Moscow Unfiltered: A Local’s Guide to the Real City. Аlexander Chekhanovski

security. This guide provides specific, updated advice to help you navigate the city safely in 2025.

      General Safety & Awareness:

      Urban Landscape: Moscow is a large, dynamic city. The level of safety can vary significantly based on location and time of day. Maintaining a heightened awareness of your surroundings is essential. Confident Demeanor: Displaying confidence and purpose while walking makes you less of a target for petty crime. Walk with your head up, looking around, and avoid appearing distracted by your phone. Secure Your Valuables: Always keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables in secure, zippered pockets, or inside a closed bag worn close to your body. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Be especially cautious in crowded areas, on public transportation, and at popular tourist sites, which are prime locations for pickpockets. Avoid Unlit and Secluded Areas: This is particularly crucial after dark. Steer clear of quiet alleys, poorly lit backstreets, and isolated areas. This includes some of the smaller streets in the center when they are not full of people. Be Cautious of Strangers: Be wary of overly friendly or persistent strangers offering help or initiating unsolicited conversations. These interactions can sometimes be a prelude to scams or theft. Politely decline any offers that make you uncomfortable. Scams and Tourist Traps: Be aware of common tourist scams, such as people offering “deals” on souvenirs or services near popular attractions. These are often overpriced or fraudulent. Emergency Contacts: Pre-program all relevant emergency numbers into your phone: 112 (general emergencies), 102 (police), 103 (ambulance). Also, have your hotel’s address and phone number readily available. Keep a list of your embassy or consulate’s contact details.

      Tourist Police: Your Dedicated Assistance: Moscow has a dedicated Tourist Police unit specifically trained to assist visitors. These officers are stationed in popular tourist areas and are easily identifiable. Multilingual Support: Tourist Police officers generally speak English and can assist with various issues, including: Directions and Navigation