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Photo-guide on best places to visit in Marrakesh

Featured by Anna Powaska, posted in Africa, Morocco

  As many flavours and spices are available in Marrakesh, as many things to see are there and around. Its just booming with richness of culture present on every corner, almost aggressively attacking your eyes, and dragging in to it, and that should be considered definitely as a positive. So if you have  a good week of staying in, you should definitely have a loads of time to discover all, and maybe even to buy a trip or two to see mountains or desert. Tours can take you to many interesting places in Morocco at very affordable prices. I bought one to see three waterfalls in High Atlas Mountains and one to see the desert. I am afraid, I don’t have a current prices, but when I was there in Nov 2014, I  paid around 25£ each. Well worth it. They both were for one day. There is loads of travel agents around to reserved your place, and they will usually pick you up from the place you`re staying or from agreed place close by. But coming back to our wonderful Marrakesh, apart from organised trips, it`s definitely worth to see:15795340395_c814a9b319_o

  • MEDERSA BEN YOUSSEF

It’s an Islamic college where pious clever clogs once came to study the Koran. These lucky scholars were able to look up from their manuscripts and see a physical glorification of God, with spellbinding patterns wrought in tiny mosaic tiles and carved cedar wood.

  • MARRAKESH MUSEUM

This museum is a window into Moroccan history through its collection of coins, pottery, jewellery, weapons and artwork.

  •  JARDIN MAJORELLE

Visit the stunning colourful garden, also known as Villa Oasis, to see a botanical paradise of flora and fauna with cute small turtles around.

  • EXPLORE THE RUINS OF EL BADI PALACE

The ancient ruins of the 16th century El Badi Palace that represent the wide courtyard and rock formations.

  • JEMAA EL-FNAA

A must see, must buy something there, must eat there place. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the main square and the loud maze of traditional souks, narrow streets and amazing food.

  •  BAHIA PALACE

The Bahia Palace is both a palace and a set of gardens situated in the medina of Marrakech, just along the northern edge of Mellah, also known as the Jewish Quarter. While the exact dates for the construction of this palace are not known, records indicate that it was commissioned between 1859 and 1873. It was completed in 1900.qa.jpg

  • MEDINA

Wonder and just get lost in the city center area through a tiny streets full of cafes, shops, restaurants. You can do shopping, try tasty traditional meal, have a henna tattoo and many many more experiences. It really is a delightful place. Especially magic at night.

Titicaca Lake, Copacabana vs Puno

Featured by Anna Powaska, posted in Bolivia, Peru, South America, Travelling

  Holding the title of the highest navigable lake on the planet, as well as on my list of the most beautiful water basins in the world, tucked away high in the Andes between snow-covered peaks, Lake Titicaca is one of the most popular places to see in South America. Known for its unique panorama during the day and the night time, crystal-clear air and water, combine with mountain range around. Believed to be the birthplace of the first Incas, along with the sun, moon and stars, when creator came out of the lake.

  The main two bases to explore Lake Titicaca (and other sites in the region) are Puno, in Peru, and Copacabana in Bolivia. I did visit these two mentioned towns, and I stayed a minimum of two nights in each, which gave me some time to look around and discover them. If you’re backpacking and having loads of time, you can stop in both to see the Bolivian and Peruvian side of Titicaca, as they are very different. However, if you’re rushing a bit, I would definitely suggest staying just in Copacabana in Bolivia. Why? Well, for few reasons really. From there, most tour operators run a day trips to the Isla del Sol, with a quick stop at the Isla de la Luna. Bolivian town is way smaller and cutter. Very touristic too, which I don’t always like, but can be handy when it comes to accommodation and organized trips. Lake is looking really amazing (way better) from this side as well, you can hike some mountains around to spot the stunning panorama of the pool and surrounded areas. In Puno the lake side can`t be really accessible properly, there is no beach to sit and enjoy, and there’s not so many hills from where you can get a good grip of Titicaca. Having said all that, I loved Puno for its truly Peruvian vibe. There is loads of street food stands around, loads of mercados to grab a very tasty local meal, stand with fresh fruits, vegetables, colorful ladies with coca leafs…everything really. 

