General Guidelines for stay in the Russian Federation

Do’s

It is advisable to carry your passport with Russian visa, as well as registration confirmation or any proof from a hotel where you stay whenever you go out;
112 - telephone number of emergency response service or 103 — ambulance. Urgent medical help will be provided to everyone regardless of citizenship and health insurance (critical health condition will be stabilized, one day in hospital is provided free of charge);
Do learn the Cyrillic alphabet before you go to Russia. Reading street and station names will help you tremendously when trying to figure out where you are;
Although Moscow is a big city, it is rather safe. Nevertheless, be vigilant especially when you are in crowded areas;
Wherever you go take your passport (or a photocopy, at least). For example, you will need it when you buy a SIM card. You will not be alone as Russian people carry their passports everywhere;
Immigration cards that you fill in at the airport or on a plane are one of the most important documents in the Russian territory. It is free of charge, but be careful when filling it out.

Don’ts

Do not join or come close to people’s gatherings/rallies/single picketers;
Do not donate money for charity;
Do not take pictures of governmental buildings and inside the metro. You might be asked to delete the pictures you took;
Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited in public places (in the streets, parks, etc.); smoking is allowed at specially designated areas;
Do not take unlicensed taxis. Not only will you probably pay an extortionate fee, but they are not an overly secure method of transport.