Unmetered Taxi Overcharges
Meter Refusal in Urban Areas
In Moldova, taxi drivers, particularly in cities like Chisinau, often refuse to use the meter and instead negotiate fares verbally, quoting prices like 150-300 MDL for short trips that should cost 50-100 MDL. They target tourists at airports or train stations by claiming the meter is broken or offering 'fixed rates,' then taking indirect routes to inflate the cost.
- Use apps like Yandex Taxi or Bolt for fixed pricing and tracking
- Insist on seeing the meter before entering and note the driver's license plate
- Opt for official yellow taxis with visible company logos and avoid unmarked vehicles
Fake Wine Tour Offers
Bogus Vineyard Excursions
Moldova's wine industry attracts scams where street vendors or unofficial guides in areas like the countryside near Chisinau offer 'exclusive' tours to wineries, charging 200-500 MDL per person for visits to substandard or non-existent cellars, then pressuring tourists to buy overpriced wine at 300 MDL per bottle that may be counterfeit or low-quality.
- Book through reputable agencies like the official Moldova Tourism website
- Verify winery legitimacy by checking for EU-standard labels and official signage
- Avoid unsolicited offers on the street and stick to scheduled group tours from hotels
ATM Skimming at Banks
Skimmer Devices on Machines
In Moldova, criminals install skimming devices on ATMs in public areas like Chisinau's central squares or near markets, capturing card details from tourists withdrawing lei; victims might lose funds immediately or face fraudulent charges, with scammers often operating in less-monitored bank branches outside peak hours.
- Inspect ATMs for loose parts or skimmers before use and cover the PIN pad
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels during daylight and prefer contactless payments
- Monitor bank statements online and set up transaction alerts for unusual activity