This can not be found in Copacabana, I was really struggling there to find a proper local food, and once I even ended up ordering a pizza. Not so cool. However, It’s just a food, and I think exploring the lake is the reason we are there in the first place, so again, that points us towards Copacabana over Puno. There is also loads of hotels by the lake (I was lucky to be in one), when in Puno you can hardly find any so close to the water. So I think we have a winner at the end-Copacabana. However, again on another side, Puno hold a very strong argument of having a famous Floating Islands, a must see while there. Yet, I think the trip can be booked from Copacabana too. The other reason (to cheer you up really, if you cant do both) to stay at just one place is the fact that any route you will take to get there, you will be able to have another good look at the lake, as streets are usually around the lake. If you will come from  La Paz, like myself, to Copacabana, you will even cross Titicaca on the boat.

Verdict:

Just for the lake and islands Copacabana is a winner, but if you want to feel the true vibe, less touristic place, traditional food and real life more than lake, then Puno is definitely for you! 

Either way you will choose, the bottom line is not to skip this place. Trust me, Titicaca will stay in your heart forever.

Jordan in photos

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Jordan, Photography, Travelling

Such a cool place in the Middle East. Famous for Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert vibes of Wadi Rum. Amazing mix of history and landscapes!

Bedouins are nomadic Arab tribes who traditionally lived in the deserts of the Middle East, known for their hospitality, resilience, and deep connection to the land.

The Bedouins know the Wadi Rum desert, which covers about 720 km², like the back of their hand. They told me they recognize the paths across the desert, and at night they navigate by the stars.

Their food is simple but full of flavor. One of the most famous dishes is zarb, meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Too bad I didn’t take a photo, but they showed us how it’s done. Evenings with them by the campfire were amazing, they were so honest when we asked questions.

How to book a hotel in Syria

by Anna Powaska, posted in Syria

❌ Why Booking.com, Hostelworld and other platforms don’t work

Websites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda, Expedia, and most major booking platforms do not support reservations in Syria due to international sanctions and payment limitations.

It’s not a glitch, they legally and technically cannot offer services there.

This means travellers book accommodation directly, using local Syrian platforms. Using a VPN won’t change anything, I tried. Even with different locations and IPs, global booking platforms still block Syria entirely. The restriction is on their side, not on the user’s side, so no workaround helps.

✅ Best method: booking through local Syrian websites

The most reliable option is to use local booking sites that operate normally inside Syria.

Recommended website: HalaSyria

🌐 https://www.halasyria.com/

I personally used this website. The reservation was confirmed quickly, and everything was respected at the hotel.

At check‑in you usually only need your passport. Hotels don’t ask for anything complicated — they just register your stay in their system. It takes 1–2 minutes.

Price difference

I paid 40 USD, but when I arrived, I noticed the price at reception was 35 USD. Most likely the extra 5 USD is a booking fee, which is completely normal.

Even so, I highly recommend having a reservation, it makes the border process smoother and looks more official.

❔What if you arrive in Damascus without a hotel booked?

Don’t worry — Damascus is full of hotels, especially in the central area. If you don’t have anything reserved, just head to this part of the city and you’ll be completely fine. Google Earth link of the spot.

Here. There are many hotels next to each other — honestly, if you turn around once, you’ll probably spot five or six immediately. You can easily tell from the signs whether a place is more budget‑friendly or more upscale.

Prices can start from around 20 USD per night, so it’s very possible to find something affordable on the spot.

The area also has currency exchange office, ATMs, cafés, shops, taxis, and everything you might need. It’s a very central and convenient location, so even without a booking you won’t be stuck.

There are also many hotels around the Umayyad Mosque (the Great Mosque of Damascus), hidden in those narrow, atmospheric streets. It’s a great area to walk around — you’ll spot plenty of places just by wandering a bit. The hotels are close to each other, easy to compare, and you can quickly see from the signs whether they’re budget or more upscale.

If you arrive late in the evening, just keep in mind that many streets in Damascus are not well‑lit at night. It can feel very dark, but it doesn’t mean the area is unsafe — it’s simply how the city works. Hotels in the central area are still open, and staff are usually available, but it’s better to know in advance that the streets themselves may look very quiet after dark.

Staying near the Umayyad Mosque or in the Old City area is ideal — everything is walkable, safe, and full of cafés, shops, and taxis.

🗺️ Using Maps.me (free app) to find hotels

If you arrive without a reservation, Maps.me (free app) is super helpful. All the hotels in Damascus are marked there with their names, so you can easily check what’s around you.

You can also try googling the hotel names and contacting them via WhatsApp — I tried a few this way, but the replies I got were around 100 USD per night, which was way too expensive for me. That’s why I ended up using the website I mentioned earlier, and it worked perfectly.

