Renting a car in Moldova as a visitor: licence, deposit, insurance
Moldova is a country you are better off driving yourself: distances are short, a winery or a monastery is a couple of hours away, and buses to the regions run on their own schedule. Here is everything a visitor needs to know before picking up a rental car.
What documents you need
The requirements are the same for residents and visitors:
- a category B driving licence and at least three years of driving experience;
- aged 21 or over;
- a passport or ID card — companies also need their registration details and documents.
Why a deposit is taken
The deposit is not a rental charge or a surcharge. It is a refundable amount that secures the terms of the contract: it comes back within ten days after you return the car, provided there is no damage or serious breach.
The amount depends on the class of car and is agreed before the contract is signed. Ask about it when booking and there will be no surprises at the counter.
How insurance works
Cars are handed over in sound technical condition and insured — mandatory insurance is included in the rental price. CASCO cover, which covers a wider range of damage, can be added on top.
Without CASCO, the driver is liable in case of an accident. For a short trip around the city it is usually unnecessary; for a long route through the regions it is worth discussing.
Picking the car up at the airport
Chisinau International Airport (IATA code RMO, formerly KIV) is thirteen kilometres from the centre, a fifteen to twenty minute drive. You can take the car right in the arrivals hall: give your flight number when booking and delivery adjusts to the actual landing time, even if the plane is delayed. This runs around the clock, night and early-morning flights included. You can return the car there before departure — the check takes a few minutes.
Can you drive abroad
Yes, but the route must be agreed in advance — some countries require additional insurance. Romania, Ukraine and onward into Europe are handled case by case: mention it when booking rather than on the day of pick-up, so the paperwork can be prepared.
What to know about Moldovan roads
A few practical details people usually discover on the way:
- up to 200 km per day is included, counted cumulatively on multi-day rentals — for trips around the country an unlimited-mileage option can be added;
- all settlements are in Moldovan lei: prices on the site can be switched to another currency for reference, but the contract and payment are in lei;
- roads to the regions can be icy in winter — from November to March a crossover is a safer choice for longer trips than a city hatchback.
Delivery to your flight, a meeting in arrivals and drop-off before departure — the terms and the order of steps are set out on a separate page.
Airport car rental