An unrecognized breakaway state, Transnistria is technically part of the country Moldova but has its own government system and currency. It’s also known as Pridnestrovian Moldova. Visiting this “country that doesn’t exist” was like stepping back in time with statues of Lenin, classic cars, and the sickle & hammer symbol everywhere — a quasi-Soviet state even after the fall of the USSR thirty years ago.
Getting There
It’s easiest if you stay in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, and take a day trip to Transnistria. I stayed at the Amazing Ionika Hostel, which offers a day trip for a reasonable price, much cheaper than other options and takes you to both Bender and Tiraspol.
Border Crossing
You will have to do customs to enter Transnistria; all you have to do is show your passport and they give you a slip of paper with your information in Cyrillic. DO NOT lose this paper! You must turn it back in upon exiting. If you take a bus from Chisinau to Kyiv, you will have to go through customs three times: entering/exiting Transnistria, exiting Moldova, and entering Ukraine.
Currency
Yes, Transnistria has its very own currency! The coins are famously plastic, but are rare to find. It was fun going on hunts around all the different markets to find them! I’m still missing a couple, so hopefully one day I can go back to find the rest.
Bender
Personally there wasn’t much to see in the border town of Bender, but there was a really interesting flea market where you could purchase the famous plastic coins from locals. The country is very poor, and you’ll see people selling all sorts of home goods just to make a few bucks.
Tiraspol
The capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol, is absolutely fascinating. Check out the USSR Canteen for a bite to eat, an underground classic Soviet restaurant with traditional dishes and regalia.
