First of all: Moscow is changing fast! If you consult your travel guide for practical advice, make sure that is not older than two years. Regulations on visa procedures and currency declarations change on a regular basis.

Getting around in Moscow can be somewhat of a problem as driving is chaotic and traffic jams are common. We do not recommend renting your own car. A good choice of transport is the Moscow Metro - it is also itself a major sightseeing event. Trains run every couple of minutes but they may be packed and hot during peak hours.

To use the metro system is simple. You buy a ticket from a selling office operating at all Metro stations. A 5-journey-ticket is currently about 2 EUR (70 RUB). The ticket is valid for entering the metro system, and you may travel as long and as far as you want (including changes, until you exit the metro station). At a given platform all trains run into the same direction, so the only problem is to find the right platform. Different lines have different colors, but you would feel more comfortable when you can memorize some cyrillic letters, as station names are given in Russian only. The metro operates until about 1 a.m., and heavily used in the city center until 11 p.m. Most young people speak at least some English, and will be pleased to help you to orientate.

If you use a taxi you should negotiate the price in advance. Short distances within the city center cost not more than 5 EUR (150 RUB).

Currency regulations have been relaxed recently. If you import large amounts of cash (currently ~ 2,000 EUR) you have to fill in a custom's declaration at the airport in any case. If you leave the country with more than 2,000 EUR you have to proof the origin of the currency, either by providing the import declaration, or by the exchange receipt from the bank. Therefore it is advisable to declare any amount exceeding 2,000 EUR upon arrival.

There is no need to carry a large amount of cash. Major credit cards are accepted at all hotels, restaurants, and cash machines. Cash machines accept also EC cards. Cash machines are available at the major airports in Moscow. If you want to exchange cash you can do so at hotels, banks, or small exchange shops. Do not exchange money on the street.

While tourists still have to compromise on international standards for service in many places, security is reasonable in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are no 'no-go areas' in the centers of these cities, even in the evening. Be as vigilant as you would be in Barcelona or Berlin and use your common sense.