Capital city, Russia
Moscow
Russia's huge capital has a spectacular metro, world-class museums and a lively food scene. Foreign cards don't work, detention and drone risks are real, and consular help is limited.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$2,040–3,350Comfortable, one person · ₽170,000–280,000Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, SepWarmest: Jul, 24°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · ModerateDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but pipes are old; locals filter or boil.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$48–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYandex GoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyForeign Visa and Mastercard cards don't work.Details
Where to stay in Moscow
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tverskaya–Arbat | Central first-timers: Red Square, metro and restaurants on foot |
| Chistye Prudy–Basmanny | Cafés, bars and a young crowd east of the center |
| Patriarshy–Presnya | Quiet leafy streets, wine bars, good for long stays |
| Khamovniki (Park Kultury) | Gorky Park, riverside runs and calmer apartments |
Apps that work in Moscow
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yandex Eats | Biggest delivery app; Russian phone number needed |
| Samokat | Fast grocery delivery in large cities |
- Maps: Yandex Maps or 2GIS
- Messaging: Telegram
- Yandex Translate: Menus and signs, camera translation
- 2GIS: Offline maps with building entrances
- Taxis: Registered app taxis beat street cabs. Apps need a working Russian SIM; avoid unlicensed drivers at airports.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Russia.
- Cash only Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards don't work. Bring dollars or euros and exchange at banks; locals pay by card or QR, which visitors can't use.
- Currency: Ruble (RUB). US$1 ≈ ₽83.50 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs reject foreign Visa and Mastercard, so you can't withdraw money. Plan your cash before arriving.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants, in cash for visitors. Round up taxis; not expected at counters.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay don't work. Locals use Mir Pay and SBP QR, which need a Russian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Unified e-visa for listed nationalities: single entry, up to 30 days, valid 120 days; apply 4–86 days ahead at evisa.kdmid.ru.
- Medical insurance valid in Russia is required. Fingerprints and photos are taken on arrival; questioning and phone checks can last hours.
- Keep your migration card and registration (hotels register you within 7 working days); both are checked when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Local SIMs need your passport and biometric checks, and can take up to two weeks. Roaming SIMs lose data for hours or days on arrival.
More places in Russia
Going to Moscow solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.