General information about Moscow and its topography, climate, mobile operators, internet, banks and more.

Last updated: March 2025

Moscow’s road rings

Moscow’s development has historically expanded outward in concentric circles from its original medieval center, the Kremlin. Today, Muscovites often divide their city by these “road rings,” which are key circular roadways that encircle the city at various distances from the center.

The innermost is the Boulevard ring (Bulvarnoye koltso), followed by the Garden ring (Sadovoye koltso). Then there’s the Third transport ring (TTK) which is a high-speed freeway. The largest is the Moscow circle ring road (MKAD), which marked the city’s boundary before the expansion of Moscow’s territory in 2012. These rings not only define the city’s structure but also influence traffic patterns and the division of districts within Moscow.

Moscow climate

• Summer: Warm and sometimes hot, with average temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Rainfall is moderate, and daylight is long, with the occasional heatwave.

• Autumn: Cool and crisp, with temperatures gradually dropping from 15°C (59°F) in September to around freezing by November. The season features colorful foliage and increasing cloudiness and rainfall.

• Winter: Cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging around -10°C (14°F). Snow cover is common, and the city experiences short daylight hours.

• Spring: Gradually warming, with snow melting in March and April. Temperatures rise from near freezing to around 15°C (59°F) by May, with blooming trees and occasional rainfall.

Internet and mobile network operators in Russia

All mobile operators provide 4G LTE and, in some areas, 5G connectivity. 30Gb data plan costs about 600 ₽ (€6.5) per month. All types of SIM are usually available including eSIM.

• Beeline: A prominent operator with a strong presence throughout Russia, offering mobile and broadband services.
• Megafon: Another major provider, known for extensive coverage, particularly in urban areas and large cities.
• MTS: The largest operator, offering a wide range of mobile and internet services across Russia.
• T2: A fast-growing operator, initially focused on regional markets as Tele2 branch but now expanding nationwide, known for competitive pricing.
• Virtual network operators: several operate by leasing infrastructure from major mobile network operators: Yota, T-Bank Mobile, SberMobile.
• Internet at home: major operators are Rostelecom and Beeline.

Banks in Russia

Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in Russia. A foreign citizen can apply for a MIR bank card in almost any Russian bank.

We recommend Raiffeisen Bank or Alfa-Bank but there are also Sberbank, Gazprombank or VTB offering similar services. Provide the following documents: Passport, Visa and Immigration Card (if you have one). A phone with Russian sim-card is also required.