Thanks for the advice Capetonian. I am actually going to Chisinau, by way of Bucahrest in a few weeks.
I've got a day spare, is it worth taking the trip to Transistria? PM if you have any other good tips about Moldova.
I was tempted to use the STN-KIV service which appears to still be going strong nearly 8 years after it was launched so that is a good sign, but it was just too pricey, so FR are taking me to OTP and after a few days there, RO take me to KIV instead.