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Velvet Digest

Is Moscow a safe city for tourists?

Author

Christopher Harper

Updated on June 05, 2026

Moscow is mostly a safe city. As in any big city, be on guard against pickpockets, especially around train stations and in crowded metro cars. Be extra-vigilant when crossing streets – some drivers are positively crazy. Always be cautious about taking taxis late at night, especially near bars and clubs.

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Also asked, is Moscow safe for tourists?

In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you're traveling as a tourist to large cities (such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc.) or if you are making the Trans-Siberian route.

is Moscow safe for female Travellers? Women Travellers Solo female travellers are unlikely to face any special challenges in Moscow, though they may attract extra friendly interest at the local bars. Although sexual harassment on the streets is rare, it is common in the workplace, in the home and in personal relations.

Keeping this in consideration, is Moscow safe for tourists 2019?

Generally speaking, Moscow today is safe as much as other cities in Europe, despite its problematic history with criminal activity in the 90s. However, if you're planning on traveling to Moscow, keep in mind that you should always keep your guard up and remain aware of your surroundings, just in case.

Why is visiting Russia dangerous?

No Russia is not dangerous to visit. However it is a STRONGLY capitalist country in a way that people from Socialist countries in the west have forgotten. One aspect of this capitalism is that there are some kinds of petty crime that exploit naive people and foreigners tend to be INCREDIBLY naive.

Related Question Answers

Do they speak English in Moscow?

Moscow is Russia's most foreign-friendly city. All metro stops are announced in English and most signs have translations. Information about most places can easily be found in many languages and many people here speak English. A lot of expats who don't speak Russian live in the country and they seem to get by just fine.

How much is an average meal in Moscow?

While meal prices in Moscow can vary, the average cost of food in Moscow is ₽933 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Moscow should cost around ₽373 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

How expensive is Moscow?

A vacation to Moscow for one week usually costs around ₽29,280 for one person. So, a trip to Moscow for two people costs around ₽58,561 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs ₽117,121 in Moscow.

Is Russia expensive for tourists?

A few years ago, traveling to Russia was quite expensive, especially to big cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg. However, after the strong devaluation of the ruble, traveling to Russia has become quite affordable for foreign tourists.

Should I take my cell phone to Russia?

GSM networks operate in nearly all Russia cities, so mobile phone use across the entire country is generally quite okay. International roaming works fine in most Russian cities, but may come at a high price.

Is Moscow tap water safe?

The water in big cities is actually pretty pure, but it's best to drink filtered H2O. In large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don) liquid chlorine is replaced with sodium hypochlorite, which is safer. However, it's still not recommended to drink tap water in Russia.

How much is Russian visa?

Visa to Russia
Tourist
Type of Visa Processing Period (business days) Price
Single-entry tourist visa up to 30 days Same day USD 49
Double-entry tourist visa up to 30 days Same day USD 66

How much does a trip to Moscow cost?

A vacation to Moscow for one week usually costs around ₽29,280 for one person. So, a trip to Moscow for two people costs around ₽58,561 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs ₽117,121 in Moscow.

Do I need a visa to go to Russia?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.

What do people wear in Russia in summer?

Clothing:
  • 1 Tank top – For the mid-day heat.
  • 2 T-shirts – Casual and great for layering.
  • 2 Long-sleeve shirts – One t-shirt, one nicer.
  • 1 Fleece vest – Perfect for keeping the core warm on chilly nights.
  • 1 Skirt – Or, an infinity skirt or dress.
  • 1 Convertible pants – Can be shorts or pants, or sometimes capris.

What is Russia famous for?

Foreigners may believe that Russia is known for its cold climate, vodka, bears, or even the recent drug cheating scandal that saw athletes banned from Rio Olympics. Communism and authoritative politics may also come to mind.

Do Russians speak English?

According to a Levada center poll from 2014, only 11 percent of Russians speak English. Even with such a small number, it's still the most popular foreign language in the country – many Russians study it at school and in universities. However, not many use it often.

Are Russians nice to tourists?

Tourism in Russia has seen rapid growth since the late Soviet times, first domestic tourism and then international tourism as well. Rich cultural heritage and great natural variety place Russia among the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Does Moscow have Uber?

An Uber user arriving in Moscow from Paris will be able to order a Yandex. Taxi straight from their Uber app.” Unlike the Didi deal, however, Uber will remain an active participant in its new Russian investment, and its users in the country will continue to use the same app as the rest of the world.

How do I apply for a visa to Russia?

  1. Have a valid passport.
  2. Set your itinerary: Cities and Hotels.
  3. Get a letter of invitation or visa support.
  4. Fill out the Visa Application Form.
  5. Print the Visa Application Form, sign it, and glue a photo.
  6. Take all of your documents to the Russian Visa Center (or consulate)
  7. Collect your passport with your visa.

How long does it take to get a Russian visa?

6 weeks

What should I know before traveling to Russia?

Eight Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Russia
  1. Seek out Soviet theatres.
  2. Don't be drawn into political conversations.
  3. Be money savvy in Moscow.
  4. Don't keep draining your glass – unless you can drink like a Russian.
  5. Avoid wearing flip flops in cities.
  6. Be sure to visit Irkutsk.
  7. Book third class on overnight trains.
  8. Bring your own food on overnight trains.

Is Moscow Metro safe at night?

Yes! Moscow is very very safe. That's the good news, right? It is totally okay to walk round the city during the night time.

Can US citizens travel to Russia?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens who apply for Russian visas in third countries where they do not have permission to stay more than 90 days may face considerable delays in visa processing.