My hotel: Shahryar Hotel Damascus

I stayed at Shahryar Hotel Damascus, (right here on mapps me) (approx here on google map) in the heart of the old city. It’s truly beautiful — almost like a small palace, with that magical Damascus atmosphere everywhere around.

The man at the reception was incredibly kind and helpful (I didn’t ask for his name, unfortunately), but he made my stay even better with how warm and welcoming he was.

Sending warm greetings to the whole team there. 🙂

Bus from Amman to Damascus here

Bus from Damascus to Amman here

Bus from Damascus to Amman

by Anna Powaska, posted in Amman, Damascus, Jordan, Syria, Travelling

My Experience end of 2025 – Summary

✔️ Departure: Buses leave from the station here starting around 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM.

✔️ Companies & Prices: There are several operators and prices vary — usually up to $20, depending on the company. I personally paid 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman.

✔️ Arrival: In Amman, buses typically arrive at the International Bus Station mostly. My bus stopped at here, and it was very convenient.

✔️ Duration: The journey takes about 8 hours, mainly because of long border procedures — around 6 hours of passport checks, searches, and scans.

I arrived very early, before 7:00 AM, and that turned out to be a great decision. At the station, I was directed to the first office on the right here exacly. I handed over my ticket and passport, and from what I understood, they told me the Jett bus wasn’t running that day. Instead, they pointed me to another bus. They took my ticket and passport, showed me the bus, and surprisingly it left at 7:15 AM. Just before departure, we got our passports back. I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my Jett ticket was accepted, though I still have no idea how that worked. Honestly, I was a bit stressed because I don’t like leaving my passport anywhere, but everyone had to do it for border control data collection. And off we went.

For the info on the bus from Amman to Damascus, click here.

✅ Where it departs from

The bus from Damascus to Amman departs from the bus station here. When I arrived, I was directed to the first office on the right after entering. I handed over my ticket and passport

✅ Timing

I had a Jett ticket for 8:00 AM, but arriving early (before 7:00 AM) was the best decision. Online sources say that buses from different companies usually leave between 7:00–7:30 AM. So I strongly recommend being there before 7:00, even if your ticket says 8:00. In my case, the alternative bus left at 7:15 AM.

✅ Price

I didn’t have to pay anything extra — my original Jett ticket was accepted, even though I ended up on a different bus. I purchased my return ticket at the Jett office in Abdali, Amman for 15 JOD (21 USD) for a round trip Amman–Damascus–Amman. More about this in my post here.

Prices can go up to 20 USD, depending on the company.

✅ Stops on the way

The bus made a few stops between Damascus and the border to pick up additional passengers.

✅ Border experience

At the border, our passports were checked around 8 times, the bus was searched twice, and all bags were scanned like at an airport. The whole process takes time. We had two stops of around 30 minutes each: one to stamp out, and another to get a visa in the office. Just follow the crowd or ask the border officers — they will guide you.

On the Jordanian side, go first to the cashier to pay for your visa or to activate your Jordan Pass. They will give you a receipt, and with that you can join the queue for your entry stamp.

Important: There is no exit tax when leaving Syria.

For Jordan VISA:

I had a Jordan Pass, so my visa was included. If you plan to visit Petra, it’s much cheaper to get the Jordan Pass, as it includes both the visa and major attractions.

Otherwise:

1) Single Entry – Visa 40 JOD Valid for 1 month. Available on arrival at most borders and airports

2) Double Entry – Visa 60 JOD Valid for up to 3 months. Not available on arrival — must be obtained at a Jordanian embassy

3) Multiple Entry – Visa 120 JOD Valid for up to 6 months. Also only available at an embassy

Jordan Pass options (all include visa if you stay min. 3 nights):
  1. Jordan Pass Wanderer – 70 JOD (1‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  2. Jordan Pass Explorer – 75 JOD (2‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)
  3. Jordan Pass Expert – 80 JOD (3‑day Petra) + entry to 40+ attractions (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, etc.)

How to book hotel in Syria here

Bus from Amman to Damascus

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Jordan, Syria

My Experience end of 2025

With 2025 coming to an end, I decided to take a journey: traveling by bus from Amman (Jordan) to Damascus (Syria). For Damasus – Amman bus click here. Here’s how it went:

✅ Booking the bus ticket
I booked my ticket on the official JETT website: https://www.jett.com.jo. There’s technically a round-trip option online, but I could only snag a one-way ticket (Amman International → Damascus) for 10 JOD (about 14 USD). The return? That’s where the plot twist happens: the full round trip costs 15 JOD (around 21 USD). Instead, you stroll into the JETT office on the day you’re heading to Damascus, flash your original ticket – they hand you the return for just 5 JOD extra.

