10 Common Tourist Scams to Avoid in Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world by area, spanning across Northern Asia and Eastern Europe. Its rich history allows Russia to stand out to tourists across the globe. The stunning architecture and remains of the rich culture make it an ideal tourist destination. However, some tourist scams in Russia can cause hassles for the tourists. 

Planning a vacation to Russia? 

Learn all about the scams you can face here and the ways to avoid them by sticking to the end of this article. 

Millions of tourists visit this country for this purpose. However, it is important to know that tourist scams in Russia are not rare. Taking the right measures is, therefore, important to avoid their catalyst effects. Some of the common scams in Russia are listed below:

1. Taxi Scam

You will find multiple unlicensed cabs around the airport and in most tourist spots across the country. Black cabs are also quite frequent, especially at odd hours when regular cabs are not available. 

These cabs usually charge unfair amounts based on the destinations. They often refuse to use taximeters and ask for an upfront payment from the travellers. 

Common Around: Moscow and Saint Petersburg

2. Rental Car Scams

Tourists often prefer renting vehicles from international companies when they travel to Russia for a vacation. This system is convenient for avoiding the hassles of finding transport while sightseeing. These usually advertise low prices at the beginning. 

However, after booking, tourists will be subjected to hidden charges in fields like GPS rental, scratch fees, cleaning, special refuelling rules, etc. 

Common Around: Across the country

3. Souvenir Scam

Tourists mostly like to shop for souvenirs whenever they are vacationing in a foreign country. Russia is filled with shops and stores that allow you to collect such souvenirs for your friends and families. However, these places often overcharge tourists. 

Amber memorabilia is probably one of the most significant souvenirs, allowing you to get access to an age-old heritage. Souvenir shops might sell you imitation amber if you have no idea about the quality. 

Common Around: Moscow, Kazan and Saint Petersburg

4. Pickpockets

Places like The Red Square or popular museums across Russia are extremely crowded by the tourists in the peak hours. Scammers usually dominate these places, looking for any opportunity to distract you and steal your wallet and other belongings. 

It is usually difficult to detect anything, as these people are skilled at pickpocketing. 

Common Around: Moscow and Saint Petersburg

5. Boat Tours

Taking trips down the Moscow River is one of the favourite activities for most tourists. Many big companies offer boat trips in the form of dinner cruises, offering on-board activities and entertainment. 

Here, it is important to conduct research and know about the general prices of such boating activities in advance, as some of them might overcharge even for simple activities. 

Common Around: Moscow

6. Currency Exchange Scam

Tourists from foreign countries will need to get currency exchanged for Russian Rubles after arriving in the country. There are multiple currency exchange kiosks across busy tourist areas that attract tourists to get their currencies exchanged, offering incorrect rates and charging hidden fees to pay them less than their actual worth. 

Common Around: Moscow and Saint Petersburg

7. Restaurant Scams

Most crowded tourist areas have multiple restaurants for the tourists to refresh themselves while sightseeing. While most of these are genuine places, some of the restaurants might scam the tourists by offering menu cards without printed prices. 

They will overcharge them when they are paying the bill, and the food quality is also average in such places. 

Common Around: Across the country

8. Russian Online Dating Scams

A common Russian dating scam has also been surfacing lately. If you plan to use dating apps during your visit, you might come across fake profiles that use stock images of models. They will mostly appear shady, avoiding meeting you in person and asking for financial help during the conversations. 

Common Around: Across the country

9. Other Russian Romance Scams

A common scam in Russia, known as the "bride scam", mostly targets men. Here, women try to convince Russian men to marry them and then pester them for financial support to travel to Russia. 

However, such scams are mostly directed towards the residents of Russia, and the risks are very limited when it comes to tourists and travellers. 

Common Around: Across the country

10. Fake Guides

Russia is filled with stunning museums, and these are common attractions for tourists. While waiting in the queue before entering the museum, you may find strangers approaching you and talking about having a genuine licence and experience as a tour guide. 

They will encourage you to go on an excursion with them to experience the sites in more detail and learn more about them. However, these guides will end up overcharging the tourists in the end. 

Common Around: Across the country

Travel scams in Russia can make it challenging to have an enjoyable vacation in this country. If you are visiting the country for the first time, it is natural to be overwhelmed by such activities. Travel Insurance to Russia can be a great way to find instant help and assistance whenever you feel helpless because of scams and fraudulent activities in Russia.

Here are some more tips you should keep in mind when visiting Russia:

• Avoid unlicensed cabs and black cabs after exiting the airport. Take help from the airport authorities for booking licensed cabs or go for online app cabs. Also, make sure to ask the driver to turn on the taximeter.

• Choose reliable and reputed banks or financial institutions for exchanging your currency after arriving in Russia. Do not agree to pay any extra charges for the service. 

• Keep your money and cards in safe places inside your hotel room. Purchasing a policy for Travel Insurance that Provides Financial Emergency Cash can help get financial coverage in times of need in Russia. 

• If you are going for rental cars for your vacation, approach a reputed company. Discuss all the charges in advance so that they do not ask for any additional hidden charges later.

• Do your research regarding the souvenirs before the trip, particularly for expensive items like amber memorabilia. You can also ask the hotel authorities or locals to suggest the right shops that offer the right charges for the souvenirs. 

• Always be cautious of your belongings when visiting crowded tourist destinations. Stay away from over-friendly locals and groups of people. Try not to carry much cash or valuables while visiting such places. 

• If you are planning to go on boat tours, book them from the most reliable organisations. Knowing about the possible charges for different onboard activities can also be helpful. 

• Avoid installing dating apps and using them in Russia, as these are filled with fake profiles and scammers. Even if you are approached by the locals with the possibility of a romantic alliance, do not get involved unless you know everything about the person. 

• Avoid accepting tour guides when visiting top tourist spots and museums. You can easily have a great experience without a guide, and they unnecessarily overcharge tourists. 

• Check the internet to find the best restaurants, cafes and eateries around you instead of relying on the vouchers and leaflets that the hotels provide. Moreover, make sure that the menu cards have printed prices whenever you go to a restaurant. 

• Keep your documents and important belongings safely in the right places. Remember that there is always help, even if you fail to do so. For instance, if you lose your passport, you can get in touch with the Indian Embassy for assistance. 

Russian police forces are always available for tourists if they are dealing with emergencies. Moreover, the office of the Embassy of India in Moscow can also be helpful with various kinds of assistance. Here are the emergency resources and contact details that can be beneficial for you:

• Emergencies Ministry: 101 

• Police: 102 

• Ambulance: 103

• Emergency for Indian Tourists Only: +7 965 277 3414

• Embassy of India, Moscow, Russia: (495) 783 7535

• Consulate General of India, St. Petersburg, Russia: (+7-812-6407222)

Therefore, it is evident that there can be various kinds of travel scams in Russia. If you are planning a trip to this country, you should be aware of some of the common scams and plan ways to avoid them during the vacation. This will help you ensure a perfect holiday among the beautiful valleys and artistic museums of Russia.