Living in Moscow

LIVING IN MOSCOW: A GUIDE FOR EXPATS AND FOREIGN TEACHERS

Moving to Moscow is not a decision people make half-heartedly. It is a city that demands something of you — curiosity, adaptability, a willingness to engage with a culture that operates on its own terms. In return, it offers something that few cities in the world can match: a scale and energy that is genuinely unlike anywhere else, world-class infrastructure, extraordinary history and culture, and a daily life that, once you find your footing, is far more comfortable and affordable than most people expect.

This section covers everything you need to know about living in Moscow as a foreign teacher or expat. Use the links below to explore each topic in detail.

In This Section

Safety

Moscow’s reputation in the West as a dangerous city is largely a hangover from the 1990s — a period of genuine instability following the collapse of the Soviet Union that bears little resemblance to the city as it exists today. Modern Moscow is, by the standards of any major world city, a safe place to live and work. Most foreign teachers report feeling comfortable here within weeks of arriving.

That said, common sense applies as it would anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas such as the metro during rush hour. Pickpocketing exists, as it does in every major city, but violent crime against foreigners is rare.

One practical note on the police: the Politsiya (полиция) are recognisable by their dark blue uniforms, or in winter by long wool coats and fur hats. If you are stopped, comply calmly and contact your employer or a Russian-speaking contact if the situation becomes complicated. In any genuine emergency — medical, fire, or otherwise — the number to call is 112. Operators are required to speak English.

Culture and Daily Life

Russia is a westernised country in many respects, but daily life here has its own rhythms and customs that take some adjustment.

The most commented-on characteristic of Muscovites is the absence of the automatic smile that people from North America or Australia are used to in public interactions. Russians tend not to display emotion to strangers on the street — this is not unfriendliness, it is simply cultural norm. In private settings, Russians are typically warm, generous, and hospitable to a degree that genuinely surprises most newcomers.

A few cultural notes worth knowing before you arrive:

Learn the Russian alphabet before you land. It looks daunting but takes only a few hours to grasp, and once you can read Cyrillic, navigating the city — metro signs, street names, shop fronts — becomes dramatically easier. Several common words are direct cognates once you can read them: туалет (toilet), ресторан (restaurant), метро (metro).

Greetings matter. In professional settings, a firm handshake is standard when meeting male colleagues. When visiting someone’s home, bring a gift — flowers are traditional, but always in an odd number. An even number of flowers is associated with funerals and considered offensive.

Public English is improving but is not universal, particularly among older Muscovites. Basic Russian phrases go a long way and are genuinely appreciated. Most younger professionals and service industry staff in central Moscow speak at least some English.

Public Holidays

Russia has a generous number of national holidays, several of which result in extended breaks. The most significant for teachers to be aware of:

New Year and Christmas — New Year (January 1st) is the biggest celebration of the Russian calendar, typically involving a full week off. Russian Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th.

Defender of the Fatherland Day — February 23rd. Effectively the Russian equivalent of a men’s holiday, widely celebrated with gifts and gatherings.

International Women’s Day — March 8th. One of the most genuinely celebrated holidays in Russia — closer in spirit to a combination of Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day than its political origins suggest. Flowers and gifts for the women in your life are expected.

May Holidays — May 1st (Labour Day) through May 9th (Victory Day) is effectively a national holiday period. Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, is the most important secular holiday in Russia, marked by a major military parade on Red Square and celebrations across the city.

Russia Day — June 12th, commemorating Russian sovereignty from the Soviet Union.

Unity Day — November 4th.

Understanding the holiday calendar matters practically — schools close, public transport runs on reduced schedules, and getting administrative tasks done around major holidays can be difficult.

Weather

Moscow has four genuine seasons and the winter is serious. Between December and February, temperatures regularly drop to -15°C and occasionally lower. This is not a reason not to come — Muscovites live perfectly normal, active lives through the winter — but it requires proper preparation. Invest in a genuine winter coat, thermal layers, proper boots, and a hat before you arrive or immediately after. A teacher who underestimates the cold in their first January will not make that mistake twice.

Spring arrives tentatively in March and properly in April — one of the most beautiful times to be in Moscow as the city comes back to life. Summers are warm and genuinely pleasant, typically 20–30°C, with long days and the city at its most vibrant. Autumn is mild and colourful through September and October before the temperature drops sharply in November.

Getting Around

Moscow’s public transport system is one of the best in the world. The metro covers the city comprehensively, runs from 5am to 1am, and during peak hours trains arrive every 90 seconds. A single journey costs 80 RUB. A monthly unlimited travel card covering all public transport costs 3,600 RUB — exceptional value by any standard.

Surface transport — buses, electric buses, and trams — covers every neighbourhood the metro does not reach. Yandex Go handles taxis and ride-sharing. Yandex Maps is the essential navigation tool, with real-time GPS tracking of every vehicle in the city fleet.

For a full breakdown of every transport option available, see our dedicated Getting Around Moscow guide.

A City Worth the Effort

Moscow rewards those who engage with it. The first few weeks can be disorienting — the scale of the city, the language barrier, the cultural differences. But the teachers who push through that initial adjustment period consistently describe Moscow as one of the most extraordinary places they have lived. The infrastructure is exceptional, the cultural life is rich, the cost of living is manageable, and the experience is one that stays with you.

Explore the guides in this section to prepare properly. The more you know before you arrive, the faster you will find your footing.