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Moscow Travel Resources

Moscow Travel Resources

Moscow Russia Travel Guide

Essential Digital Tools

Important Apps

  • Yandex.Go

    For taxi services and food to your door.

  • Yandex.Maps / 2GIS

    Excellent for navigation and public transport routes, with offline maps.

  • Moscow Metro / Yandex.Metro

    Metro maps and routing information.

  • Google Translate / Yandex Translate

    Download downloadable packs for use without internet.

  • VPN

    Access some foreign websites or services.

Planning Websites

  • Official Moscow Tourism

    Mos.ru/en/tourism for city information.

  • Kremlin Museums

    Kreml.ru/en/ for official site details.

  • Bolshoi Theatre

    Bolshoi.ru/en/ for shows.

  • Russian Foreign Ministry

    Mid.ru/en/ for visa information.

  • Aeroexpress.ru

    For airport train tickets.

Offline Information

Guidebooks & Maps

Popular guidebooks like Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, or Fodor's. Always check for the most recent editions and updates. Detailed Metro maps are also useful to tote.

Cultural Reading

"The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov (iconic Moscow novel). "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy (historical context). "A Legacy of Russia" by Nicholas V. Riasanovsky (comprehensive overview).

Local Media

English-language newspapers or magazines. Event guides like Afisha for current happenings.

Emergency and Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Universal Emergency: 112 (police, fire, ambulance).
  • Police: 102.
  • Fire: 101.
  • Ambulance: 103.

Medical Facilities

  • Spasokukotsky City Clinical Hospital.
  • European Clinic (EMC) for foreigners.
  • Numerous polyclinics and trauma centers.
  • Keep your embassy/consulate contact details handy.

Cultural Dive

Media & Arts

  • "Moscow on the Hudson" (1984 film).
  • "Doctor Zhivago" (1965 film).
  • Documentaries on Kremlin, Red Square.
  • Russian classical composers (Tchaikovsky).

Language Learning

  • Duolingo for basic phrases.
  • Babbel for systematic lessons.
  • Pimsleur audio courses.
  • YouTube channels for Russian lessons.

Online Communities

  • Travel forums (e.g., Reddit r/travel, r/russia).
  • The travel forums on tripadvisor for peer advice.
  • Podcasts on Russian history or culture.
  • Official Moscow tourism social media.

Planning a Safe Trip

Important Safety Advice

Contacts

  • Embassy/Consulate details.
  • Lost passport report procedures.
  • Police contact (102).
  • Insurance hotline.

Health Guidelines

  • Hospital addresses.
  • Ambulance number (103).
  • Medical insurance card.
  • Nearby pharmacy locations.

Crisis Protocols

  • Natural disaster protocols.
  • Local authority advice.
  • Shelter locations.
  • Emergency communication.

Connectivity & Learning

Language Learning

  • Utilize apps like Duolingo.
  • Explore Babbel or Pimsleur.
  • Many Russian language lessons on YouTube.

Online Communities

  • Engage with travel forums on Reddit (r/travel).
  • TripAdvisor forums for peer advice.
  • These sources offer current discussions.

Exploration

Visual Stories

  • Watch "Moscow on the Hudson" (1984).
  • See "Doctor Zhivago" (1965).
  • Look for Kremlin documentaries.

Auditory & Visual Arts

  • Classical Russian composers (Tchaikovsky).
  • Explore traditional Russian folk music.
  • Discover Russian fine art online.

Continuous Learning

Cultural Immersion

  1. Research historical context.
  2. Learn about local cuisine.
  3. Discover contemporary artists.
  4. Watch Russian cinema.
  5. Read local literature.

Pre-Trip Education

  1. Subscribe to travel newsletters.
  2. Join online discussions.
  3. Read travelogues.
  4. Explore historical podcasts.
  5. Engage with cultural content creators.

Information Access

Digital Guides

Essential apps and websites for Moscow navigation and up-to-date information.

Printed Materials

Guidebooks and maps provide offline information, especially where digital access is limited.

Emergency Preparedness

Know emergency numbers and clinic or hospital spots for a safe trip.

Lost Documents

Report lost documents immediately to local police (dial 102). Speak to your embassy for emergency travel documents.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Planning Steps

Months Ahead

  • Passport Validity

    Ensure 6 months validity beyond return, with blank pages.

  • Russian Visa

    Start visa application early; the process takes time.

  • Flights & Accommodation

    Research and book flights and lodging.

Month Ahead

  • Bookings Confirmed

    Confirm all flight, hotel, and tour reservations.

  • Bank & Meds

    Inform bank of travel plans. Arrange prescription medications (doctor's note).

  • Document Copies

    Prepare digital and physical copies of documents, stored separately.

Essential Bookings

Visa Application

A critical and often time-consuming process; begin early.

Flights & Hotels

Book early for better prices and availability, especially for popular dates.

Attraction Tickets

Bolshoi Theatre and Kremlin (Armoury Chamber) tickets sell out quickly. Book well in advance.

