Chisinau - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Romanian or Russian is helpful. The post language program is great. - Sep 2023
The two local languages are Romanian and Russian, and you should pick up at least a few hundred words in one of them; it will make your life a lot easier. Many people in Chisinau have some English, especially younger people, but outside of the city that drops off fast. Language classes are available though not always cheap. If you want to try a free self-taught online course, check out duolingo.com; it's not bad and, hey, it's free. Most English speakers find Romanian easier than Russian, especially if you have some Spanish or French, but YMMV. - Apr 2019
Romanian and Russian are definitely useful. Young (educated) people speak a fairly decent amount of English. - Feb 2014
Depends. If you want to live a fairly insulated expat life, you can get by with none. But why bother living overseas if you don't stretch your boundaries a little? Even just knowing a few basic phrases in Romanian or Russian will greatly improve your interactions with the locals and lead to a more rewarding experience. - Aug 2011
English is not well-known in Moldova. People can get English speaking staff and there are a few services that people know that can handle English speakers. If you don't know Romanian or Russian, though, you will run into many situations where you cannot communicate with people in stores, in restaurants, and in business situations. - May 2010
I personally think it is very important, especially in social settings. English is not widely spoken - Mar 2010
