Dress Code for Moscow & St. P
 

In mid to late July, I will be traveling to Moscow for business and then on to St. Petersburg as a tourist. What is the dress code like in these cities? I don't want to stick out like an American in Rome! :) I also was told to expect the weather in Moscow to be warm, like that of Arizona. Is this true?<BR><BR>Thanks. KC<BR>

<BR>For business, the Russians will be dressed very formally. Business suits are the norm. For touristing, casual will be comfortable. I wore Dockers and shirtsleeve shirts most of the time on leisure there.<BR><BR>It won't be like Arizona, but Moscow can get in the 90's and every now and then even reach 100 that time of the year, but evenings cool off. I did not have air-conditioning when I lived there and truly only missed it a few nites of the year. St Pete will be cooler, temps probably in the 70's - 80's.<BR><BR>Enjoy Russia . . keep an open mind and treat then with respect and you will be treated the same by them.<BR><BR>Rich

Rich,<BR><BR>Hubby and I will be in St. Petersburg around Sept. 13 thru Sept. 17 and in Moscow around Sept. 27 thru Sept. 30.<BR><BR>What temperatures and rain conditions would you expect at that time of year?<BR><BR>Thanks for your help!

<BR><BR>Will normally be absolutely beautiful. . Moscow will usually be having their "Indian Summer" ( the Russians use that name too!) <BR><BR>Having said that, it is also unpredictable that time of the year. We had one summer when the temp never got over 80 . . another when it was touching 100 for weeks at a time. Even with a hot summer, by mid-September, temps will usually have moderated to the mid 70's to low 80's. . Rain is common. . but not heavy. If you are lucky, you may get to see the leaves start to turn and Moscow is amazing then.<BR><BR>I did not have a lot of time in St Pete, but it seemed like their weather was about a month ahead of Moscow in the Fall. It is a great place . . hope you enjoy!<BR><BR>Rich

Hi from Moscow KC,<BR><BR>You may find many INFO, including weather forecast, answers to other your questions and Moscow accommodation here http://www.geocities.com/alexmsc/<BR><BR> Best regards,<BR> Alexander.<BR>

Rich,<BR><BR>Thank you for the reply!<BR><BR>Dolores

From my experience (probably 100+ business meetings in the last few years) the dress of your Russian counterpart is totally variable--from English bespoke to Tommy Hilfiger. Depending on the people you meet, I would advice not to be too extravegent in your clothing as you don't want your colleagues to feel out of place. <BR><BR>Also consider how you will get to meetings, and where they will be held. Most large corporate offices (and better hotels) are air conditioned, while many government offices and smaller private offices (as well as just about any non-profit) will not be air conditioned. Public transportation (and most taxis) can be quite warm as well.

From my experience (probably 100+ business meetings in the last few years) the dress of your Russian counterpart is totally variable--from English bespoke to Tommy Hilfiger, from three-piece suit to polo shirt and chinos. Depending on the people you meet, I would advice not to be too extravegent in your clothing as you don't want your colleagues to feel out of place. <BR><BR>Also consider how you will get to meetings, and where they will be held. Most large corporate offices (and better hotels) are air conditioned, while many government offices and smaller private offices (as well as just about any non-profit) will not be air conditioned. Public transportation (and most taxis) can be quite warm as well.<BR><BR>As for dress in St Petersburg, I would avoid such things as baseball caps and shorts.

I will be doing the Moscow to St. Petersburg River cruise from 9/10-9/21. I've read the many messages and can conclude that I should be prepared for temperatures from 40-80F! My question is.. are jeans acceptable? I do need to use good walking shoes, so I think I will have to stick to my Reebocks, but will get them in black. <BR><BR>Any suggestions on appropriate tourist attire will be appreciated.

You could wear jeans, although they aren't typically worn by locals--for most sights it wouldn't make a difference. On the river cruise remember you will be visiting some churches; keep your shoulders covered, bring a scarf. Some require women to wear skirts, but those usually have available skirts to wear over your clothing.

I agree with Mark. Jeans were worn by some on our cruise in May, but you won't see many Russian citizens wearing them. Unless you go out on your own, you will usually be with your tour group, and it will be obvious that you are not a native citizen, so I don't think it will matter, but denim is a heavy material, adding weight to luggage. I think that you would do better to find some nice slacks in black, which goes with everything.

KC: What you wear will matter very little. I was in Moscow last summer traveling with a Russian student and two professors, and they all three wore jeans and white athletic shoes at all times. I don't think I ever saw them in anything else!

Dress all depends on your age and gender. Under 25, jeans are fine nearly all occasions. Over 40, especically if you are a women, jeans will look silly. Russian women generally where dresses and skirt, men slacks with nice polo type shirts, and sports jackets. Suits for business. <BR><BR>As for Moscow weather in September, be prepared for anything. I have fought off frost bite during snow storms on September 1st. To be safe, I would pack for cold weather, and bring a few t-shirts/light shirts if it gets warmer. If you have a string of hot weather, most Russians won't notice or care if you wore the same t-shirt two or even three times in the same week.<BR><BR>No matter what you wear, Russians will most likely spot you as a foreigner in a second - so don't worry over it too much.