Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Moldova - cash only, or do cards work too?
I liked how easy and affordable Chișinău buses were. From my apartment in Buiucani, I caught a trolleybus to the center for just 6 lei, handed coins to the conductor. No fuss. Intercity buses at Gara de Sud also run frequently and cost just a few euros in cash. ATMs from Moldindconbank and MAIB are all over, so getting lei wasn’t a problem. Yes, it’s cash-based, but everything is so cheap and straightforward that I found it refreshing compared to big cities.
I found public transport in Moldova inconvenient for modern travelers. Staying near Alba Iulia Street, I had to dig for coins every time, as conductors didn’t like big notes. No apps, no contactless payments, nothing. Even at Chișinău Bus Station, the ticket counters only accepted cash. Once I ran around looking for a Victoriabank ATM to break a 100 lei note before catching my marshrutka. For tourists used to card payments, this feels outdated. Always carry small change or risk missing rides.
While staying at Hostel Amazing Ionika in Chișinău, I took trolleybus #22 almost every day to the airport. Every single time I paid in coins, handed directly to the lady collecting fares. On minibuses (marshrutkas) to Rîșcani, I also paid cash - usually 6-8 lei. Tried asking about card payments, and the driver just shook his head. Even the intercity bus to Soroca was strictly cash-only. Moldova’s system is old-fashioned but extremely cheap compared to Western Europe.
Moldova doesn’t have a metro, but in Chișinău you’ll find buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses. I stayed near the central Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and rode trolleybuses to Botanica. Each ride cost 6 MDL, paid in cash to the conductor who gave a small paper ticket. No cards accepted onboard. Even intercity buses from Chișinău North Station to Orhei were cash-only at the counter. Banks like MAIB and Victoriabank have ATMs nearby for getting small bills and coins.