FAQ
Where to stay in Moscow
We found for you the most suitable hotels in Moscow in terms of RIAC' main venue.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Russia
In general, foreign citizens or stateless persons require a visa to enter Russia. However, there are exceptions and simplified procedures for citizens of several countries.
To file an application for an E-Visa and know more about the procedure, please use the following link.
If you require confirmation of a tourist invitation from a Russian organization for obtaining a visa to Russia, you may contact the Congress organizers (see Contacts) for assistance.
Please note that the decision to issue or deny a visa, as well as the visa issuance process itself, remains the prerogative of Russian consular authorities.
How to Pay for Goods and Services in Russia
Cash
To exchange foreign currency, please visit a conveniently located bank branch. Exchange rates are set by each bank based on current market conditions. ATMs and currency exchange facilities may also be available in hotel lobbies; please check with the hotel reception desk.
When crossing the Russian border with cash, applicable customs requirements must be observed. If the total amount of cash and travellers’ cheques being brought into Russia exceeds the equivalent of USD 10,000, the entire amount, rather than only the excess, must be declared. If the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD 100,000, documents confirming the source of the funds must also be provided.
Please also note that the export of foreign currency in cash from Russia in an amount exceeding the equivalent of USD 10,000 is currently prohibited.
Russian Bank Card
Please note that foreign cards issued under the Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay payment systems may be subject to restrictions or may not be accepted in Russia. The principal domestic card payment system is MIR.
To obtain a MIR card in Russia, you will need to contact a bank and submit an application in accordance with that bank’s requirements. Some banks offer digital virtual cards, which may be linked to the Mir Pay mobile application and used to make contactless payments by smartphone.
YooMoney
YooMoney is another convenient payment service for international visitors travelling in Russia. A virtual YooMoney card can be issued within a few minutes and used to pay for accommodation, purchase museum tickets in advance and cover other everyday expenses during your stay.
The service allows users to issue a virtual card operating within the Russian MIR payment system. The YooMoney e-wallet may also be used to transfer funds, pay for goods and services, exchange currency and carry out other payment transactions. Users may additionally order a physical card linked to their YooMoney account.
Certain account and transaction limits apply. For example, the maximum balance permitted in the wallet is RUB 500,000. These limits are generally sufficient for ordinary travel expenses.
PayInRussia Service
The PayInRussia service allows international visitors to pay for goods and services in Russia using a smartphone. The account can be topped up with a foreign bank card before travelling to Russia.
The service can be used to pay for taxis, hotel accommodation, cafés and restaurants, purchases at shopping centres and expenses at tourist attractions. It may also be used for online payments and linked to taxi and delivery applications.
To pay in shops, restaurants, and other establishments, users simply scan the QR code displayed on the payment terminal using their smartphone.
How to Get to/from the Airport
By Taxi
We recommend using authorized taxi services such as Yandex.Go, Fasten or GetTransfer. You can also take advantage of hotel services for taxi bookings and airport transfers.
When leaving the airport, there is a designated taxi pickup area; please look for the signposts indicating the taxi zone.
By Aeroexpress
You can reach Moscow airports comfortably by Aeroexpress trains. These trains run from major railway stations and can deliver passengers to the airports in a fixed time that is unaffected by road traffic. You can check the schedule and fare for the Aeroexpress trains on their official website, where you can also purchase an e-ticket.
Aeroexpress trains operate throughout the day. From Domodedovo Airport, you can travel to Paveletsky Station, the "Verkhniye Kotly" MCC station, and the "Domodedovskaya" metro station. From Sheremetyevo Airport, trains go to Belorussky and Savyolovsky railway stations, Moscow-City business center, and the "Khovrino" metro station.
By Metro
To reach Vnukovo Airport, you can take the metro directly. The "Vnukovo Airport" station is located on the Solntsevskaya line of the Moscow metro.
Public Transport in Moscow
Moscow Metro Map and Schedule
The Moscow Metro operates daily from early morning to late night. You can find detailed station schedules on signs at the entrances to the metro vestibules, as well as on the official Moscow Metro website. Here you can also find the departure times for the first and last trains from each station.
You can view the map of the Moscow Metro lines at metro stations, railway stations, and bus terminals, in the "Moscow Transport" and "Moscow Metro" apps, as well as on the official Moscow Metro website and the "Moscow Transport" portal.
You can pay for your metro ride using any city transport card ("Unified", "Troika") or a bank card. The "Troika" card can be purchased at ticket offices and vending machines at metro stations. You can also create a virtual "Troika" card in the "Moscow Metro" mobile app. The deposit for a plastic "Troika" card is 150 rubles. If you return an undamaged "Troika" card (within 5 years from the purchase date), the deposit is refunded.
In the Moscow Metro you can top up your "Troika" card at ticket offices located near entrances and exits, as well as at major interchange points. Just tell the cashier that you want to recharge your card and hand over your plastic card or provide the necessary information. Then choose a convenient payment method: cash, card or via your mobile phone. Deposit the required amount and the cashier will do the rest.
Routes and Schedule of City Ground Transport
Moscow’s city ground public transport operates daily from early morning until late at night, with some routes running at night. You can find the schedule for buses, electric buses, and trams at all stops, on the "Moscow Transport" website or the Moscow Metro website, as well as in the "Moscow Transport" mobile app.
Railway Stations
Moscow has 10 major railway stations:
Must-See and Do in Moscow
Beyond the discussions and debates, the attendees will have a chance to discover the history and culture of Moscow. From the stunning architecture of the city’s center and the artistic treasures of the Bolshoi Theatre to contemporary art galleries and bustling commercial districts, Moscow presents a unique combination of tradition and innovation.
We assembled a selection of suggestions and resources, that should get you started exploring Moscow.
