Travel Essentials › Russia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and F; 220 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 102, Ambulance 103, Fire 101. Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary in big cities; not expected in taxis. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water..
Types C and F; 220 V, 50 Hz
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 102 |
| Ambulance | 103 |
| Fire | 101 |
Around 10% in restaurants is customary in big cities; not expected in taxis.
Greetings. A firm handshake is standard between men; wait for a woman to extend her hand. Smiling at strangers is less common than in some cultures and isn't a sign of unfriendliness.
Hospitality. If invited to a home, bring a small gift (not an even number of flowers, which are for funerals) and be prepared for generous, insistent hospitality around food and drink.
Public/political caution. Avoid discussing the war in Ukraine, criticizing the government, or photographing military/security installations; such comments can carry real legal risk for foreigners, not just social awkwardness.
Day-to-day street crime against tourists is low, but several governments (the US, UK, Canada, Australia) currently advise against all travel to Russia given the war with Ukraine, drone strikes, and a real risk of arbitrary detention of foreigners over perceived political statements or actions; tourist visas are still issued and travel within major cities is generally calm, but this is a materially different risk profile from typical European travel and should be weighed carefully, especially for nationals of countries currently at odds with Russia.
Currency and card issues. Western bank cards generally don't work in Russia; arriving without a workable payment plan (cash, a compatible card, or a local solution) can leave you stranded — plan this before you arrive rather than relying on scam-avoidance alone.
Unofficial taxis / overcharging. Unmarked cabs, especially at airports, may overcharge tourists; use an official app-based taxi service instead.
Petty theft on transport. Pickpocketing occurs on crowded metro lines and at major tourist sites; keep valuables secure and out of easy reach.
Women travelers. Standard urban precautions apply; overt harassment of tourists is uncommon in central tourist areas of Moscow and St. Petersburg, but general political and legal risks affect all travelers regardless of gender.
Partly legal · Use Caution
Same-sex sexual activity itself is not criminalized, but Russia has banned all "LGBT propaganda" (any public support, information, or same-sex affection can be prosecuted), outlawed same-sex marriage in the constitution, and its Supreme Court has designated the "international LGBT movement" an extremist organization, with several LGBT organizations banned since 2026; LGBTQ+ travelers face real legal and safety risk and should avoid any public expression of identity or affection.
| Coffee (café) | ₽180 | $2.30 |
| Moscow Metro ride | ₽75 | $1 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | ₽1,500 | $20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | ₽1,600 | $21 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | ₽9,000 | $120 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | ₽4,000 | $53 |
2026-09
Late May through August brings the warmest weather and St. Petersburg's famous "White Nights" of near-continuous daylight; shoulder months (April-May, September-October) offer a quieter, cooler visit.
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