Moscow safety
 

A few years ago we were hearing how unsafe it was to wander as a tourist in Moscow. Have any of you been there lately? How safe did it feel? Generally we have found these warnings to be untrue, but just want to be sure.<BR>Thanks.

Largely because of the difficult transition from police state to democracy, Russia did experience a rise in criminal activity during the 1990's. The truth is that crime was greatly exaggerated in the media, and for the average tourist Moscow, St. Petersburg and the rest of Russia remain safe as safe as any major Western city, and likewise common sense goes far in protecting oneself against problems.<BR><BR>I have been there most recently in July and haven't had any concerns--at least no more than in New York. Same for other acquitances, colleagues and friends (both male and female).

Hi<BR><BR>I know little about Moscow, but I'm due there for work reasons shortly.<BR><BR>Any more recent experiences ?<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com

July 2002, most recently.

Moscow generally has the same level of security as European capitals, and it's not so hectic and bustling as some Asian cities. <BR>The common sense applies, as everywhere. There are quite many policemen on the streets (especially in the centrum), and the cases of assaults, especially on the foreigners, are very rare.<BR>Like in any big city you should avoid dark streets in the night and some suburb areas: the worst reputation is south-east and north Moscow.<BR>If you're careful with your things, nobody will rob you, however, in the crowdy areas beware of your belongings.<BR><BR>Watch out for the drunks - they will be your greatest danger.

Laura, I was there a couple of months ago by myself and never felt unsafe. I stayed in the area around the Kremlin and saw a few drunks that I steered clear of but that was it.

My husband and I just returned from Moscow and St. Petersburg. We walked the streets and took the Metro by ourselves in both cities in the late evening, sometimes almost until 11:30 P.M. We never felt unsafe or afraid. We actually felt very comfortable. When we got lost or disoriented, we would ask someone and everyone was very nice and very helpful, even the police (which is contrary to what you read about the police on these message boards). So, go and have a great time!

I spent 3 weeks in Moscow and St. Petersburg last year. Though I worried greatly about safety before the trip and took far more precautions than I usually do when traveling, I never felt unsafe once I got there. I did notice that guards seemed to choose travelers at random to harass. They practically strip-searched the man in front of me in line to visit the kremlin, and I had to literally sneak past one guard at the St. Petersburg airport to board my flight back home. He kept telling me I had to wait, though others on my flight were let through. I imagine he was shaking me down for a bribe, but since I've never done that I didn't know the protocol, so I slipped into a tour group that was being escorted through.

Were by any chance the random people being harassed of Caucasian (i.e Chechnyan) appearance?<BR><BR>They have security issues with Chechnyan seperatists.

Jim, this is probably a stupid question, but how do Chechnyan natives look different?<BR><BR>Jennifer

People from Chechnya (and by and large the Causasus) look vaguely Middle-eastern--slightly darker features than the stereotypical Russian.

I notice that the police in the railway stations were doing a lot of checking of documents of darker-skin men, and on occasion were removing them from the station. If you have the proper documents you will not have a problem.