Transnistria

Transnistria (locally called by its Russian name, Pridnestrovie] (Приднестровие), and occasionally, in English, Trans-Dniester) is a country in eastern Europe. It seceded from — but is still claimed by — Moldova, and is only recognised by the other breakaway states of the former Soviet Union — Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh and South Ossetia. It roughly corresponds to the territory between the Dniester River and Ukraine.

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Cities

47.246|29.355|width=320|height=370}} Bender Fortress. South side 03 - |Bender Fortress

• Tiraspol GPS 46.845503,29.632878 - 168,000 inhabitants according to local government
• Bendery GPS 46.8333,29.4833 =
• Rybnitsa GPS 47.7667,29 Rybnitsa.jpg

Travel as a Muslim to Transnistria

Entering Transnistria is fairly straightforward by bus, train or vehicle from both west (Moldova, usually Chişinău) and east (Ukraine, usually Odessa). Upon entering Transnistria, you present your passport and they'll enter your info on their computer and print out a card in Russian and English. Upon clearing immigration, this card, not your passport, is stamped – half the card stays at the crossing you entered, and half stays with you until you leave Transnistria. As of October 2022, this card was not stamped or checked during the entire visit.

From the Bendery crossing to Chişinău, a taxi costs 100 to 150 Moldovan lei. A marshrutka (shuttle van) costs around 25 lei. Marshrutkas between Odessa and the Kuchurgan border (on the primary street to Tiraspol) are fairly frequent and affordable.

Russian Peace Keeping soldiers (14934029697) - Russian peacekeeping soldiers at the border between Transnistria and Moldova at Dubăsari

When crossing the border between Moldova and Transnistria, you will be checked only by Transnistrian officials. There are also peacekeeping Russian and Ukrainian soldiers who may stop and search vehicles.

Entering Transnistria from Ukraine will not get you a Moldovan entry stamp. If you then leave Moldova through a crossing controlled by Moldovan authorities, you may have problems with the Moldovan immigration authorities, who may try to claim that you entered Moldova illegally. Exiting Moldova through Transnistria to Ukraine (whether having a Moldovan entry stamp or not) causes no problems - even a subsequent visit to Moldova through one of the border crossings controlled by the Moldovan authorities doesn't raise problems with the border guards.

The Transnistrian officials may try to extort bribes from visitors at the borders, particularly on the main Odessa - Chişinău road. Be firm, unafraid and polite in insisting that you do not have to pay to enter or leave their country (unless driving your own vehicle, which incurs a US$5 fee upon entry). This may be daunting - nowhere else can you be interrogated by the KGB wearing hammer and sickle badges - but bribes are not officially condoned and they will back down. Don't let the guards see your money, it will make them want some for themselves. If you feel beaten and feel that paying a bribe is the best way out, keep it low: US$2 should be enough.

The best way to fight this corruption is to know beforehand what might happen and be prepared for games that the guards may play. Write a short paragraph stating that you know their tricks and how they work and that it's not necessary to have a Moldovan exit visa. Translate this into Russian while also providing a few of the complaint phone numbers listed below to show them you mean business. Also make sure to have several copies of this document because they will most likely confiscate the first version you give them.

Complaints can be made online, where you can go to the English version and click on "hot line". You can also send a complaint to @ (Transnistrian Customs). Future travellers will be grateful for your complaint! There is also a complaint hotline: (+373 533 94578 or 92568. Try to memorise the number of the officer before he asks you for a bribe. Even the nicest officer can be corrupt! If you complain you should also state the time and the date and the name of the border crossing. You should also give your phone number. There is an English speaking officer responsible for complaints. You can reach him at +373 778 50986 or @.

It is no longer necessary to register with the police (July 2018): you get a permit for up to 45 days at the entrance, depending on how long you say you want to stay. You need to provide an address or sponsor, so if you have reserved accommodation this is enough. They may ask to see the reservation. Once in Transnistria, you can extend your stay permit at the Immigration Office, and you'll need a local address. Passports are not stamped, but you'll get a paper with the departure date and time (to the seconds).

Entering Moldova through Transnistria from Ukraine

The official Moldovan stance on the missing entry stamp can vary.

