Language
Some rudimentary knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet will always allow you to decipher a few Russian words. However, most hotel staff and businesses that deal with foreigners will be able to communicate in good English. Outside of these establishments, it is always a good idea carry a Russian phrase book with you.
Currency And Tipping
The Russians use the Ruble, which is subdivided into 100 Kopeks. Notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 rubles, while coins come in values of 1, 10 and 50 kopeks, and 1, 2 and 5 rubles. All currency values are indicated in Western numerals. There is no limit on the amount of money you can bring into the country, but it is safest to carry traveler’s cheques. The most favorable rates of exchange are at banks and through ATM machines, but expect to pay a transaction fee. Tipping is normal in Russia and expect to add between 10 and 15 percent to a restaurant bill and a few rubles to a taxi fare. Likewise, the amount to tip a hotel porter will depend on how high-end the hotel establishment is.
Safety
The usual big city concerns apply to Moscow. But unlike in the West, the police in Moscow have been known to target foreigners to demand fines for almost anything. It is always important to have your passport, visa and any migration papers with you at all times. In recent years, Moscow has been the target of terrorist attacks. Be alert to any unusual behavior or packages left unattended.
Weather
The peak tourism months are from June to August when the city can get quite hot and heavy thunderstorms are common. With short grey days and long dark nights, winter temperatures generally remain below freezing, sometimes well below freezing, and there is normally a blanket of snow on the ground. The ideal time to visit Moscow is in late spring or early autumn (fall) when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds less abundant.
Getting Around
The Moscow Metro is generally the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city (www.metro.ru), with trains running from 5:20am to 1:00am. All signs are in Russians so having a map is essential. Tickets are relatively inexpensive at 15 R per individual fare, 70 R for 5 trips, 125 R for 10 trips and 230 R for 20 trips. The metro entrances are marked with a big red ‘M’ and some of the stations are decorated with mosaic tiles and sculptures giving them a somewhat museum feel. Rush hour on the metro is between 8:00 – 9:00 in the morning and between 17:00 – 19:00 in the evening. Alternatively, buses, trams and trolleys are a good way to see the city but they rarely go on schedule. Official taxis, with the chess sign on top and yellow in colour, are generally found in the busiest parts of town. Your hotel concierge can arrange for a taxi pick-up at your hotel.
Etiquette
You can never be too over dressed in Moscow. Smart stylish clothes are to be expected when going to restaurants, clubs and theatres. Also, short and/or revealing clothes are never acceptable at religious sites. Business travel etiquette may include giving gifts, having a business drink or sometimes paying a visit to a banya, a Russian style steam bath.
