Living in Moscow

Safety tips

Moscow is as large a city as London or New York. And, inevitably, it has its share of petty crime. Most crimes involving violence affect only those in business or illicit activities. The average person generally feels fairly safe on the streets of Moscow, especially in the city centre.

When reading the following information, you should bear in mind that the vast majority of those who live in Moscow never experience any of the listed cases.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, exercise the same precautions that you would in any large city. Common sense will be your safeguard.

The more you look like a local, the better. Dress down and blend in with the crowd.

Your passport may be the object of desire for pickpockets as well as your cash, hence keep it secure in your inner pocket.

Never leave your belongings unattended, be it at work or in a bar.

Do not count or display money in public. A request for change is sometimes a way to find where you keep your money.

Do not exchange money from anybody you do not know well. Fraud is rare nowadays, yet you have to be cautious.

It is advisable not to change a large amount of money at one time unless you really need a lot of roubles.

Give me my phone! Give me my wallet! by Anissa Mathews Taxi

Hailing a taxi in Moscow is easy as long as you are ready to take an unmarked car. Many Moscow drivers earn their living by picking up passengers. This is a very common practice and Muscovites do not really care much what car they take. However, being a foreign national you have to take some precautions:

Never accept a ride from a driver who already has other passengers.

You have to agree the price prior to getting in the car. Once a driver learns that you are not local, he will most likely require considerably more money. Be firm in your negotiations, try a few cars and you will eventually get a good deal. Expect to pay about $5-10 (150-300 roubles) for a half-hour ride around Moscow.

Refrain from taking an unmarked car parked waiting for passengers with its engine off. If you do, expect to be charged more than average. Besides, it would be safer just to flag down a passing car.

Taking a car is safer and cheaper, if you are with a group of acquaintances.

If you are not convinced about your safety, do not get in the car!

Be twice as vigilant in the metro, especially in the rush hours. Never carry valuable items in your outer pockets, especially the back ones.

Refrain from falling asleep when in the metro, even if you have been drinking and feel like taking a quick nap. You may easily be targeted by pickpockets, if you do.

Down Into The Metro I Go. Hi Ho! HI Ho! By Lorraine Lanteigne