Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia, Moscow, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Moscow, Russia

1. Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxis often trick tourists by taking longer routes or using rigged meters in Moscow. Always use official taxi services or ride-hailing apps to get a fair price. Make sure the taxi has a meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
  • Reliability: Licensing and official taxi markings ensure trustworthy service.
  • Technology: Using ride-hailing apps gives you fixed prices and navigation tracking.
  • Meter Awareness: Checking for a functioning meter helps avoid overcharging.

2. Currency Exchange Frauds

Some currency exchange booths offer deceptive rates or hidden fees. Always exchange money at reputable banks or well-known exchange offices in Moscow. Be wary of street-side offers that promise attractive rates but deliver less cash.
  • Official Outlets: Recognized banks and offices provide fair rates.
  • Hidden Commissions: Low rate booths often have stealthy fees, so double-check.
  • Market Research: Knowing the current exchange rates prevents potential rip-offs.

3. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas

Pickpockets operate heavily in busy places like Red Square and Metro stations. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded situations. Using anti-theft bags helps reduce the risk.
  • Security: Secured belongings reduce the likelihood of theft.
  • Crowds: Awareness in busy areas where distractions are common.
  • Gear: Anti-theft bags provide extra protection against stealing attempts.

4. Fake Police Officers

Some scammers pose as police to extort cash or steal valuables. Always ask to see a badge and call the local police number if you're in doubt. Real officers in Moscow typically don't request cash payments on the spot.
  • Verification: Real police will always have identification.
  • Payment Protocol: Genuine officers never ask for immediate fines.
  • Emergency Numbers: Having local police contacts helps if verification is needed.

5. Restaurant Bill Padding

Adding extra items or inflated prices to tourist bills is common. Always request a menu with listed prices before ordering in Moscow restaurants. Check your receipt diligently for padded items.
  • Menu Confirmation: Menus help validate pricing before orders.
  • Bill Familiarity: Recognizing unjust charge additions requires careful review.
  • Language Barrier: Ensure understanding of menu offerings despite language differences.

6. Attraction Admission Scams

Fake agents might sell counterfeit tickets for popular attractions like the Kremlin. Always buy tickets from official booths or authorized online sources. Verify ticket authenticity to ensure entry.
  • Official Ticketing: Government-run booths guarantee genuine admission.
  • Online Purchases: Trusted sites can offer secure ticket options.
  • Verification: Double-check the ticket’s authenticity before purchase.

7. Bar Overcharging

Tourists sometimes face inflated bar tabs in certain establishments. While drinking in Moscow, confirm drink prices beforehand and monitor your orders. Be cautious of "free" offers that might lead to steep bills.
  • Pre-check Prices: Pricing agreement helps prevent surprise bills.
  • Monitoring Consumption: Tracking orders minimizes unexpected extra costs.
  • Offer Scrutiny: Unchecked offers may result in unrealistic charges.

8. Tour Guide Scams

Unauthorized guides may charge exorbitant fees for substandard tours in Moscow. Book tours through recognized tour companies or reputable online platforms. Ensure your guide is official and provides valuable insights.
  • Company Validation: Using established firms offers trustworthy guides.
  • Insightful Information: Genuine guides give valuable narratives about landmarks.
  • Direct Booking: Avoid on-the-spot guide hires to ensure quality service.

9. Rental Car Frauds

Companies may charge additional fees or hide damages to collect from tourists. Always thoroughly inspect rental vehicles and document any pre-existing damages. Booking through well-known agencies helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Agency Reputation: Well-known companies provide more accountability.
  • Pre-rental Inspection: Inspecting cars pre-rental prevents false damage claims.
  • Contract Care: Careful reading of terms helps avoid hidden costs.

10. Fake Souvenir Sellers

Counterfeit goods are often sold at tourist hotspots labeled as authentic Russian crafts. Look for reputable shops with fixed prices and clear provenance information. Bargaining is customary but ensure the item is real.
  • Reputable Stores: Verified outlets tend to offer authentic goods.
  • Price Transparency: Listed prices help negate manipulated cost claims.
  • Provenance Checks: Genuine items often come with origin certificates.

