01 / SAVE THESE FIRST

The numbers that matter

112 is Russia’s single emergency number. Moscow’s official city guidance says mobile-phone users can call it free of charge in an emergency. Use it when you need police, fire and rescue services, or an ambulance and you are unsure which service to call.

• 112 — single emergency number.
• 101 — fire and rescue.
• 102 — police.
• 103 — ambulance.

If someone faces an immediate threat to life or safety, call first. Do not delay the call while searching for perfect English or translating a long explanation.

02 / MAKE THE CALL USEFUL

Prepare three facts: what, where and who

Start with the type of emergency, then give the location and your callback number. If you are in a hotel, shop, museum or station, ask a member of staff to help identify the exact address or entrance. In the metro, speak to station staff or use an emergency information point.

1. Describe the immediate problem. Say whether someone is injured, there is a fire, you feel unsafe or you need police.
2. Give the exact place. Read the street and building number in Russian if possible. Add the nearest metro station, venue name, entrance or landmark.
3. Give your phone number. Stay available in case the operator or responding service calls back.
4. Follow instructions. Do not move an injured person unless the operator tells you to or the location itself is dangerous.

Share the hotel address from its official booking confirmation rather than relying on transliteration. Moscow streets can have similarly named buildings, blocks and entrances.

03 / SIMPLE RUSSIAN

Short phrases are better than a complicated story

• Мне нужна помощь. — I need help. (Mne nuzhna pomoshch.)
• Вызовите скорую. — Call an ambulance. (Vyzovite skoruyu.)
• Вызовите полицию. — Call the police. (Vyzovite politsiyu.)
• Пожар. — Fire. (Pozhar.)
• Я нахожусь по адресу… — I am at the address… (Ya nakhozhus po adresu…)
• Я не говорю по-русски. Я говорю по-английски. — I do not speak Russian. I speak English.

Put the phrases and your address in a phone note that works offline. A screenshot is useful when the mobile network is weak or the battery-saving mode limits an app.

04 / AFTER THE FIRST CALL

Record what happens without getting in the way

Note the time of the call, the address you gave and any instructions. If you can do so safely, inform your hotel or local host. For an insurance case, contact the assistance service as soon as practical and ask what documents it requires. Keep medical papers, police reports and receipts that are given to you.

If a passport is lost or stolen, contact police and then use the official emergency instructions of your embassy or consulate. Requirements depend on nationality; a photo of a passport is useful for reference but is not a replacement travel document.

For a non-emergency transport question, Moscow Transport lists 3210 for calls from major Russian mobile operators and +7 495 539-54-54 from other numbers. Use those contacts for transport information, not as a substitute for 112.

A two-minute preparation before leaving your hotel

• Save the hotel name, address in Russian and direct phone number.
• Check that your phone can make a call and keep a charged power bank.
• Store a copy of your insurance policy and assistance number offline.
• Tell a travel companion where you are going if you will be alone.
• Carry identification as required and keep the original secure.

Continue with our independent Moscow trip guide, the Moscow Metro guide and local assistance in Moscow.

Frequently asked questions