Dos and Don'ts (mainly don'ts) of the Moscow Metro

Now, naturally one of the most important things to learn the ins and outs of in Moscow is its enormous metro system. Most places in America don't have a metro, so it's probably a pretty new and exciting experience for many who come to Moscow (I know it was for me). Given that Moscow is a big city, and big cities have some unwritten rules for behavior, especially if you're a foreigner, I think it would be helpful to talk about what I've learned and tips I've received when it comes to riding the metro in Moscow.

1. Don't speak English loudly, especially during rush hour or at night

While I've never had a problem (I imagine this is because I don't talk much on the metro and because people keep telling me that I look Caucasian when I have all of my Russian stuff on [that's Russian Caucasian, not "white" as we use the term. This was actually a matter of some humor for a Russian friend of mine]), I have seen the looks that my friends get when they hold a loud conversation in English in the middle of the car. Much like the market, pickpockets apparently abound in the metro (though again, I've never been affected), and speaking English is a surefire way to draw attention to yourself. Then, at night is when some of the creepier people (and drunks) ride the metro, and I know we've gotten some very strange and unnerving looks when we've ridden back to Выхино late at night. Gotta be careful.

Also, while I've yet to be stopped and none of my friends have been stopped, people say that the Militia are more likely to stop you if they hear you speaking English to try and get a bribe out of you. I dunno.

2. Don't be soft

I'm sure there's a better word for it, but the point is that you need to be fairly assertive with your body when it comes to Moscow. People aren't rude, but they will push you out of the way if you're walking too slow or if you're obstructing the way. You need to hold your ground and keep moving forward, but don't be a jerk as you do it.

This is especially true during rush hour. During rush hour (somewhere around 6 pm) there will be TONS of people on the metro, and you will be crammed in to an incredibly tight space with people feeling all up on you and people bumping you and knocking you into the sides and such. You just need to grit your teeth and get through it. If you're a girl, there might be the threat of groping, I'm not sure. Whaddaya gonna do?

3. Get out of the way!

This applies to two situations - when the train doors are opening and when you're waiting for someone on the platform. People in Moscow like to get where they're going without much delay, so when they need to transfer and there's a group of Americans standing at the foot of the steps, they won't hesitate to tell you that they aren't happy both with their mouths and with a push. You need to make sure that you stand off the side of the stairs or near a column.

When it comes to the train, there's a reason everyone moves to the side of the doors to let people get out easily, especially during rush hour - people come out in swarms and they come out quick. Once again, if you're standing there, right in the middle of the path of the stampede, you will be pushed.

4. You can take pictures (in most cases), just don't take pictures of Militia

Or at least make sure they don't see you do it.

Someone told me that it was illegal in general to take pictures in the metro, and apparently not too long ago, it was. However, now pictures of the various statues and metro stations in general are allowed. That is, unless the Militia think you're photographing them. Once I was just taking pictures of the metro directories, and a group of Militia thought that I was taking pictures of them, so they approached me and asked if I was. I didn't understand the speaker's questions in general, so I just showed that I only had pictures of the directories and they left me alone. Not sure if that applies generally, but it got me a little worried.

5. Get a map and learn to read it

One of the early problems with the metro is that you don't know where anything is and you don't know the names of the stations/what line they're on. There are big maps in the middle of the platforms, but it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with your own map, since there are often people looking at the big maps themselves. I know I've gotten tons of use out of the pocket map my friend gave me (THANKS HANNAH!!!). You can get these little pocket metro maps from these dudes hanging around handing out fliers - the maps are on the back.

Anyway, those are the biggest things I've learned. I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting, but these are the things that I feel have been the most important.