Central Moldovia Travel Guide

Forget the city itself, unless you are a fan of Soviet architecture of the 70s and 80s. Take a trip to one of wine cellars - like Milesti Mici, a few kilometers from the capital. Ten of kilometers of underground corridors, where wine is stored, and unforgettable tasting experience.

Notwithstanding their difficult socioeconomic situation, Moldovans always try to dress conservatively and well, whether in formal or sports clothes. Thus, it is appreciated if foreigners dress similarly.
Moldovan women, usually, do not shake hands and, in either a business or a social setting, a nod of the head is acceptable when greeting or meeting a woman, or women. By the same token when a man greets a male acquaintance, with a handshake, it would be impolite not to shake the hand of all the males in the group as well.
In a wine producing country such as Moldova it has traditionally been considered impolite not to drink the entire glass of wine if the host/hostess offers a toast. Since many toasts are typically offered throughout a social or business dinner, the requirement of this custom has tended to be altered for westerners who might choose not to drink alcohol as a matter of principle, health or religion. Moldovans are not so surprised, therefore, and do not seem to be offended to see a glass of water or juice raised instead for the toast.
In Moldova shoes that are worn out of doors are removed when entering a home or apartment. Moldovans normally wear slippers for indoor use. If a foreigner is invited as a guest, he/she may want to carry a heavy pair of knit socks or slippers to wear indoors in place of his/her outdoor shoes.
It is customary in Moldova for the person celebrating his/her birthday to provide an array of food and drink for the work place and at home. It is also customary, when invited to a home, to take flowers or a small gift.

Kvint cognac factory is a must - for drink lovers, of course. For 10 or 15$, you get a 30 guided tour around various producion sites. After that, you are invited for cognac tasting session, where you are served various spirits starting with most popular 3-year aged brandy, ending with 40 year old Suvorov cognac. This accompanied with some simple (but tasty) food and, last but certainly not least, stories an anecdotes concerning different sorts of cognac.
They should be, in fact, called brandy, not cognac (not French product), but its taste justify the use of the more noble name. These were the most valued liquors in the whole of USSR.
Oh, btw, you know of course, that getting to Tiraspol is not that easy, and generally, you travel at your own risk....