Moscow rewards a bit of cultural awareness more than most European capitals — not because people are unwelcoming, but because a few norms genuinely differ from what visitors expect.
Here’s what actually helps.
Greetings and manners
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are the norm for a first greeting, especially in any formal or business context. Muscovites tend to be reserved with strangers in public — don’t read this as unfriendliness; it’s simply a different default than the constant smiling and small talk common in some Western cultures. People warm up quickly once a conversation actually starts.
Food and dining
Street food is popular and generally fine; choose stalls that look clean and busy, since turnover means freshness. Tipping around 10% is standard and appreciated in restaurants, though not obligatory. Tap water is treated and technically safe, but most Muscovites drink bottled water out of habit rather than necessity.
Money: the one habit to change
This is the biggest adjustment for most visitors: don’t expect to pay by foreign card. Cash is how you’ll pay for most things here, from taxis to markets to plenty of smaller restaurants — foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, don’t work in Russia due to sanctions. Carrying rubles, not a wallet full of cards, is the local habit worth adopting for your trip.
General conduct
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites — shoulders and knees covered. Avoid photographing government buildings or anything with a visible military presence. Public political demonstrations exist but can turn unpredictable; as a visitor, it’s sensible to observe rather than participate. None of this is unusual by the standards of any major capital — basic awareness and common sense cover almost everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay by card in Moscow restaurants and shops?
Not with a foreign-issued card. Bring cash and plan to pay in rubles for most things.
Is tipping expected in Moscow?
Around 10% in restaurants is standard and appreciated, though not obligatory.
Anastasia is a Moscow-based travel blog writer who brings a local’s insight to one of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood cities. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Anastasia shares an authentic, on-the-ground perspective on what it’s really like to explore the city beyond the postcards.
Her writing focuses on tourism in Moscow, practical guides for first-time visitors, and hidden corners that most travelers miss. In addition, Anastasia writes extensively about expat life in Moscow, covering everyday realities such as housing, transportation, cultural differences, and settling into life in the Russian capital.
As a solo traveler in her own city, she also documents Moscow through the lens of independence and curiosity — from navigating the metro alone at night to discovering cafés, museums, and neighborhoods that feel welcoming for solo visitors. Her work blends local knowledge with honest personal experience, helping travelers and expats alike feel more confident, informed, and inspired when discovering Moscow on their own terms.