Quick answer

Moscow requires advance planning for visas, seasonal clothing, and an awareness of local customs and transport systems. With common-sense safety measures and basic Russian phrases, you can enjoy world-class museums, historic sites, and vibrant food and culture.

Visa & entry requirements

• Check whether you need a visa: most nationalities require a visa for Russia. Apply at a Russian consulate or via an authorized visa center. Tourist visas generally require an invitation/visa-support (issued by hotels or tour operators).
• Passport validity: usually at least 6 months beyond intended departure date and with blank pages.
• Register your visa: tourists staying in hotels are normally registered by the hotel; if staying in private accommodation, you must register with Russian authorities (host or agency can do this).
• Customs: declare large amounts of cash (over the local threshold), restricted items (drugs, firearms), and follow rules for food/plant imports.

Best time to visit

• Late spring to early autumn (May–September): mild temperatures, long daylight, outdoor cafes and parks.
• June–August: warmest, busiest, best for festivals but more tourists.
• December–February: very cold, possible heavy snow; good for winter scenery and lower prices but require warm clothing.

Safety tips

• Moscow is relatively safe but exercise normal precautions: avoid poorly lit or empty areas at night, watch for pickpockets in crowded places (metro, tourist sites), and secure valuables.
• Keep copies of passport and visa; store originals in a safe or carry them securely.
• Political demonstrations are best avoided; participating or photographing police operations can lead to problems.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (EU-style universal), 101 (fire), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance).

Local customs & etiquette

• Learn basic Russian phrases (hello — "Zdravstvuyte", please — "pozhaluysta", thank you — "spasibo") — appreciated even if not fluent.
• Formality: use polite greetings and surnames/titles in formal settings. Handshakes are common among men; brief and direct eye contact is normal.
• Respect monuments and historical sites; photography rules may apply in museums and churches.
• Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants if service not included; small tips for taxis and guides are common.

Currency & money

• Currency: Russian ruble (RUB). Carry some cash for small vendors; cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• ATMs are common; notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks. Use ATMs in banks for safety.
• Avoid exchanging money on the street; use banks or official exchangers. Check rates and fees.

Transportation

• Metro: fast, safe, and often the best way to get around. Stations are ornate and deep — expect long escalators. Buy a Troika card for multi-ride convenience.
• Taxis: use official app-based services (Yandex.Taxi, Gett) rather than hailing random cars. Confirm price on the app before ride.
• Buses/trams: extensive but slower; Moscow has frequent traffic jams.
• Walking: central Moscow is walkable between many sights but distances can be larger than they appear on maps.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Top attractions: Red Square, Kremlin (book tickets for the Armory and cathedrals ahead), St. Basil’s Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre (book performances in advance), Tretyakov Gallery, Gorky Park.
• Museum hours and closures: check ahead; many museums closed one weekday for maintenance.
• Language: English signage exists in central areas and transport, but outside tourist zones English is limited—have an offline translator/dictionary.
• Dress: smart-casual is fine; churches require modest dress (shoulders/knees covered). Comfortable shoes for cobblestones and long walks.
• Connectivity: buy a local SIM or eSIM for data; many services (metro maps, taxis) rely on internet access.
• Cashless & apps: having Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Taxi and Google/2GIS maps helps navigation. Metro maps are also widely posted in stations.
• Cultural experiences: try Russian cuisine (borscht, pelmeni, blini), visit a banya (bathhouse) if comfortable with the custom, and explore food markets for local flavors.

Final practical checklist

• Visa and printed/ digital copy of visa-support
• Passport valid ≥6 months and photocopies
• Troika card or transport apps installed
• Local currency and bank card with travel notification
• Warm layers (season-dependent) and comfortable shoes
• Offline maps, translation app, and emergency contacts

Enjoy Moscow but plan ahead, respect local rules, and stay aware of current travel advisories from your government before departure.