As of November 2014 and the official stance is that foreign visitors are required to register within 3 days (72 hours) of arriving (that includes the time spent in Transnistria) to get a Moldovan entry stamp at nearest border station (e.g. Chisinau airport). If you don't comply, you will be fined 200 lei (approx €10). That will not affect future entry into Moldova; however and the process is rather complicated, as you need to pay the fine at the bank. There is usually a bank exchange office at major borders, but crossing smaller border points during the small hours may be a problem. If you take a train to Bucharest and there is plenty of time at Ungheni station for all paperwork.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Transnistria

Transnistria does not have its own international passenger airport (it has a military or freight airport), so the best way is to fly to Chişinău (IATA Code: KIV) in Moldova and travel from there. It is also feasible to come from Odessa in Ukraine by bus.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Transnistria

The only major train stations are Tiraspol and Bendery. There is one daily train between Odessa and Chişinău stopping at Tiraspol and Bendery as of November 2014. There are local trains running between Chişinău and Bendery but foreigners are not allowed to cross into Transnistria with these trains as no border control in them.

As of July 2012 and there is train connection between Chişinău and Moscow, stopping at Tiraspol and Kiev (Leaves Chişinău 22:30, stops at Tiraspol around 01:30 and arrives in Kiev 12:30). Check Poezda CIS Railway Timetable for up-to-date, English language timetables.

By car

Cars can enter but expect delays of up to an hour at border crossings in busy times. Foreign nationals driving their own vehicles are prime targets for border guards trying to extract bribes. According to the official hotline of Transnistrian customs there is an official road tax (US$5). Ask for a receipt.

Not all border crossing points are allowed, able, or willing to process foreign cars in customs. They may tell you to cross the border at a bigger crossing point.

Travel on a Bus in Transnistria

There is a relatively frequent (about every 30 minutes 07:00-18:00, less frequently as early as 05:00 and as late as 22:00) bus service connecting Chişinău and Tiraspol. Ask for return times when you arrive. Marshrutkas (shuttle vanes) also run this route. You should have no problem with border guards travelling by bus on this route (Oct 2022).

Direct Odessa - Tiraspol buses are not so frequent. However, buses from Tiraspol to the border at Kuchurgan (Кучурган) and from Kuchurgan to Odessa are frequent.

Check AVPMR] for official timetables of local and international buses.

Church under construction in Rîbnița (188825511) - The atheist stance of the USSR has not survived: church under construction in Rybnitsa, Transnistria

How to get around in Transnistria

There are hardly any train connections within the nation, so the bus—if available—will be your only choice. Marshrutkas (shuttle vanes) zip between cities much faster (and often more frequently) than buses. They cost a little more, but travel much faster and can be hailed anywhere along their route. If you flag down a marshrutka, it's customary to pay on leaving.

Best way to travel in Transnistria by a Taxi

Taxis in Tiraspol are very common and are quite cheap. Be wary of scams however—make sure to negotiate a price before you get in the taxi. If you miss the last bus to Chişinău at 18:35, you can take a taxi from Tiraspol to Chişinău, which should not cost more than US$30.

Local Language in Transnistria

Official languages in Transnistria are Russian, Moldovan (which is fundamentally identical to Romanian), and Ukrainian. Moldovan in Transnistria is spelled using the Cyrillic alphabet, although some people insist on spelling it with the Latin alphabet, which is a matter of dispute. The most common language used in shops, bars and taxis is Russian, which practically everyone understands and is the language of government. Moldovan and Ukrainian are understood and spoken too but to a lesser extent.

After the official languages, English and German are the most common. Bulgarian is common in Parcani village near Bender.

Furthermore, even people who speak some English (or another foreign language) can be quite shy about it, and may deny that they speak it even if they have been educated in it. Keep in mind and there is crucially zero tourism in Transnistria. If you are a local speaker of a foreign language and there's a good chance that you're the first native speaker the person you are talking to has ever spoken with.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Transnistria

Exchange - |Exchange booth in Tiraspol

Money Matters & ATM's in Transnistria

Official exchange rates for Transnistrian rubles|As of January 2019:

• €1 ≈ 18.4 rubles
• Moldovan lei 1 ≈ 0.92 rubles
• Russian ruble 1 ≈ 0.23 rubles
• Ukrainian hryvna 1 ≈ 0.59 rubles
• US$1 ≈ 16.1 rubles
• UK£1 ≈ 21 rubles

Exchange rates fluctuate. Current official exchange rates are available from the Pridnestrovian Republican Bank].

The national currency is the Transnistrian ruble. There is no ISO currency code from Transnistria, but banks may use either "PRB" or "RUP" to denote the currency. articles use rubles to denote the currency.

Exchange offices are common and will happily give you Transnistrian rubles in return for just about any tradeable currency. Don't change more money than you need as trying to turn Transnistrian rubles into other currencies may turn out to be difficult - even if exchange booths advertise rates to sell Euros, lei, US dollars etc. and they may not be willing to relinquish their stocks of 'real' money. Don't bother trying to change Transnistrian rubles outside Transnistria as no-one will touch them.

