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Moldova: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Moldova
Business culture in Moldova is generally formal at first, though it can become more relaxed once relationships are established. Punctuality is appreciated, particularly for initial meetings, and being late without notice is considered discourteous. Meetings often begin with polite conversation before moving on to business matters, and taking time to build trust is seen as important rather than inefficient.
Dress codes tend to be conservative, especially in traditional sectors and government-related business. A smart, professional appearance is expected, with business suits common for meetings in Chişinău and other major towns. Exchanging business cards is customary, and cards are typically given and received with a brief look rather than put away immediately.
Decision-making can be hierarchical, and final authority often rests with senior figures. Patience is useful, as processes may move more slowly than visitors from Western Europe are used to. Personal relationships matter, and trust built over time can be just as important as formal contracts when doing business in Moldova.
Moldova has a small, open economy that is still evolving from its Soviet-era foundations. Agriculture plays a significant role, with wine production, fruit, vegetables and cereals forming the backbone of rural livelihoods and exports. Moldovan wine, in particular, is a key national product and an important contributor to the economy.
In recent years, services have grown in importance, especially in areas such as IT, outsourcing and retail. Chişinău acts as the main economic hub, concentrating much of the country's business activity, investment and employment opportunities.
Wine and spirits, agricultural products (fruit, vegetables and cereals), textiles and clothing, sunflower oil, and machinery components.
Energy products (oil and gas), machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Keeping in Touch in Moldova
Mobile phone coverage in Moldova is generally good, particularly in cities, towns and along major roads. In Chişinău and other urban areas, 4G coverage is widespread, while coverage in rural or remote areas can be weaker but is usually adequate for basic calls and messaging. Mobile data speeds are generally reliable and affordable by European standards.
Visitors can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards on arrival from mobile operator shops, kiosks, supermarkets or shopping centres. A passport is required for SIM registration. Several local providers offer competitively priced data packages, making local SIM cards a cost-effective option for longer stays.
Wi-Fi is widely available across Moldova and is generally reliable in cities. Hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants and shopping centres commonly offer free Wi-Fi, often without the need for complicated login procedures. Speeds are usually sufficient for messaging, browsing and streaming, particularly in urban areas.
In smaller towns and rural areas, Wi-Fi access may be more limited and slower, but most accommodation providers still offer some level of connectivity. For travellers who rely heavily on internet access, combining Wi-Fi with a local SIM card provides the most consistent coverage.
Moldova has a diverse media landscape shaped by its history and linguistic mix. Television and radio remain widely used, with channels broadcasting in Romanian and Russian. International news channels are available via cable and satellite in many hotels, particularly in larger cities.
Online media and social networks are increasingly popular, especially among younger people, and many Moldovans rely on digital platforms for news and information. Visitors should be aware that media outlets may reflect differing political perspectives, particularly regarding regional and international issues. Access to foreign media websites is generally unrestricted, and travellers can easily follow international news while in the country.
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