Moscow Travel Tips

Normal Moscow business hours are from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, with most businesses being closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The larger department stores and shops typically stay open until 19:00 or 20:00, with only some closing on Sundays.

Banks: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and shops: 10:00 to 20:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

The usual city threats apply to Moscow and visitors should be on their guard against pickpockets and thieves at all times. Although most visitors to the city experience no problems, be aware that groups of children are known for bag snatching.

While the police force is there to ensure your safety, it is also a well-known fact that the Moscow police have a reputation for hassling foreigners. You may be approached by police wanting to check your passport and visa, and visitors are advised to keep a photocopy of their identification on them at all times. Some foreigners have reported attempts by police officers to fine them for alleged problems with their visa; should an official ask to see you documentation in the street, take note of their identification number prior to handing over your papers. Should you encounter any serious problems that require you to go to a police station, consult your embassy for advice.

Visitors to Moscow should consider getting vaccinated against the following diseases prior to their trip: diphtheria, hepatitis, rabies and typhoid. Visitors are advised to take out adequate insurance prior to their vacation. Should you need treatment, it is recommended that you visit a clinic that is in line with Western standards.

American Medical Centre
Grokholsky per 1
Tel: +7 95 933 7700

Pharmacy Kutuzovskaya
Kutuzovsky pr 19-21
Tel: +7 95 243 1601

The official language is Russian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, making it not very easily accessible to non-natives. English is not widely spoken outside of Moscow therefore it is useful to carry a phrase book with you in case of emergencies.

The currency in Russia is the Russian Rouble (RUR); however, US dollars are widely accepted. Roubles are divided into 100 kopeks, with coins appearing in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 and 1 to 50 kopeks. Notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500.

While credit cards are fast becoming an acceptable form of payment in Moscow, it is always best to carry enough cash to last you a few days in case of difficulties, especially if you plan on travelling beyond the city’s perimeters. ATMs are readily available, although perhaps not as common as in European cities, and they accept AmEx, Cirrus, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa, with some machines issuing dollars as well as roubles.

Most visitors choose to carry both dollars and roubles, as travellers cheques can be very difficult to change. Some banks may be able to arrange cash advances on credit cards, but only within the city, while bureaux de change can change currency at competitive rates. For those who find themselves in difficulty, the city has a Western Union outlet which can arrange money transfers.

Most visitors are asked to complete a declaration form upon their arrival in Russia, which should then be kept until your departure. Those bringing in more than R1,500 must ensure they complete the form or risk having their money confiscated by customs officials.

The declaration form will ask for details on name, citizenship, onward destination, purpose of visit, amount of currency brought into the country and so on. You will also need to declare any weapons or narcotics and list how many pieces of luggage you have with you. The same form must be completed upon exiting the country. Your declaration form must be stamped as you enter the country or you could encounter difficulties upon exiting Russia; if your entry form is not stamped, you may only take out items worth the value of R500 upon leaving. Similarly, if you lose your declaration form, you will need to make a police report to present to customs when you depart.

You should declare any prescription medication or hypodermic needles upon entry and only modest amounts of alcohol and cigarettes for personal use may be brought it.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

If you choose to dine at one of the city’s upmarket restaurants, be prepared to tip 10 percent, as is common throughout Europe; you can leave less in lower class eateries, depending on how you find the service. It is also usual to tip your tour guide if you are happy with the service.

Russian people are highly hospitable and you will need to be careful to show your appreciation and not to cause offence. In return for their hospitality, you may choose to give them a gift, which is common practice in Moscow. Russian families will greatly appreciate souvenirs from your own country as well as any foreign made items such as watches, perfumes and army knives. If you don’t have anything from home with you, a bottle of wine, some flowers, candles or tobacco are all acceptable gifts.

If you are invited to dine with Russians, it is important to try all food and drink offered; to refuse is considered rude. Likewise, it is essential to participate in toasts, even if you are only drinking water. When greeting Russians, handshakes are common practice.

If you visit a religious site, bear in mind Russia is a Christian Orthodox country and women should always cover their heads.

Russian people go to restaurants not only to eat, but to be entertained, so expect more than just some delicious food at popular venues. It is normal to tip 10 per cent when you are happy with the service, as service charge is not normally included in the bill unless you dine out in a large group. Note that dining times vary from most European cities in that lunchtime is from around 14:00 to 15:00 and dinner is from 19:00 to 21:00. Always try all food and drink offered to you, and make sure you participate in toasts, even if you are not drinking vodka.

You must have a visa in order to enter Russia, which must be arranged in advance; visas are not available on arrival. You will need to obtain a visa from your nearest Russian embassy or consulate prior to your trip, or alternatively, your travel agency may be able to arrange this for you or you can use an online visa service. The type of visa you apply for should correspond to how long you wish to stay for and how many times you intend to enter the country. Obtaining a tourist visa is usually a hassle-free matter.

Moscow Tourist Information Centre is located at Gostiny Dvor, 4 Ilyinka, Moscow, Russia, 103012. You can email them for information (info@moscow-city.ru) or alternatively contact them by telephone (+7 095 232 5657) or visit their office in person.

Russian Federation Tourism Department can also offer tourist information and their office is situated at the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, 47 Myasnitskaya str, Moscow, Russia. They can be contacted by email (tourdept@yandex.ru) or by telephone (+7 095 208 2937).