How to Call Moldova
Complete guide to dialing Moldova (country code +373)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Moldova? Learning how to call Moldova doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Moldova from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the essential dialing instructions step-by-step, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your call from going through, and share important phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident placing calls to Moldova and staying connected with ease.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Moldova, you need to understand the basic structure: Exit Code + 373 + Local Number. The exit code varies by country, +373 is Moldova's country code, and the local number includes area or mobile codes without the leading zero.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011 + 373 + local number
- Example: 011-373-22-123456 (Chișinău landline)
From the UK:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00 + 373 + local number
- Example: 00-373-69-123456 (mobile number)
From other countries:
- Most countries use 00 as the exit code
- Some countries use different codes (check your local provider)
- Mobile users can typically use + instead of the exit code
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Chișinău landline from USA:
- Moldovan number: 022 123 456
- Remove leading zero: 22 123 456
- Dial: 011-373-22-123456
Example 2 - Calling a mobile number from UK:
- Moldovan mobile: 069 123 456
- Remove leading zero: 69 123 456
- Dial: 00-373-69-123456
Example 3 - Calling a Bălți landline from any mobile:
- Moldovan number: 0231 12345
- Remove leading zero: 231 12345
- Dial: +373-231-12345
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Moldova's local numbers begin with 0 when dialing domestically. Always drop this leading zero when calling internationally. For example, if a Moldovan gives you their number as 022-123-456, you dial 373-22-123456 (not 373-022-123456).
Quick Reference
- Landline codes: 22 (Chișinău), 231 (Bălți), 293 (Tiraspol)
- Mobile codes: 60, 61, 67, 68, 69, 76, 77, 78, 79
- Always use: Your country's exit code + 373 + number without zero
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Common Mistakes
When calling Moldova, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Moldovan phone numbers often appear with a leading zero (like 022 123 456), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. Instead of dialing +373 022 123 456, dial +373 22 123 456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use incorrect exit codes for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries use different codes (00 from most of Europe, 0011 from Australia). Using + instead eliminates confusion and works from any mobile phone.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Don't dial +373 373 – that's doubling up the country code. Moldova's country code is +373, followed directly by the local number without the zero.
4. Including spaces incorrectly
Spaces are just for readability and shouldn't affect dialing, but some people pause unnecessarily between digits. Dial continuously: +373221234567 works perfectly fine.
5. Not accounting for time differences
Moldova is in Eastern European Time (EET). Check the time difference to avoid calling during nighttime hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Moldova, it's important to understand local communication customs to make a positive impression.
Greetings and Formality
Start calls with "Bună ziua" (Good day) for formal situations or "Salut" for friends and family. Moldovans generally appreciate polite, respectful greetings. In business contexts, use titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Personal calls can be more relaxed, but initial politeness is always valued.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be direct and purpose-driven. Moldovans respect efficiency during work hours but appreciate a brief polite opening. Personal calls often include longer greetings and inquiries about family, which is considered normal and friendly.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling before 9 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship. Lunch hours (1-2 PM) are generally acceptable for personal calls but less ideal for business matters. Weekends are reserved for family time, so business calls should wait until Monday.
Voice Messages and Technology
Moldovans increasingly use messaging apps like Viber and WhatsApp alongside traditional calls. Leaving voice messages is acceptable, though many prefer text messages for non-urgent matters. Keep voicemails brief and clear.
Cultural Considerations
Moldovans value genuine warmth in communication. Don't rush conversations abruptly—taking a moment for pleasantries shows respect. Speaking Romanian or Russian demonstrates cultural appreciation, though many younger Moldovans speak English in business settings.
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Emergency Numbers
General Emergency Number:
- 112 – Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services (available 24/7, free from all phones including mobiles)
Specific Emergency Services:
- 901 – Police
- 902 – Ambulance
- 903 – Fire Department
- 904 – Gas Emergency Service
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Moldova. The 112 service connects you to operators who can dispatch appropriate emergency services. While operators primarily speak Romanian and Russian, basic English assistance may be available in major cities like Chișinău, though this cannot be guaranteed nationwide. For best results, have a Romanian or Russian speaker assist if possible. All emergency services operate 24 hours daily. When calling, clearly state your location, nature of the emergency, and contact number.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118 – National directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses within Moldova
International Services
- 1177 – International operator for assistance with overseas calls and connections
Tourist Information
- +373 22 211 111 – Tourist Information Center in Chișinău for travel guidance and recommendations
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy: +373 22 408 300
- UK Embassy: +373 22 225 902
- Romanian Embassy: +373 22 228 127
Other Useful Services
- 14 990 – Consumer Protection Hotline for complaints and consumer rights
- 0800 77 777 – National Anti-Corruption Hotline (toll-free)
- +373 22 250 880 – Railway Information for train schedules and bookings
- +373 22 525 353 – Chișinău Airport Information
Keep these numbers saved for convenient access during your stay in Moldova.
Tips for Calling Moldova
When calling Moldova, plan around their UTC+2 time zone (UTC+3 during daylight saving time from late March to late October). Calculate the time difference from your location to avoid inconvenient hours—early mornings or late evenings there.
For business calls, schedule appointments in advance, as this demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability. Moldovan business hours typically run Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with lunch breaks around 1:00-2:00 PM. Avoid calling during these lunch hours when possible.
Be mindful of national holidays including New Year's (January 1-2), Orthodox Christmas (January 7), International Women's Day (March 8), Orthodox Easter (dates vary), Labor Day (May 1), Victory Day (May 9), and Independence Day (August 27).
For clearer communication, speak slowly and articulate clearly, as many Moldovans speak Romanian, Russian, or English as a second language. Off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) may offer better rates if using traditional carriers, though this matters less with VoIP services. Consider using video calls when discussing complex matters, as visual cues help overcome potential language barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Moldova is +373. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Moldova from anywhere in the world.
To call Moldova from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 373 (Moldova's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +373-XX-XXX-XXX.
Yes, if the local Moldovan number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +373, enter the remaining digits without the leading zero.
The cheapest way to call Moldova is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Moldova.
In Moldova, the main emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergency), 902 (police), 903 (fire service), and 904 (ambulance). These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone.
Yes, you can call Moldova directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Moldovan phone number, and start calling—no downloads or special software required.
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