Despite their reputation (and government) Russians are generally quite social, hospitable people. We haven’t had any trouble with clients visiting Russia, and, as with visitors to any country we cover, clients are in contact the entire trip with one of our local coworkers. Russia’s crime rate is also a fraction of what it was in the 90s, just as New York is now many times safer than in the 80s. That said, visitors should stay vigilant. Russians are infamously reckless drivers, and locals know to avoid jaywalking, not out of fear of police, but of poor drivers. As with anywhere, keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded areas, such as subways or tourist hotspots. If you want to change money, ask hotel staff for a reputable place, or visit a bank. The centers of Russian cities are quite safe, with a heavy police presence, but peripheral neighborhoods can be dangerous, especially at night. Always keep your passport and related papers on you, as police often stop foreigners for inspections, (while Russia has made some headway against police corruption, there are still some officers who will make trouble, looking for a bribe). Russia has seen an increase in homophobia in recent years, due in part to government legislation. While major cities have thriving underground LGBT scenes, we still recommend against public same-sex displays of affection, or attending open-air LGBT parades and festivals. In the evening, public drunkenness can also be a problem.

Do not visit the North Caucasus, the remote area north of Georgia and Azerbaijan, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. This region is known for terrorism, crime, corruption, and lawlessness, and security forces have immense powers with little oversight. If you get in trouble here, there is often little an embassy can do for you.

Despite stereotypically consisting of potatoes and pork, Russian cuisine is a hodgepodge of diverse cultures, from French innovations, to traditions from Finland to Central Asia. Many of Russia’s most popular dishes, such as meat pies, soups, and barbecue, originally came from neighboring areas. Russian cuisine is hearty and often calorific, with pork, grain, fresh vegetables (in summer) and pickled vegetables during colder times of year. Pork, fish, chicken, dairy, mushrooms, berries, and honey are key ingredients, as well as cereals.

Meals generally start with salads or soups, with Salad Olivier (also known as Russian Salad) and Herring in a Fur Coat (pickled herring covered in layers of grated boiled vegetables, chopped onions, and mayo) must-haves for special occasions. Mayonnaise, dill, and Smetana (thick sour cream) are often used for flavor. No visit is complete without Borscht (Ukrainian beet soup), Pelmeny (medium-sized meat dumplings), Blini (crepe-like pancakes also known as Blintzes), or Beef Stroganoff (sautéed beef in a thick cream sauce, one of many dishes invented by 19th century French cooks serving nobility).

Russians are famous drinkers, perhaps in part because the tap water should be avoided! Vodka is of course omnipresent, and is often flavored, with anything from bison grass to rowan-tree berries, or hot pepper. Be sure to pay a bit more for smoother varieties, although there’s often little different between premium vodka and more typical brands. Vodka is traditionally drunk chilled, then immediately followed by a bite of caviar, or pickled vegetables, and often served with spicy or fatty meals. Russia is also one of the world’s largest producers of beer, and has a wine industry, although locals tend to drink imports, especially from Georgia and Armenia. Russia has a tremendous variety of ancient non-alcoholic drinks, such as Kvass (a fermented bread drink popular in summer, when it is often sold from large trailers). Black tea made in a samovar is a central part of Russian culture.