Moscow Travel Tips

Moscow Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

Before You Go

  • Register with the Russian authorities: If you’re staying in Russia for more than 7 days, you’ll need to register with the local authorities. Your hotel or accommodation provider can help with this.
  • Learn some basic Russian phrases: While many Muscovites speak English, learning basic phrases like “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte) - hello, “Спасибо” (Spasibo) - thank you, and “Извините” (Izvinite) - excuse me, will go a long way in showing respect for the culture.

Dress Code

  • Dress modestly: Avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches or monasteries.
  • Pack warm clothing: Moscow can be very cold, especially in winter. Bring warm coats, hats, and gloves to stay cozy.

Interacting with Locals

  • Be respectful of personal space: Russians tend to stand farther apart than people in Western cultures. Be mindful of this when interacting with locals.
  • Remove your shoes: In many Russian homes, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering. You may be offered slippers or shoes to wear inside.
  • Use both hands when giving or receiving something: Using one hand can be seen as impolite.

Dining Etiquette

  • Table manners are important: Keep your hands visible on the table, and don’t rest your elbows on it.
  • Wait for the host to invite you to eat: In formal settings, wait for the host to indicate where to sit and when to start eating.
  • Try a little of everything: Refusing food can be seen as impolite. Try a small amount of each dish offered.

Cultural Norms

  • Respect the Metro rules: The Moscow Metro is a popular tourist attraction, but it’s also a busy commuter system. Avoid taking photos during peak hours, and don’t block the doors.
  • Don’t smile or make eye contact with strangers: In Russia, smiling at someone you don’t know can be seen as insincere. Similarly, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines: Moscow is a busy city, and popular attractions can have long lines. Be patient and plan ahead.

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated: In restaurants, round up the bill to the nearest 10-20 rubles or leave 5-10% of the total.
  • Tip your taxi driver: Round up the fare to the nearest 10-20 rubles.

Other Tips

  • Carry small bills and coins: Many places in Moscow may not accept credit cards or large bills.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing: As with any tourist destination, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Learn about Russian holidays and celebrations: Understanding local holidays like New Year’s (Новый год) and Orthodox Christmas can help you navigate the city during these times.

By following these travel and cultural etiquette tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a respectful and enjoyable trip to Moscow!