International credit/debit cards and travellers' cheques are not accepted anywhere in Transnistria. However and there is an international ATM on 25 October Street that dispenses Russian rubles and US dollars.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Transnistria

Tiraspol does not have a main shopping area; shops are few and have a limited choice. Most shops and sales stands will accept Moldovan lei and Ukrainian hryvna.

The local, excellent is cheap, at about US$3 a bottle. Cigarettes are very affordable too. There are also arts and crafts to buy as well. A good exchange point is the Kvint store in central Tiraspol and there is an exchange office with good rates inside the shop. There is also an exchange booth at Tiraspol the bus/train station.

There is a large open-air market in Tiraspol, close to the Suvorov's monument, and another in Bendery, located a few metres away from the bus and marshrutkas station. They are probably not fashionable for those looking for something closer to the western style, but interesting to see.

Noul Neamts monastery is located 5 kilometers from Tiraspol city in the village of Chitcani. (15097599816) - Noul Neamts monastery

Halal Restaurants in Transnistria

There are several restaurants serving local and international cuisine. There are no western fast food chains but there is an "Andy's Pizza" restaurant on 25 October Street in Tiraspol. There are also cafeteria-style restaurants which are very cheap: usually around US$3–5 for a 3-course lunch along with dessert and a choice of soft-drink. Local and are excellent and affordable. The Kvint factory is situated in Tiraspol, and Tiraspol has a Kvint shop, selling Kvint products at very low prices. Kvint produces arguably the best Cognac in the former Soviet Union, but it's extremely hard to come by in GCC countries, although Moldovan supermarkets sell it. A trip to Transnistria is not complete without a sample. There is also a slightly fermented bread-based soft drink that is sold in the streets called Kvas. For about 50 US cents you can get a cold glass of Kvas which is a Russian version of dandelion & burdock or root soft drinks.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Transnistria

Transnistria - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Transnistria, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Transnistria. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Transnistria and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Transnistria. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Transnistria. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTransnistria: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Transnistria.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Transnistria: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Transnistria, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Transnistria.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Transnistria, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Transnistria, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Transnistria and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Transnistria, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Transnistria, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Transnistria without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Transnistria is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Transnistria.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Transnistria is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Transnistria, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Transnistria Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Transnistria

eHalal Group Transnistria is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Transnistria. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Transnistria.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Transnistria ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Transnistria. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Transnistria, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Transnistria are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

See Tiraspol#Sleep|Tiraspol

Stay Safe

Flag of Transnistria Republic - Flag of Transnistria superimposed with a version of the national emblem

The physical dangers of Transnistria are almost non-existent. The major cities are much safer than Western European and American cities of similar size and economic makeup. Also, despite the political situation with Moldova and there is crucially no threat of being caught in a military action. There has not been fighting in Transnistria for many years. Indeed, Transnistria is a very safe place for travel. By far the biggest threat to visitors are scams.

Despite scare reports, Tiraspol is very welcoming, mainly because it gets so few tourists. Young people speak English and are helpful. The city is well-policed. Crime is low.

Many Transnistrians are excited to see foreigners and will be very welcoming, if a bit shy at first. Some, however, see foreigners as being sources of easy money. Always negotiate the price of a taxi before you get in. Use pen and paper if you are not a Russian speaker. Ask about the prices of items before you order them at a bar or restaurant. It is not common to be scammed, but it is far from rare. However, even when scams are attempted, it is often for no more than a few euros.

Be wary of police officers. If you look foreign and they will stop and ask to see your passport. Often and they will request bribes, but it should not take more than a few US dollars or euros. This training is not condoned by the Transnistrian government, but in training is fairly common. If you speak Russian and the chance to be asked for bribes is much lower.

While governmental travel warnings have been issued advising against travel to Transnistria and they have since been withdrawn.

Medical Issues in Transnistria

Medical care is almost entirely non-existent in Transnistria, especially for non-citizens. Furthermore, even if you have travel health insurance it will often not be valid in Transnistria, but valid in Moldova. It's advisable to check in advance with your insurer.

Be careful in Transnistria's bars during the night. There are often mafia-like characters having a good time with rolls of US dollars and you should not enquire too closely about the source of their wealth.

Tap water seems to be drinkable, at least in Tiraspol.

Telecommunications in Transnistria

Internet cafes are not widespread. There is one in Bendery, in Gagarin Street (close to the city market) and another one in Tiraspol, near Andy's Pizzas on 25 October Street. More and more restaurants offer free Wi-Fi for their guests, for example, 7Пятницъ,"La Placinta" and Andy's Pizzas in Tiraspol. Although still not frequent, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi inside new trolley buses running between Tiraspol and Bendery.

Mobile phones will work with Moldovan SIM cards in areas close to the border, but may not work in Tiraspol. Moldcell, for example, does not.

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