The Abdali office opens bright and early at 6 a.m., so even if you skipped buying the ticket online, don’t panic. You can grab one on the day of departure—my bus had a few empty seats,

✅ Getting to the Abdali bus station
I stayed in the city center, and from there, I took an Uber to the JETT Abdali Office for just 1.25 JOD.

✅ Important departure time details
The bus departs every day from the JETT Abdali stop (right here) at 8:00 a.m. and possibly at 1:00 p.m. The website says 7:00 and 12:00 (see below), but in reality, from Abdali, it’s 8:00. I asked at the office, and they confirmed that 7:00 is from a different station (not sure which one). So, the only time I can personally confirm from Abdali is 8:00 a.m. The afternoon departure is likely 13.00, but officially the site still lists 12:00.

Important: the stop is around the corner from the Abdali office here, not where domestic buses to Petra, for example, leave.

The website lists several other stops, but in my experience the bus only made one stop after Abdali, around 8:15 a.m.

The bus was already waiting from 7:30 a.m., and it departed exactly at 8:00 a.m.

✅ Border crossing
This was the most interesting part!

  • Passports were checked six times (three times on the Jordanian side, three times on the Syrian side). Two full 30-minute stops to stamp out of Jordan and stamp into Syria.
  • I read that leaving Jordan (exit tax) by land costs 10 JOD, but I paid nothing.
  • On the Syrian side, my visa was supposed to cost 75 USD (official info from the Syrian embassy in Poland), but I paid only 50 USD, the option I happily accepted. Cash or card is OK. Getting it in advance for a land border crossing is no longer possible, but make sure to check before you travel—rules can change.
  • I was the only tourist, so the process was quick: pay for the visa, get the receipt, then the stamp. Everyone was extremely polite and helpful. Very curious about my visit to Damascus.
  • Though it is no longer required, I had a printed reservation for the hotel. I have been asked about the purpose of my visit and whether I know anyone in Syria. I said that I didn’t know anyone, and that was not a problem for border control.

Time at the border
We spent about 3 hours there because of passport checks and a full bus inspection. The return Damascus-Amman was 6 hours at the border!

✅ Arrival in Damascus
The bus arrives at the Damascus bus station here (where return buses also depart). From there, I took a taxi to the city center for 15 USD — four times more than what it was supposed to be, but I didn’t mind since I saved 25 USD on the visa and 10 JOD (approx. 14 USD) on the exit tax.

Tips for Travelers

  • Book a bus ticket online for convenience, but ask for the return tickets at the JETT office (if you’re going back). No need to print, they will email you the ticket straight away.
  • Just in case, bring cash (USD and JOD) for visas.
  • Be patient at the border — checks are thorough but friendly.
  • If you’re the only tourist, like I was, expect extra attention (in a good way!).
  • You can exchange your money at the border and also buy a SIM card there.
  • There is also a duty‑free zone that many Syrians make use of. They may ask you to carry something across the border for them — I agreed.

How to book hotel in Syria here

Delhi–Agra Express & Delhi–Varanasi Sleeper: Complete Train Guide 2025

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Delhi, India, train

My Train Booking Experience in India

You can technically buy tickets through IRCTC, the official Indian Railways website. But full KYC (KYC stands for Know Your Customer, it is a verification process used by banks, financial institutions, and online platforms like IRCTC or PayTM to confirm a customer’s identity and address) is now required for certain IRCTC features, especially bookings.

Instead, I switched to 12go.asia, which I can honestly recommend. The tickets are about 20% more expensive, but the process takes just two minutes: instant confirmation, and the actual ticket arrives a few days later.

Once you receive your ticket, it’s important to double‑check the departure time the day before. Go to the IRCTC website or ConfirmTkt , enter your PNR number (found on the ticket) and travel date, and you’ll get the updated schedule. That part works flawlessly – no glitches at all.

Railway stations – you can also buy tickets directly at the station. Expect queues, a bit of chaos, and sometimes limited English, but it works. For foreign travelers, there’s often a Foreign Tourist Quota counter at major stations like Delhi, Agra, or Varanasi.

