Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phone Codes
Russia's country code is 7.
There are now three area codes operating within Moscow. The most common code is 495,
while some numbers - especially on the outskirts - use 498 or 499.
For all calls within Moscow (from land line or mobile phone), you must dial 8 + the 10-digit
number including the area code.
To make an intercity call from Moscow, dial 8 plus the area code and number. To call inter-
nationally from Moscow, dial 810 plus the country code, city code and phone number.
The method of placing calls is expected to change in the near future (0 for intercity and 00
for international).
Phonecards
Payphones () are increasingly rare in Moscow. Where they do exist, they require prepaid
phonecards, which are available from metro token booths and from kiosks.
Cards can be used for local and domestic or international long-distance calls and are avail-
able in a range of units; international calls require at least 100 units.
The only trick is to remember to press the button with the speaker symbol when your party
answers the phone.
Time
Russians use the 12-hour clock and the 24-hour clock interchangeably. Moscow time is
GMT/UTC plus three hours. So when it is noon in Moscow, it is 9am in London, 4am in New
York, 1am in San Francisco and 6pm in Vladivostok. Daylight Savings Time is no longer ob-
served in Moscow.
Toilets
Pay toilets are identified by the words
(platny tualet)
. In any toilet or stands for women's
(zhensky),
while or stands for men's
(muzhskoy)
.
Plastic-cabin portable loos are scattered around Moscow in public places, but other public
toilets are rare. In any case, toilets in hotels, restaurants and cafes are usually modern and
clean, so public toilets need only be used for emergencies. Toilet paper is not the rarity it
once was, but it's still wise to carry your own supply.
