Moldova
 

I plan to go through Moldova on the way to Odessa.
I'm wondering if it's a dangerous country (ciminality, corrupt policemen, etc.), especially the semi-indipendent region of "Transdniestr".
I heard very different opinion so far: somebody told me that Transdniestr is very dangerous and I should absolutely avoid it, some other told me that I have absolutely to go as it's very interesting.
I travel with only my wife on a bright red BMW R 1100 GS
Thanks for any advice
Pietro

Completely safe country. I recommend to visit bikers-festival " Show of Motors " 23-24.07.2004

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+ 7 910 456 40 20 Dmitry

[This message has been edited by Deamon (edited 07 June 2004).]

I went through Moldova last year during a circumnavigation of the Black sea. Getting into Moldova took about 6 hours of negotiation (bribery!)and once in we were met with a police check point about 1 km up the road demanding money. We ended up in Cahul and had an armed gaurd to protect us and a gaurd all night to protect the bikes. We did a deal with the local Chief of police for protection but that still did not prevent one of our party being surrounded by menacing local police demanding money. We had been advised beforehand not to ride at night becuse we would either be shot at or would fall into the holes in the road. Well we didn't ride at night so can't comment on the shootings, but beware the roads are very bad in places.

This is purely based on one personal experience of our visit to Moldova. Maybe we were unluckly but based on our travels in the Ukraine, Russia and Georgia, the experience was not unusual for that part of the world. It probably didn't help that we were travelling as a group of 10 bikes. I have heard that it is much less touble if you go on your own.

Would I go again - of course!

Let me know if you want anymore details or comments.