Learn some Cyrillic phrases

Putting out the effort to learn the Cyrillic script pays you tenfold. Even if you don't know many Russian languages, it will help you read street and metro signs, maps, timetables, and menus. While modern tools like the Russian Metro app and Google Translate make it easier than ever to travel to countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up on the basics ahead of time can save you time and make you more popular with the locals.

Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi, for example, have completely transformed the taxi sector in Russia, as well as elsewhere. That means there's less need to learn the Russian phrases you'll need to hail cabs on the street, but it's still a good idea to learn crucial terms in case you get lost, such as your hotel's location or the crossroads where your short-term apartment rental is located. This one of the Things about Russia You Should Know before visiting Russia.