Transnistria - Moldova

[Darth_Budda]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnistria

Any one know anything about this part of the world?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiraspol

I read some of the Background of the history of Transnistria,
But How is it now to travel to?
 

[Boethius]

I don't, but my husband does.  What do you want to know?

[Ronnie]

I know it's very close to Odessa and those who travel to Chisinau usually take the route through Palanca which avoids Transniestria.  Politically I believe that only Russian has an embassy there meaning it's the only country that recognizes it's sovereignty though it's a defacto recongnition without a formal recognition.  The world recognized Transniestria as a part of Moldova.  The division is yet another tension that is left over for the former Soviet Union's attempt to Russify occupied countries followed by a post-breakup backlash against the Russians who moved there and their descendants who have no other home.


In terms of travel, the Transniestrian region is notorious for old soviet-style corruption which is reputed to be more corrupt than the post soviet corruption.  That's why it's avoided by most travelers. 


On a happier note, the do have a baseball program in the city of Tiraspol and their 13-15 year olds will come to Illyichevsk on Saturday where we will have a three team round robin mini tournament.


-Ronnie

[JohnDearGreen]

But How is it now to travel to?

Check places like the Lonely Planet travel forum.
Appears conditions have improved in last couple of years:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1916984

[LAman]

Finally something I do have some of experience!!!
 
I used to take bus often between Odessa and Chisinau. A very cheap~$15
for about 5 hour trip. As Ronnie said, inperative you go through Palanca crossing at border and avoid going through Tiraspol. Also you need to leave from certain bus stations in each city. In Chisinau it is Norte Bus Station....not sure of name in Odessa...it is small one. Even at that...I got stares from officials( moldovian side).
   Now the horror story!!! Once in Odessa, I had someone take me to bus station for trip to Chisinau....a fellow at station offered to take me direct...with several other people, at reasonable cost....in only couple hours. I told the man, that I didn't want to go through transniestria region...he said okay..do not worry!! Well, I had bad feeling during ride....and lo and behold at border crossing I was asked to get off and go into office( interrogation)asked about money and who I am visiting. I had credit cards and a $20 and $5 showing. I was asked about any more money( that I had hidden away in money belt), I knew the bribe was on....I was asked about how I am to pay for apt...I said I will stay with friends.....then that idiot driver asked me if I had any more money, to give them....I said no.....next thing I know my luggage was unloaded and the van disappeared....talk about a shrinking feeling.Luckily..it was mid day...as I wondered what to do.....after what seemed hours, I finally was let go.....and left the $20 on the table and took my stuff....as I walked across border.....I saw in distance the van...waiting for me...along with some unhappy passengers. I thought okay..I got a ride but wondered if I was just a pawn. On second set of border crossing( out of Transniesteria),
me and another guy were pawned off on a car going by, with a payout and taken to outskirts of Chisinau....to fend for ourselves...guy spoke russian so I tailed him into small bus and into city. I called my friend and he told me where to get off and he will meet me there. All this because I was stupid enough to cut corners!!!!

[LAman]

Forgot to add, I am likely to take bus from Odessa to Chisinau in October.
I asked my friend for name of small bus station in Odessa that will go through Palanca. Not sure if the modern large one will...I only been there one time(you know THAT story)!!!

[Ronnie]

Forgot to add, I am likely to take bus from Odessa to Chisinau in October.
I asked my friend for name of small bus station in Odessa that will go through Palanca. Not sure if the modern large one will...I only been there one time(you know THAT story)!!!

It's the station next to the train station and Privoz market.  Easy to get to.  As I recall, the micro bus also stopped at the other station in both directions so I assume either station works..End of the line though was the one by Privoz.