Chisinau - Post Report Question and Answers
What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It’s small so you can walk almost anywhere. The outdoor market in the center of town has everything you could ever need and more. It is affordable here when you are making a U.S. salary. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying their time here. - Sep 2023
Honestly, if you're an expat, it's pretty much a developed world existence. Moldova has a lot of poverty and problems but if you're drawing an expat salary those won't affect you much. - Apr 2019
Chisinau is a nice small capital city with a provincial feel. Everything is close-by (work, school...). Relative proximity to other European countries (more touristy ones like Greece) is a plus. People are very friendly and Chisinau is a very safe place to live in. Chisinau is the second greenest city of the former Soviet Union after Kiev: it has lots of large parks with one right next to the Embassy. Some people can easily walk to work (under 30 minutes) partly through the park. Traffic is light. The weather is nice (so far, the seasons have not been extremely cold or hot). We like the slow pace of life. - Feb 2014
Moldova is a charming country, one which will likely take you by surprise if you are expecting the harsh, "Eastern European" or "Former Soviet Union" experience. Honestly, in many ways, Moldova reminds me more of certain more rural parts of Spain and Italy 20-30 years ago. - Aug 2011
Moldova is a fascinating little corner of the former Soviet Union. Historically, the area is ripe with learning potential. You are very close to places to visit in the former Soviet Union, an hour from Istanbul, and relatively close to Greece and certainly western Europe. The cost of living is fairly low, so saving money is definitely possible. The weather is good, the city is easily navigated, walkable in many cases, and super safe. - May 2010
You will be able to save a great deal of money if you avoid western type goods and entertainment. - Mar 2010