Packing for Moscow is mostly ordinary city-trip logic, with two exceptions that matter more here than they would almost anywhere else in Europe: the cash situation, and, depending on when you’re travelling, the cold.
Money and documents
- A money belt or similar way to carry cash securely, since you’ll be carrying more of it than you’re likely used to
- Printed copies of your visa, invitation letter, travel insurance certificate and hotel confirmation, in case digital access isn’t reliable when you need them
- Your passport, obviously, but also a photocopy or photo of it stored separately from the original
- A small amount of euros or US dollars in cash, ready to exchange, since you won’t be able to rely on a card for this
Clothing: winter (December to February)
- A proper insulated winter coat, not just a warm jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip for icy pavements
- Hat, scarf and gloves that actually block wind, not just look the part
- A pair of lightweight indoor shoes, since heated buildings mean you’ll want to shed the heaviest layers quickly once inside
Clothing: spring, summer and autumn
- Layers, since Moscow’s shoulder seasons can swing from warm to chilly within a single day
- A compact rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes: you will do a lot of walking and a lot of metro stairs, escalators aside
- A light scarf or wrap for visiting churches, where women are generally expected to cover their heads
Practical extras
- A universal power adapter (Russia uses the same round two-pin plugs as most of continental Europe, at 220V)
- A portable phone charger, useful on longer days out with translation and navigation apps running
- Any medications you take regularly, in their original packaging, since specific brand names and availability can differ from what you’re used to at home
- A small padlock if you’re staying in a hostel dorm
What you probably don’t need
Leave space rather than overpacking for eventualities that don’t apply here: Moscow’s shops cover ordinary essentials perfectly well, and the one thing worth planning around in advance is cash, not gear. There’s no need to bring a full toiletry kit or a stack of guidebooks; a phone with offline maps and translation covers most of that ground now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the one thing people forget to pack for Moscow?
Enough cash. Since foreign cards don’t work here, running short is a bigger problem than it would be almost anywhere else in Europe.
Do I need special winter gear for a Moscow winter?
Yes, genuine winter gear, not just a warm coat from home. Proper insulated boots and windproof layers make a real difference.
Should I bring printed documents or is digital enough?
Bring printed copies of your visa, insurance and hotel confirmation as a backup, since you may be asked to show them and can’t always rely on connectivity.
Written by Anastasia Ivanova, Moscow native and author at allaboutmoscow.com. Last updated April 2026.
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.