11. Street Performers and Petitions

Performers or petitioners may divert attention to facilitate theft. Keep an eye on your belongings when approached in busy areas by such groups. Politely refuse engagement unless you're genuinely interested.
  • Engagement Caution: Distracted attention often leads to theft.
  • Belonging Focus: Guarding possessions when approached prevents losses.
  • Genuine Interest: Interact only if enthused to avoid potential scams.

12. Accommodation Overcharging

Some hotels charge unsuspected fees upon check-out. Always confirm the total price including taxes when booking accommodations in Moscow. Book through reputable platforms to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Booking Platforms: Established sites ensure transparent pricing.
  • Inclusive Quotes: Confirming total costs helps prevent additional charges.
  • Terms of Stay: Early insight into policies averts surprise fees.

13. Tricksters Offering Help

Individuals might offer unsolicited help, especially at Metro stations, only to demand a fee afterward. Politely decline assistance or ask Metro staff if needed. Knowing the Metro map beforehand promotes hassle-free navigation.
  • Official Assistance: Metro staff provide reliable help without charges.
  • Route Prep: Advanced navigation knowledge reduces dependence on others.
  • Polite Decline: Refusing offers of help protects against obligatory fees.

14. Cashier Failed Transactions

Some cashiers might claim card transactions failed, hoping for a double payment. Always verify on your side before proceeding with another transaction in Moscow. Promptly review bank statements for discrepancies.
  • Transaction Confirmation: Checking successful payments prevents repeats.
  • Statement Monitoring: Regular bank reviews catch unauthorized charges.
  • Multiple Payment Avoidance: Trust personal verifications over repeated attempts.

15. Overcharging for Drinks in Bars or Clubs

High bar bills may be caused by unclear pricing or "bottle service" confusion. Ask for a menu with clear prices and avoid ordering ambiguously priced items. Stay aware of the drinks ordered to avoid surprise bills.
  • Menu Pricing: Ensures you are charged correctly for what you ordered.
  • Opt-out Bottle Service: Being aware avoids unplanned costly treats.
  • Order Tracking: Careful tracking aids discrepancy detection upon payment.

16. Impersonating Locals for Friendship Scams

Scammers might befriend tourists, leading to expensive situations like inflated bills or requests for money. Be cautious of unusually friendly strangers and always meet in public spaces. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
  • Public Meeting: Keep interactions in known areas to stay safe.
  • Trust Instincts: Feeling uneasy might signify potential scams.
  • Financial Guard: Maintain awareness around monetary requests to thwart exploitation.

17. Free Gifts or Samples That Aren't Free

Avoid interacting with people offering "free" items, as acceptance may lead to pressure to give "donations." Politely decline unwanted approaches in busy areas of Moscow. Be wary of suspiciously generous strangers.
  • Gift Refusal: Refusing unsolicited items prevents forced donations.
  • Approach Awareness: Being alert in crowded places reduces risks.
  • Scam Scepticism: Unusually generous offers often come with a catch.

18. ATM Skimming

Scammers sometimes install devices to steal card details at ATMs. Use indoor ATMs with security features and regularly check your accounts for unauthorized withdrawals. Cover your keypad while typing your PIN.
  • Secure Locations: Indoor or guarded ATMs provide safer transactions.
  • Keypad Coverage: Protecting PIN codes thwarts data capture tactics.
  • Account Monitoring: Frequent checks counteract unauthorized activities.

19. Falling Prey to Naïve Charm

Con artists may play on emotions to gain trust before stealing. Always maintain cautious skepticism with overly charming individuals. Different situations may require different levels of trust.
  • Skeptical Interactions: Ensuring a balance limits emotional exploitation.
  • Trust Assessment: Evaluating individuals helps in determining authenticity.
  • Guarded Relationships: Emotional factors often mislead logical decisions.

20. Overpriced Services from Street Vendors

Vendors might charge high prices for simple services like shoe shining. Always agree on prices first and be wary of aggressive sales tactics. Better deals can usually be found away from major tourist areas.
  • Pre-service Pricing: Confirming cost prior to services curbs exploitation.
  • Tourist Area Avoidance: Prices are generally inflated near famous sites.
  • Service Alternatives: Exploring off-path vendors usually yields fairer costs.