⚠️ Be Aware of Scams at Indian Railway Stations

When you arrive at the station, you might encounter people approaching you with “helpful” advice. They’ll say things like:

  • “You need to come with me to a special counter for foreigners.”
  • “There’s a different queue for non‑Indians.”
  • “You can’t enter without my assistance.”

All of that is a lie.

Once you have your ticket, you don’t need anything else. You simply go to the platform and board the train exactly the same way as Indian passengers. There is no special cashier, no separate queue, no mandatory guide.

Taj Express → My Delhi to Agra Train Experience

On September 1st, 2025, I took the Taj Express (Train No. 12280) from New Delhi Main Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC). The train departed at 06:55 and arrived at 09:25, covering 195 km in just under 2.5 hours. I booked a Second Sitting (2S) seat – confirmed, window side, and perfectly comfortable for a short morning ride. Return train was delay around 1h.

Booking Details

  • The train departed on time at 06:55 from Platform 13
  • Ticket fare: ₹110 + fees (total ₹128.66)
  • Coach/Seat: D1/54 – window side, confirmed (CNF status)
  • Once you receive your ticket, double-check the departure time the day before using your PNR number. I recommend ConfirmTkt – it works smoothly and updates are reliable.

Travel Notes

  • The train coach stopped exactly where the platform screen indicated – no chaos, no guessing. Just follow the signs and you’ll be right where you need to be (see the photos below).
  • My coach was packed – it was crowded, noisy, and absolutely wonderful.
  • I shared a tiny seat with a lady.
  • I ended up talking to almost everyone around me – it felt like a rolling living room full of stories and smiles.
  • No AC, but the windows were open and the breeze was enough.

Delhi → Varanasi Sleeper 3A class– My Overnight Train Experience

On September 2nd, 2023, I boarded the Swatantrata Senani Express (Train No. 12562) from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB). The train departed on time (21.15 in my case) at night from Platform 13, just like my Taj Express to Agra. The coach stopped exactly where the screen said it would – no chaos, no guessing.

My Experience

  • I had a confirmed sleeper berth 3A class in coach B2, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Bedding and pillow are provided.
  • I paid 1 469 INR ₹ (15 $) at 12go.asia.
  • I slept 8 full hours – no interruptions, no noise, just the gentle rhythm of the train.
  • The coach had AC, and charging sockets everywhere – both regular and USB.
  • There was an option to order meals, tea, coffee, which made the journey even smoother.
  • At night, everyone respected each other’s space – no loud talking, no chaos. Just quiet, shared rest.
  • On the return trip, it was exactly the same – peaceful, punctual, and respectful.

Booking & Practical Tips

  • This train is in high demand, so book well in advance – especially if you want a confirmed sleeper berth.
  • Use 12go.asia. It is much easier for foreign cards and no Indian numer needed.
  • Always check your PNR status the day before – ConfirmTkt is your best friend or IRCTC site.
  • Platform 13 again – same as Agra, and again the coach stopped exactly where the screen showed.

Most Popular Trains on the Delhi–Varanasi Route

  • Shiv Ganga Express (12560): Fast (~11 hours) and always in high demand.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Express (14034): Slower, but considered a classic choice.
  • Swatantrata Senani Express (12562): My pick – a traditional overnight sleeper.

Ticket Price Range

  • Sleeper Class (SL): from ₹743 ≈ $9
  • 3AC (Air‑Conditioned, 3‑tier): ₹1,200–1,500 ≈ $15–18
  • 2AC (Air‑Conditioned, 2‑tier): ₹1,800–2,200 ≈ $22–25
  • 1AC (Air‑Conditioned, 1‑tier): ₹3,000+ ≈ $35+

Lost and Found in Delhi

by Anna Powaska, posted in Asia, Delhi, India, Travelling

Just a few glimpses of Delhi, photography wasn’t allowed in many places, so I had to rely on memory more than my lens. But the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple truly stole the show. Its scale, serenity, and spirit moved me more than the Taj Mahal ever did. And honestly, the greatest treasure of India? The people on the streets. Their warmth, energy, and everyday grace made this journey unforgettable.

