Moscow - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are almost no crime issues in Moscow. There are other security issues given world events. - Dec 2023
I think it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. I was not more concerned about my safety in Moscow than I would be in any large US city. I felt safer walking around in Moscow than most large cities. - Mar 2019
In my opinion, not much other than feeling the occasional security presence, as well as some of the concerns found in any big city if you are not smart. Moscow is in my opinion safer than most large US cities. - Nov 2018
Sure. Just exercise caution as you would at home. - Oct 2017
None if you behave yourself. Being out late at night and being drunk can make you a target. - Sep 2016
Yes. - May 2016
In spite of its reputation as an aggressive city, Moscow is actually quite safe, provided you take some elementary security precaution. - Sep 2015
Yes; your agency will inform you and RSO will brief you upon your arrival. - Jun 2015
It's Russia and as people have noted before don't expect any privacy. We never experienced anything out of the ordinary but you were always unconsciously on guard and at least in our case "a need to know basis only." - Oct 2014
Yes. - Feb 2014
Pick-pocketing is a risk at major tourist sites and on the metro. There is a risk of race-based violence, especially in certain areas of the city. - Nov 2013
RSO will provide more information on security concerns unique to Russia. With the exception of skinheads, violent street crime is probably less common than in most urban areas in the U.S. I don't have a problem walking the streets. - Jul 2013
In terms of violent crime, no. I don't know of anyone who has been robbed or mugged. There are other concerns that you'll learn about if you are with the U.S. Embassy. I feel very safe here, but I still don't take a lot chances (avoid dark underpasses when alone at night, etc). Crimes tend to be of an opportunistic nature, and if people are victimized, alcohol is usually involved. - Jul 2013
Um, yes....those are all things you get briefed on prior to coming and once you are here. Using the most basic common sense, I have always felt safe walking around the city, even on my own. - Jan 2013
RSO & ISSO will discuss. - Mar 2012
Pickpockets, especially on the metro. If you're US Embassy, there are other things the RSO will talk to you about. - May 2011
There are several concerns: 1. high crime; 2. racial/hate crimes, driven by xenophobia towards persons of color (even diplomats are not immune); 3. Soviet attitudes (ex: FSB) and police corruption remain problematic. - Jan 2011
Yes. While street crimes and the infamous Russian mob get most of the attention, the real problem here is police corruption and Russian xenophobia. The police are poorly paid and have no motivation except to extort what they can from whom they can. Usually Westerners (read white people) are safe unless they look like obvious tourists and/or are drunk. The xenophobia is particularly problematic here. Anyone of "non-Slavic appearance" (read "not white") runs the risk of being insulted, poorly treated, assaulted or worse. While most of these crimes happen at the outer edge of the city and are usually against guest workers from Central Asia and people from the Caucasus, no one is immune. Diplomats have been assaulted in the city center and in broad daylight. Many in the police harbor silent (or not so silent) sympathy for skinheads and racists, and are thus just as dangerous as the skinheads themselves. - Jul 2010
Beware of Turkey Drops, and the driving will try the patience of a saint. - May 2010
Yes. As long as you have good security awareness, like you would in ANY city, you'll be okay. These things called 'turkey drops' are very common in the touristy areas. It is not safe for some people if they are non-white or non-european looking. Many of my friends who were black or hispanic were often badgered or chased. The Russians are very racist. - May 2010
I feel more comfortable in Moscow than in the US, since the roads are almost always full of people (living in the center helps).That said, my door (and all doors in Russia), is steel, with multiple locks. - Feb 2010
not so much, however, major concerns if you have ethnic Asian or African appearance. - Jan 2010
It's a big city. So yes. But nothing worse than any other big city. I'm a city kid. This isn't weird to me. Maybe if you are new to big city living you could be nervous, but maybe the instinct to be a little nervous, and thus on guard, in a big city is a good thing. Though I have to say, and I'm really not lieing about this, but just yesterday on a Metro ride into town with my two kids, an old-ish woman punched me! In the ribs, from behind and not with a lot of muscle behind it, but it was definitely a closed-fisted punch! We were all trying to get off at a very busy stop and it was packed, and so she did what she felt she had to do to get off the train, I guess. Since I was herding my kids out of the car, I did not defer to her age (maybe, MAYBE she was 10 years older than me!) and what I only later noticed was a walking stick, but still, really? To punch a person? - Nov 2009
Someone was mugged late at night by the Metro. For a big city, I feel safer here than in the US. As long as people are out and about, which they always are, it seems fine. - Oct 2009
Drivers are very aggressive. Being out late at night is not safe, but nothing too much worse than any big U.S. city. - Aug 2009
Pickpocketing and street scams are the most popular. Don't EVER pick up a wallet if someone drops it and don't try to pick up money on the ground. You may think you're being helpful, but it's a popular scam, so just walk on by. Violent crime isn't much of a concern but is on the rise, especially against darker-skinned minorities. There's a growing neo-Nazi and skinhead element in the city, so be aware. Basically, for everyone, if you don't walk alone at night, you should be fine. People should avoid taking gypsy cabs if possible, but if you do use them, don't ride in them by yourself. - Aug 2009
Petty theft. I feel safe walking at night and running early in the morning. - Jul 2009
I always felt safe in Moscow and never encountered any problems at all, but I speak Russian and look Slavic. Minorities (especially those from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East) have to be careful, as they are likely to face harassment from police and skinheads alike. Pickpocketing/minor theft is a concern, but not as long as you keep an eye on your belongings. - Sep 2008
There have been some concerns for people out late at night, minorities, and there are the common big city issues such as pickpocketing.. - Aug 2008
