The police ( militsia ) can be recognized by their blue-grey uniforms; some may be armed. If you do have something stolen , report it to the militsia : try the phrase " Menya obokrali " ("I have been robbed"). It's unlikely that there'll be anyone who speaks English, and even less likely that your belongings will be retrieved, but you'll need a statement detailing what you've lost for your insurance claim.

Visitors to Russia are advised to get booster-shots for diphtheria, tetanus and polio. If you are on prescribed medication (particularly insulin), bring enough supplies for your stay, although high-street pharmacies ( aptA©ka ) offer many familiar medicines over the counter. Foreigners tend to rely for treatment on private clinics , which charge excessively high rates, so it's a good idea to take out insurance.