Criminal Russia is one of the main topics in local and international mass media. However, the citizens of Moscow get the information about crime and criminals in the same way as many other people do in the rest of the world, i.e. from TV, radio and newspapers. It's up to local Mafia people to shoot at each other. In case you are not intended to do some illegal business in Moscow, you may, somehow, feel safe and protected. Besides, try to stay away from any person who you don't trust or who you simply don't like. Don't give your address or telephone number to people you don't know. In general, when staying in Moscow avoid walking through dark, unknown, deserted streets in the evening, check your pockets and purses, while walking along the crowded streets, do the same in big stores and market places. Don't you ever carry a lot of money in cash with you. Practically, in all central stores and restaurants of Moscow they accept credit cards, there are also enough places, where you can get cash, rubles or dollars, from your credit cards.

    The crowded public places (i.e. close to railway terminals, Arbat, etc.) are full of Gypsies (people, mainly women, wearing picturesque skirts and shawls), who may tell you your fortune by hand, cards, etc. Of course, not all of them are thieves or pickpockets, but take care and try to get rid of them as soon as possible. When visiting somebody don't get into lift cabin with persons you don't know, women should better avoid close company with "hot-tempered" Caucasians in lifts. It is also advisable to have a telephone number of your tourist agency or a close friend, whom you may always call in case of need or emergency. Stick to our advice, it will only make your stay in Russia more pleasant and interesting. (More information...)