Your First Week in Moscow: An Expat Checklist

Day 1: make your arrival simple

Save the accommodation address in Russian and English, the direct telephone number and the arrival instructions before travelling. Match your onward journey to the airport code and terminal on your ticket. For a transfer, agree the meeting point and how you will contact the driver if your flight changes.

At your accommodation, confirm the payment method, access arrangements and who to contact if you arrive late. Ask the hotel or host what applies to foreign-guest registration in your circumstances and which confirmation you should retain. Check any individual requirements with the relevant authority or qualified adviser.

A useful question: “Could you confirm my arrival instructions, the payment method you can accept and your arrangements for foreign guests?”

Day 2: learn one neighbourhood before crossing the city

Take a short walk around your accommodation. Find the nearest useful metro entrance, a grocery shop and a café or other place where you feel comfortable stopping. Work out the actual walking route rather than relying on a straight line on a map.

Practise one straightforward journey in daylight. Save your destination and return route offline, including the right station exit where relevant. Add time for entrances, escalators and transfers; the time spent on the train is only part of a journey.

Day 3: organise your connection

Decide what you need: mobile data for a visit, a local number for everyday use or help attending an operator appointment. These are different needs. Ask the provider what is available for your situation, which documents or in-person steps apply and how long activation may take.

Before buying a travel data product, check the device, coverage, activation instructions and whether it provides a phone number. Keep bookings, addresses and essential contacts available offline while you arrange a working connection.

A useful question: “I am a foreign visitor and need [data / a local number]. Which process applies to me, and what should I bring to the appointment?”

Day 4: confirm payments and any bank visit

List the payments you expect to make: accommodation, daily spending, transport and any appointments. Confirm the method accepted by each provider and keep a practical backup. A hotel booking confirmation does not itself confirm that the property can accept your particular card.

If you want to discuss opening a local account, contact the bank or arrange assistance before attending. Check the exact branch, the documents it asks for and the language support available. The bank makes its own decision; accompaniment does not guarantee approval.

A useful question: “For my citizenship, documents and purpose of stay, what should I prepare before visiting this branch?”

Day 5: organise document questions before paying for services

Make a private list of the documents and appointments relevant to your stay. Note who requested each item, the exact spelling of your name and any date you have been given. Keep original documents, copies and appointment confirmations organised securely.

Before ordering a passport translation, ask the organisation receiving it which format and certification it requires. If your questions concern residence, work, a contract or a business structure, prepare them for a qualified specialist rather than assuming a general travel checklist covers your case.

Day 6: make one social plan

You do not have to wait until every practical task is finished to meet people. Pick a confirmed evening or an activity you would enjoy. Check the organiser, language, address, participation cost and joining instructions.

Our Italian and international evenings welcome English-speaking guests. You can come alone; tell Igor it is your first visit and ask how to find the group. Wednesdays are informal shared-table meetups. Friday parties have their own confirmed programmes and booking arrangements.

Day 7: turn the first week into a routine

Review the questions still waiting for an answer and the next appointments you actually need. Keep a separate record of any official deadline confirmed for your case; do not replace it with the day numbers in this guide.

Choose a comfortable local routine: a useful journey, a familiar shop, a favourite walk and a way to stay in touch. Make room for a museum, a park or an evening with people you have met. Settling in is also about enjoying the city.