants took cards, but local shops and transport often refused them. For budgeting, 900 MDL per day covered my food, taxis, and attractions like Orheiul Vechi. Don’t depend only on your card-have cash in leu ready. Card rejections are common, especially outside the capital.

In Moldova, card rejection happens often. My Visa was declined at two ATMs in Chișinău until I tried Moldindconbank, which worked. Most shops in the city accepted cards, but small markets and restaurants wanted cash in Moldovan leu. Plan around 800-1,000 MDL daily for meals, taxis, and sightseeing. ATMs can be unreliable, so always withdraw more than you need when one works. Carry backup cash, because rural areas rarely accept cards.