Does anyone know how safe things like salad, etc. are for foreigners to eat in Moscow? I've heard the tap water is to be avoided everywhere, including hotels. Anything else to avoid?

If you are worried about it, salad and raw vegetables and fruit must be avoided, as you would in other countries where the water system is not reliable.

You can usualy peel the fruit. I don't do salads and only bottled water any place in Russia. This may not be necessary - but IHO better safe then sorry. (A friend of mine visit St Pet some years ago and came back with a parasite she picked up by brushing her teeth with tap water.)

Go to REI or a similar outdoors store and check into their options for defouling questionable water. There are TONS of options.

And get an Rx or two for Cipro to kill the little beasties if they do get through the rest of your defenses.

I spent a couple of months in Moscow drinking bottled water but brushing my teeth with tap water and using it for cooking etc. I can't remember whether or not I had salad, it was winter so probably more cooked vegetables. I didn't get sick, but I seem to have a bit more of a robust constitution than some, so better safe than sorry as nytraveler says. Oh and I've heard lots about counterfeit alcohol and so on - it's probably something more likely to strike down local boozers, but I suppose be a bit wary where you buy your vodka if so inclined!

Thanks for your replies! I've travelled quite a bit so know a little about keeping the beasties at bay, but was just looking for any current things to be aware of...like counterfeit vodka and other nasties... thanks again!

Salads are fine to eat in reputable restaurants (nd that does not mean expensive, places like Yolki Palki, Moo Moo or Shesh Besh have great salad bars), would be a real pity to miss out on them since Russian salads are really good. Things to avoid are street food and tap water, some local dairy products however Russian ice cream is very good and I have had no issues eating it. There is counterfeit vodka but if you buy in a supermarket you should be OK.