Convincing photos to choose an organized trip from San Pedro to Uyuni

by Anna Powaska, posted in Bolivia, Chile, South America

  If you are still thinking whether you should cross the border between Chile and Bolivia yourself, please stop right now! Magnificent Salar de Uyuni is a must see place while in Bolivia or in northern part of the Chile. Tourists usually do visit this absolutely stunning and unique place from Uyuni, the town in Bolivia, or from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. It is not so difficult to get to salt flats without any guide, but tour agencies, that can be found in many towns all around, came up with a wonderful 3 or 4 days tours that include Salar de Uyuni, as number one attraction, along with many more wonderful places that you can see only with a guide and by 4×4. Dry salty area, as a highlight, will become just like an addition next. Salar de Uyuni will get overshadowed by beautiful lagoons, geysers, deserts, volcanoes, truly remote villages, you will spend a night in (including a hotel made of salt), and interesting rock formations. It is one of the most bizarre and beautiful places in the world you just can not miss, especially while so close to it. Paying only 180$ (inc everything as accommodation, all meals, guide, 4×4 transport) for a 3 days tour is just a bargain we have to grab. Unluckily, I have lost loads of my photos from the trip, but I hope the remaining ones will be convincing enough for you to book this trip.

How to Get from Chișinău to Tiraspol – The Border-Bending Mini Adventure

by Anna Powaska, posted in Europe, moldova, Tiraspol, transnistria, Travelling

Quick Facts

  • Destination: Tiraspol — capital of Transnistria, an unrecognized autonomous region within Moldova
  • Best transport: Marshrutka (minibus)
  • 🛂 Border control: Yes, prepare for migration card, but takes around 5-10 minutes
  • Ticket price: 57 MDL (~€2.90)
  • Travel Duration: ~1.5 hours
  • Departure point: Chișinău Central Bus Station, right next to the market

Finding the Right Marshrutka

Head to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, next to the buzzing market stalls. Exact spot on map here. Look for signs (or people shouting “Tiraspol!”). And here’s the golden tip:

The ticket booth is literally 2 meters from the marshrutka — you can’t miss it unless you’re distracted by roadside plums.

They run very often (every 20 minutes or so) from 6.00 am till late.

Cash preferred, but card payments were accepted on my trip. Cost: 57 Moldovan lei, confirmed by photo — no guessing!

Say “Tiraspol?” with confident curiosity — locals respect head-tilts.

🍚 The Most Important Tip (More Important Than Your Migration Card)

Inside the market next to Chișinău’s Central Bus Station, hidden among stands and shouting sellers, there’s a food stand: A man who serves Uzbek plov that’s straight-up 10/10.

No fancy sign.

Location: Inside the market hall — follow the scent. Price: Budget-friendly — but you’ll pay in loyalty, because you’ll come back daily. Quantity: Measured in kilograms (not exaggerating — I did exactly that)

Border Crossing into Transnistria

Yes, Transnistria has its own de facto border — but no visa needed.

At the checkpoint:

  • You’ll receive a migration card (white paper with Soviet-style fonts) — guard it like treasure.
  • The border officers are neutral, almost theatrical in their seriousness — no drama if you keep calm.
  • Your driver usually collects all passports on the way back and returns them after inspection — strange but normal. But on arrival, you go trough the office for the card and passport check.

Want to stay overnight? Tell the officer! Otherwise, you might get a same-day transit permit.

Returning from Tiraspol – The Escape Plan (but make it casual)

If you’re ready to head back to Chișinău after exploring Lenin, nostalgia, and beach vibes by the Dniester — don’t panic, the marshrutka is always waiting here (exact spot of the stand), by the train station.

Return ticket? Buy it at the railway station in Tiraspol — look for the kiosk next to the waiting area. I paid in Molvodan leu with no problem. It’s got that time-stood-still aura and the staff are surprisingly efficient.

Departures: Marshrutkas leave every ~20 minutes, give or take a philosophical pause. No need to book in advance — just show up, say “Chișinău?”, and hop in. Ticket price should match your arrival fare: ~57 MDL

Tip: If you liked the plov in Chișinău, you’ve got just enough time to crave it again by the time you’re back.

Language, Currency & Vibe

  • Everyone speaks Russian
  • Local money = Transnistrian rubles — they’re plastic coins, like arcade tokens from a Soviet theme park
  • Leu isn’t widely accepted — change money in Tiraspol

“It’s Moldova, but not Moldova. It’s legal, but not official. It’s chill, but politically confusing.”

Why Tiraspol (Without Saying “Why Tiraspol”)

This is a country that never made it to the UN. Tiraspol is strange, safe, quiet and mildly cinematic — perfect for those who enjoy layered maps and unexpected detours. No bucket list hype — just curiosity, Cyrillic and clouds of cold-war nostalgia.