Moscow dos and don’ts

Aug 28, 2009 4:12:18 AM

Jo Potts
Lonely Planet Author

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Wondering which hat to wear to the Kremlin? How best to introduce yourself to your Russian cousin? Here are some author tips for avoiding blushes in the Russian capital.

DO apply for your visa before you leave!
This is an absolute must for everybody. You can do it at the last moment, but it may cost you your unborn child.

DO check the events calendar.
During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow empties out. Despite this the city is a festive place during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether.

DO make sure you bring a gift if invited to a Muscovite’s house.
Wine, cake and confectionary are all appropriate and unless you’re bringing something really special from home, Russian brands will be appreciated more.

DO dress up for a night on the town.
We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s ‘face control’, but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort (Moscow style) – high heels and short skirts for women, all black for men.

DO expect to spend.
Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and wallet-thinning shock is common at many Moscow restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay.

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka.
Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic is anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water.

DON’T place your empty bottle of vodka on the table.
It’s bad luck. All empty bottles should be placed on the floor.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police.
Carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration, and present them when an office demands to see your dokumenty.

DON’T forget your student id.
If you’re a student, flashing your id can save you money at museums and other institutions, the Bolshoi also puts a limited number of student tickets aside for each performance – but you’ll need to be quick!

DON’T sit a table’s corner if you’re single.
Tradition states you won’t get married for the next seven years!

Further information

The new Lonely Planet Moscow city guide will further help you negotiate the nuances of Muscovite culture.

Been to Moscow? Agree or disagree with the list we have here? Have we forgotten something essential? Add your own tips to the comments below.

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Comments

27 November 2009 2:26AM superzoom Report this comment
Ufff, Russia is great, but definitely things work different there. Don't expect people to Speak in English EVEN at touristic sites or at Touristic information offices!!! (it happened to me).
It is very useful to have at least a basic idea of some Cyrillic letters (how they might sound like); this will let you identify better some basic things.
If you don't want to be stopped by policeman in the middle of the street and be sent to the "militzia", try to avoid speaking when you are near them (as soon as they notice you are foreign, they will hunt you!), and just when you notice a policeman close to you, change your facial expression to a more "rude" one (just while you are near them). This helped me a lot while I was there.
Having a copy of your passport and visa don't always is work with policeman; some will ask you for the original passport.
Anyway, Moscow is great. I just loved it and I am planning to return soon.
Saludos from MEXICO
18 June 2010 12:54AM natlie11 Report this comment
Hi, I'm going to Russia soon and I'd like to know if it is likely that they'll try to scam us all the time. Is it something common in Russia? You know, taxi drivers traying to charge us double or stuff like that.
10 January 2011 5:40PM yenzz Report this comment
I plan to visit Russia. Wht about end of year 2011? Thought more fun to meet New Year there? How much shud I prepared in Dollars ? I really have o Idea. Better homestay or Hotel ?