Readers of a US magazine voted the Russian capital the least friendly city on earth. But Simon Calder, who has been taking holidays in Moscow for the past three decades, finds it engaging and welcoming.
Is Moscow friendly?
Moscow is far more English-friendly than most places in Russia, but without at least some basic words and some translation firepower, you’ll struggle at times.
Is Moscow English friendly?
<Is English common in Moscow?> No! But in Moscow and St Petersburg you will be able to find Englsh speaking people. Most likely, hotel receptionists/conserge will speak English and will provide assistance if needed.
Is Russia a friendly place?
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. However, there are a number of risk areas in Russia, which is advisable not to travel to: The border with Ukraine.
Is Moscow a nice place to live?
Moscow can be an exciting place to live in. With its dramatic history and politics, life can never be considered boring in the Russian capital. Nevertheless, expats in Moscow may experience frustrations including bureaucracy, a difficult language adjustment and extreme weather conditions.
Is Moscow safe for foreigners?
While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern.
What should I avoid in Moscow?
11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in Moscow
- Queue in front of Lenin’s Mausoleum | © thisisbossi / Flickr.
- Crowds on Arbat street | © oxidizer05 / Flickr.
- Amber souvenirs | © AlbanyColley / Pixabay.
- Putin and Lenin impersonators | © klimkin / Pixabay.
- Old Russian taxi | © mpetrucho / Flickr.
Is Moscow a clean city?
Moscow is Clean: Cleaning Moscow is a challenge when zillion tonnes of snow falls every winter. But the city does a miracle keeping it clean and functional. Sidewalks, side streets, corners are very clean. There is no public defecation that is so common in Paris.
What is the crime rate in Moscow?
Crime rates in Moscow, Russia
| Level of crime | 36.32 | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Problem people using or dealing drugs | 37.55 | Low |
| Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft | 42.88 | Moderate |
| Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 30.14 | Low |
| Problem corruption and bribery | 72.78 | High |
Can you drink the tap water in Moscow?
Yes, you can drink the tapwater in Moscow, although many people will disagree.
Is Russia safe to live?
Generally, Russia is a fairly safe country to live in, although it is important to take basic safety precautions and remain aware of your surroundings.
Why is Russia not a good place to visit?
Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the
Are Americans allowed in Russia?
Travelers who arrive in Russia without an entry visa will not be permitted to enter the country, and face immediate return to the point of embarkation at their own expense. A Russian entry/exit visa has two dates written in the European style (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style (month/day/year).
Is Russian hard to learn?
Russian is widely believed to be one of the most difficult languages to learn. This is mostly true, if you have no knowledge of other Slavic languages (e.g. Bulgarian or Czech). The grammar rules in Russian are very complex and have numerous exceptions.
What us it like living in Russia?
Life in Russia can be quite challenging. The climate is harsh and many cities have high levels of pollution. There is also a relatively high crime rate and a number of security issues to take into consideration.
Can foreigners live in Russia?
Foreign nationals in Russia can apply for Russian permanent residency after living in Russia for one year and for naturalization as a Russian citizen after five years of permanent residence.
Which is the safest city in Russia?
Russia : Safety by City
- Kazan.
- Moscow.
- Nizhny Novgorod.
- Novosibirsk.
- Saint Petersburg.
- Sochi.
- Yekaterinburg.
Is it safe to walk in Moscow at night?
? It is totally okay to walk round the city during the night time. But I must ask you to stay in the center of the city. Central parts are the safest. Most of the cafes, pubs, restaurants, clubs that open at night are located in the central part of the city.
Is Moscow safe for students?
Moscow is a clean city with no slums or high risk districts, generally quite safe.
Can you take pictures in Russia?
Yes, you can take pictures when visiting some museums in Moscow and St. Petersburg, however there are places where no photos are allowed.
OTHER PRACTICALITIES.
| MOSCOW | ||
|---|---|---|
| Landmark | Photo allowed | Cost |
| St. Basil’s Cathedral | photo allowed without a tripod and flash | 160 roubles |
What should I wear in Moscow?
A long-sleeved shirt, and a light cardigan or sweater will be comfortable. Sometimes a cardigan, sweater or jacket will be comfortable. Sometimes it is cold enough to wear a coat, gloves, warm hat. A coat or down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and so on.
