Moscow Travel Tips

Moscow Travel Tips: Key Things to Know about Culture and Etiquette

Moscow is a city of contrasts, blending its rich history with modern Russian life. While it’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, understanding local customs and norms will make your visit smoother and more respectful.

Here are some key cultural tips for travelers in Moscow:

General Etiquette:

  • Greetings: Russians typically greet each other with a handshake and a formal “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte) - hello.

  • Addressing People: Use formal titles like “господин” (gospodin - Mr.) or “госпожа” (gospozha - Ms./Mrs.) when addressing strangers, especially older ones. It’s also polite to use the formal “you” (“Вы” - Vy) instead of the informal “ты” (ty).

  • Politeness: Be polite and respectful in your interactions. Use phrases like “спасибо” (spasibo - thank you), “пожалуйста” (Pozhaluysta - please), and “извините” (Izvinite - excuse me) liberally.

Specific Tips for Dining:

  • Table Manners:

    • Wait to be invited before sitting down at a table, especially in formal settings. It’s common practice to have the host offer you a seat.
    • Keep your hands visible on the table during meals.
    • Use “пожалуйста” (Pozhaluysta) - please - when asking for something to be passed.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 10-15% of the bill is a good range, and rounding up the bill is also common. It’s considered polite to tip in cash, leaving it discreetly on the table.

  • Don’t Rush: Meals are often leisurely affairs in Russia.

In Public:

  • Public Transportation:
    • Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant women, and mothers with young children. This is a common courtesy and expected behavior.
    • Be prepared for crowded conditions on the metro, especially during rush hour. Avoid making eye contact and avoid taking up more space than necessary.
  • Respect for Elders: Russian culture places a high value on respect for elders.

Important:

  • Learn Basic Russian Phrases: Even simple greetings like “привет” (privet - hello) and “спасибо” (spasibo - thank you) will be appreciated. A few words in the local language can go a long way in making your interactions smoother.
  • Be Patient with Communication: Not everyone in Moscow speaks English, so it’s important to be patient and understanding when communication barriers arise.

Important for Travelers:

  • Respect Personal Space: Russians often value personal space more than people from other cultures. Be mindful of this when standing in line or on public transportation.
  • Currency: While the Russian ruble is the official currency, you can expect to use it in most transactions.

Tips for Tipping:

  • Restaurants: Tipping 10-15% is common and appreciated.
  • Bars & Cafes: Leave a small tip (50-100 rubles) or round up the bill.
  • Cafes & Bars: Tipping in cafes and bars is often done by leaving a few coins on the table.

Important Notes:

  • Respecting Local Customs:

In Russia, tipping is less common than in Western countries, but it’s still a good idea to tip for good service.

  • Cash Tips: Tipping in Russia is typically done with cash, and it’s not uncommon to leave a small amount (50-100 rubles) on the table after a meal.

Other Considerations:

  • Respect for Authority: Russians often have a strong respect for authority figures. Be polite and respectful when interacting with them.
  • Language: While younger generations may understand some English, it’s best to learn a few basic Russian phrases or download a translation app.
  • Hospitality: Russians are known for their hospitality, but be prepared for them to be more reserved in formal settings.

Beyond Tipping:

  • Be patient with queues. Queue-jumping is frowned upon and can lead to confrontations.

  • Respect the elderly. It’s common to see younger people offering their seats to older adults on public transport, especially in the “необходимые места” (neobkhodimye mesta) or “reserved seats” which are often located near the doors.

  • Respect personal space and use polite language when addressing them.

Remember, tipping is just one aspect of Moscow etiquette.

  • Be Prepared for a Different Culture:

  • Tipping Etiquette: While tipping is generally not expected in Russia for everyday services, it’s becoming more common.

  • Cash vs. Card: Moscow is becoming increasingly cashless, but it’s still wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and transportation.

Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Respect for Personal Space: Russians value personal space, especially in formal contexts.

  • Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or religious sites, dress modestly (long sleeves and skirts/dresses covering the knees). This demonstrates respect for their culture and traditions.**

  • Gift-Giving: Bringing a small gift for your host is a common practice. A bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine are all good options.

  • Photography: Always ask for permission before taking pictures in Moscow’s churches and religious sites.

  • Language:

While tipping is becoming more commonplace, remember that it’s still a cultural difference. In Russia, tipping isn’t expected to be as generous as in some other cultures.

  • Small Gifts: It’s more common for people to simply offer their seats to the elderly on public transport. Important: Be Respectful:

  • Learn Basic Russian Phrases: This is crucial in a city like Moscow, where many locals speak limited English.

  • Be mindful of cultural norms: Avoid using slang or overly informal language when speaking with your host.

  • Respect personal space: This is important for all interactions, but particularly relevant in Moscow’s public transport system.

  • Remember to tip: While it’s not always expected, tipping is still a good way to show appreciation for good service.

  • Use small gestures and expressions of gratitude: A simple “Спасибо” (spasibo - thank you) with a smile will often suffice in informal settings.

  • Respect for Tradition:

  • Cultural Awareness:

  • Language:

  • Dress:

  • Photography:

Be aware that tipping is not as culturally ingrained in Russia as it is in some other countries.

Other Cultural Tips:

  • Be polite and use formal language (especially when speaking Russian) when interacting with people.

  • Always be respectful of the elderly and those in need, like offering them a seat on public transport.

  • Tipping:

Remember to tip for good service in restaurants or cafes, but it’s not expected to be as generous as in some other cultures. A tip of 10-15% is considered standard.

Respecting local customs and traditions is important:

  • Language:
    Moscow’s residents are often more reserved and less likely to expect a “tip” for services rendered.

  • Photography etiquette:

  • Remember that the tipping culture in Russia is different than in other countries.

  • 10-15% of the bill is a common practice, but it’s important to note that this is not expected. In fact,

leaving a tip is seen as more of a gesture of appreciation.

  • Respecting the local language:

While tipping is becoming more common in Moscow, it’s still not always expected or customary.

A few extra tips for your trip:

  • Learn basic phrases:

Even a simple “спасибо” (spasibo - thank you) and “пожалуйста” (pozhaluysta - please) will be appreciated by locals, but remember to use them appropriately.

  • Be respectful of personal space: Russians tend to be more reserved about physical contact than people from other cultures.

  • Understand the tipping expectations:

When it comes to tipping in Moscow, tipping is not mandatory, but a small tip (5-10% of the bill)

is always appreciated. *

Remember that tipping norms are changing in Russia:

  • Be mindful of cultural nuances. A tip for a simple “spasibo” shows gratitude.

  • Research local customs:

In many restaurants, the waiter will bring you the bill and leave it on the table. They usually expect you to pick up the check, but a few rubles for good service is a nice touch.

Remember: Always be respectful of the culture when tipping. A small gesture can go a long way in showing appreciation for the person who served you.