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| *Travel Tips>>>Russia Travel Tips |
I am traveling to Moscow. What are some of the things to watch out for and how dangerous can it be.? |
Travel Info I do not speak russian and I have had some comments that I should not go to Moscow because it is to dangerous Travel Tips Don't mind the horror stories too much--it's not inherently more dangerous than any other place in Europe. People try to swindle you everywhere, and that's the thing you should primarily watch out for. The first thing you should watch out for is your cab from the airport. That's the first bad experience most foreigners have. Once you step out of Sheremetyevo-2 airport (probably where you'll land) you'll be approached by a bunch of cabbies offering to take you wherever it is you need to go. They'll get you there, but they'll charge you $50 at the very least (yes they're savvy enough to ask for dollar payment) for a 10 minute drive. This is unnecessarly, as there is either a free shuttle or a $1 municipal bus that can take you into the city, at the very airport, from which it's easy to get to any hotel you want. Ask at an information desk for specific directions. The city is very large, so be sure you have some maps and travel guides. BRING A SUBWAY MAP! With transliterations of the Russian names, if possible, because many will sound similar but are actually distinct stations. It's easy to get around once you get the hang of the subway, cabs are not recommended because they'll overcharge you once they figure out you're from an English-speaking country. Just as with most large cities, try to limit foot trips to daylight and places with lots of people traffic. Dark alleys are not safe anywhere, just like they're not in NYC or LA. But do make sure you walk around, because that's how you experience the place. Police presence is very noticeable on the streets, and even though they're generally a pretty corrupt lot, it's in their interest to help tourists when needed, because they generate a lot of income for the city. There is a lot to see and do, much awe-inspiring architecture and history, and some satisfying shopping (though not really cheap, all things considered). Churches, museums, parks--it's all there. As I said, the only consistent problem that you should expect is being overcharged on account of being a foreigner, because the locals tend to assume you're loaded and can afford it. If it LOOKS as if you could haggle, by all means do. Haggling is a central element of Russian culture, and all prices will be jacked up to begin with, so you will definitely save yourself some money. This pretty much applies to any transaction outside of say, a department store, where all prices are predetermined. If it feels like somebody is pulling a figure out of thin air, they are, and you can get it lower. In short, don't let people who had a bad experience dissuade you. Not all trips fit the mold, and if one is reasonably careful and savvy, there is nothing about Moscow that makes it exceptionally unsafe. I'm sure that if you go, you'll enjoy the trip. Hope this helped! Source(s): I am Russian and have lived in Moscow for several years. Other Travel Tips That's total rubbish. Moscow is no more dangerous than other capital cities. I travelled from Vladivostok to Estonia 3rd class on a train alone and I've been to Moscow and Petersburg both alone and with other people. I do speak Russian but that's not an issue. The biggest problem in Moscow is pickpocketing on the Metro and to be fair, it is a big problem. Be vigilant on the Metro. As for violent or serious crime, sure things happen but things can happen outside your own front door. Just be sensible. If you are wandering around a side street, talking loudly in English and flashing your cash around then, yeah, you might have a problem. But that would apply anywhere. Also, make sure your visa and registration is in perfect order. The militia in Moscow love to prey on tourists for bribes. If you know 100% that your visa is correct, take their ID number, get out your mobile and say you are phoning your embassy. They will back off immediately. Only do this if you KNOW you are right otherwise you will end up in worse trouble than before and also look a bit stupid. A lot of people just recommend paying the bribes. There are lots of misconceptions about Moscow and Russia. It's a magnificent country. Go and see for yourself. Have fun. There has been a rise in violent right wing extremism recently in Russia generally and in Moscow in particular. If you are black then there is a risk of being beaten up but I cannot quantify that risk. Otherwise you should be able to blend in and it would then be no more dangerous than other very large cities around the world. Moscow is a beautiful city, you will enjoy your trip. The main thing you have to be worried about is pick pockets. They are mainly on the metro, busses and trolley's. Watch for them in major tourist areas as well. But this kind of thing can happen in any major city you just have to be smart. Get a money belt and use it!! Don't flash your money around. You can check with your embassy when your arrive and they should be able to give you some maps and info in english so you can get around. The only other thing I would be careful about is if you go to a bar do not leave your drink, as it could be drugged then you get robbed. I know some of this might put people off, but Moscow is a great city with alot to do, I loved it there and would return if I had the chance. Have a great trip and visit the Artist park across from Gorky park. Lived in Moscow for three years. Moscow is no more dangerous than, say, New York. Just be as cautious as you would be in any foreign country. One thing you should do if you don't speak Russian is learning how to read it (even if you don't understand what you read). It's not very difficult and it will take you a few hours. It will be very usefull to be able to read Russian because all the signs in the subway, on the streets are in cyrillic. If you can decypher Russian, you won't get lost. There are many things to see in Moscow : the Red square with the Kremlin and the Saint Basil's basilic (subway : Ploshad revolutsiya or Okhotnyy ryad). There are many beautiful Russian churches to see between the Red square and the "Kitayskyy Gorod" subway station. You can go to the Arbat, a pedestrian street with many souvenir shops (subway : Arbat) with many beautiful little streets around, etc... |
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