How safe is Moscow for Americans?

[Emily Tall]

Dear all: I was just chatting with a former student who has been working in
Moscow for over a year now. She does not feel it is particularly dangerous. Of
course, she does not look like a rich tourist and I'm sure she uses appropriate
caution. E. Tall (SUNY/Buffalo)

Joseph Alan Carmack wrote:

> I am coming across a barrage of warnings of "frequent crimes aimed at
> Americans and Westerners", including theft, assault, muggings and pick-
> pocketing (especially at the airport, trains stations, in the metro, and in
> cabs already occupied by another passenger); burglary of hotel rooms;
> attacks by "squads" of gypsy children who appear from nowhere and stick
> pins in you; even news of drugged drinks and compartment break-ins on the
> Moscow-Petersburg overnighter... etc." And this is in Moscow. Petersburg
> apparently has a 30% higher crime rate.
>
> The UK Foreign and Commonwealth office gives the most staid account:
>
> "Russian cities have their fair share of crime. Visitors should be vigilant
> and keep money and valuables out of sight. Be wary in Moscow of groups of
> women and children who beg and pick pockets around the main railway
> concourses sometimes targeting tourists. Use officially marked taxis and do
> not share them with strangers. The armed violence in major cities between
> rival criminal gangs is not directed against foreigners."
>
> The US State Dept phrases it this way:
>
> "Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities.
> Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies occur frequently and at any time or
> place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the
> subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist
> attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or
> occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on
> city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking
> alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around
> nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis
> shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups
> organized by reputable tour agencies. "
>
> Fielding's DangerFinder (http://www.fieldingtravel.com/df/index.htm) says:
>
> "In Moscow alone, in 1993, there were 5000 murders and 20,000 incidents of
> violent crime. The local population easily recognizes U.S. tourists and
> business travelers as foreigners because of their clothing, accessories and
> behavior. American visitors tend to experience a relatively high incidence
> of certain types of crime, such as physical assaults and pickpocketing of
> wallets, traveler's checks, passports and cameras on the street, in hotels,
> in restaurants and in high-density tourist areas."
>
> JAC
> Pflugerville, TX
>
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