Preparatory Research

Cultural Deep Dive

  • Read up on Russian history and culture.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet.
  • Practice basic Russian phrases.
  • Understand the current geopolitical context.

Home Affairs Before Travel

  • Hold your mail.
  • Arrange for pet or house-sitting.
  • Ensure bills are paid.
  • Secure your home before departure.

Your Arrival in Moscow

Initial Actions

  • Pass immigration and receive Migration Card.
  • Collect your luggage.
  • Exchange currency (USD/EUR to RUB) if needed.
  • Purchase a local SIM at the airport.

Getting Your Bearings

  • Locate your lodging and check in.
  • Familiarize yourself with the nearest Metro station.
  • Take a short walk around your neighborhood.
  • Acquire a physical Moscow Metro map.

Migration Card

Your Migration Card is very important. Keep it safe throughout your stay and present it upon departure.

Departure Preparation

Preparing for a hassle-free exit from Moscow.

Final Actions Before Leaving

Ensure an easy departure from the city.

Departure Timeline

Organize your preparations to reduce last-minute stress.

1

One Week Ahead

Airport Transfers

Confirm transfers to and from Moscow airports.

Packing & Cash

Pack appropriate clothing. Obtain Rubles cash for transactions.

Apps & Itinerary

Download essential apps. Review itinerary. Share contacts.

2

Souvenirs & Shipping

Pack Carefully

Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.

Customs Regulations

Awareness of customs regulations for cultural items; keep receipts.

Shipping Services

Use reputable carriers for shipping items; check service status.

3

VAT Refund & Timing

VAT Refund Procedures

Collect receipts and forms at participating stores for Duty-free Shopping.

Airport Arrival Time

Allow ample time (3 hours for international flights) for check-in and security.

Remaining Currency

Spend any remaining rubles or exchange them back to your home currency.

Required Advance Bookings

Some Moscow bookings need early attention.

Booking Essentials

  • Visa: A critical, time-consuming process.
  • Flights: Book go early for better prices.
  • Accommodation: Especially for popular dates.
  • Bolshoi Theatre & Kremlin tickets: Sell out quickly.

Pre-Trip Research

Reading about Russia before you go.

Cultural Deep Dive

  • Read up on Russian history and culture.
  • Familiarize with the Cyrillic alphabet.
  • Practice basic Russian phrases.
  • Understand current travel advisories.

Home Affairs Before Travel

Getting your home ready for your absence.

Mail & Pets

  • Hold your mail.
  • Arrange for pet-sitting.
  • Arrange for house-sitting.
  • Inform neighbors of your absence.

Payments & Security

  • Ensure bills are paid.
  • Secure your home.
  • Check alarm systems.
  • Unplug devices not in use-essential electronics.

Digital Footprint

  • Back up vital data.
  • Secure devices.
  • Review online privacy settings.
  • Organize digital documents.

Foreign Card Usage

Most foreign credit and debit cards do not work in Russia. Plan for cash transactions (Rubles, USD/EUR for exchange).

Moscow Arrival Checklist

Smooth entry and first steps in the city.

Initial Actions

  • 1
    Immigration & Migration Card

    Pass immigration and receive your Migration Card. Keep this document safe.

  • 2
    Baggage & Cash

    Collect luggage. Exchange USD/EUR for Rubles for immediate needs.

  • 3
    SIM & Transport

    Acquire a local SIM card. Proceed to pre-booked transport or airport options.

Getting Your Bearings

  • Check In

    Locate where you're staying and complete check-in procedures.

  • Metro Orientation

    Get to know the nearest Metro station and its lines.

  • Local Map

    Acquire a physical Moscow Metro guide for easy reference.

Essentials on Arrival

Currency Exchange

Exchange some cash at the airport.

Find a city exchange office for better rates.

Troika Card

Purchase a Troika card for public transport.

It offers the most economical fares.

Local SIM

Get a local SIM at the airport for connectivity.

Essential for how to get there and communication.

Travel Advice

Your Migration Card is very important. Keep it safe throughout your stay and present it upon departure.

Smooth Departure

Preparing for a hassle-free exit from Moscow.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Pack souvenirs carefully.
  • Especially fragile items.
  • Keep receipts for valuable purchases.
  • Use reputable carriers if shipping items.

Tax-Free Shopping

  • VAT refund system (Tax Free Shopping) for non-EAEU citizens.
  • Collect receipts and fill out required forms.
  • Process at designated points, like airports.
  • Minimum purchase amounts for eligibility.

Departure Timeline

Allow ample time for airport processes.

Airport Arrival Time

  • Allow ample time for check-in.
  • Security and potential VAT refund processing.
  • For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Customs checks.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Confirm your flight details.
  • Pack according to airline baggage rules.
  • Ensure your migration card is ready for departure.
  • Spend any remaining rubles or exchange them.

Departure Checklist

Ensure your Migration Card is with your passport for a smooth exit.

Confirm flight details and allow extra time at the airport.