Choose another country to see content specific to your location
It’s that time again! The 2018 FIFA Football World Cup Russia is on and players from 32 countries are taking centre stage in Russia. If you do plan on joining the other 2.5 million ticketholders attending the matches, we’ve got a few tips to help you out.
Starting on Thursday 14 June 2018, this month long spectacle is held across 12 venues in 11 cities - the biggest of these being Moscow and St Petersburg. As the capital of Russia, Moscow is home to two stadiums, with the final being held at the Luzhniki stadium on 15 July 2018. St. Petersburg will host a semi-final and third place play-off.
For some, the thought of going to Russia can be a little unnerving. But with some planning, you’re journey can go smoothly and here are some tips to help:
Criminality: In the host cities travellers are more at risk of petty crimes in busy areas and can be actively targeted. Hotel room theft is also not uncommon. This low level criminality is a long term challenge for travellers to Russia. Visitors should take extra caution in bars and nightclubs where violent crimes have been reported. Criminals tend to spike drinks and drug travellers. They have also been known to take strangers back to their lodge only to drug, rob and/or assault them.
Cyber Security: Russia is a well-known and documented nation to be instigators of cybercrime. There is a large risk that underprepared travellers will be targeted by these cyber criminals. Unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots should be avoided as these are especially risky.
Terrorism: The World Cup is a prominent event that the Islamic State have been vocal in wanting to target. Russia has implemented advanced security mechanisms to mitigate and prioritise terrorist threats. With these threats, it is important that travellers remain alert to their surroundings and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour.
Hooliganism: Russian football fans are extremely passionate and hooliganism has been a long-standing issue in Russian football. Russian fans are at times singled out for their intent to carry out violence. Russian authorities have started to crack down on this sort of hooliganism, and strong penalties can apply for minor offences. Foreign hooligans or those in their presence are likely to be met with firm responses.
ATM Skimmer: Be careful when using ATMs. Make sure the slot for inserting your card has nothing attached to it. Try to use ATMs inside banks if possible.
Ticker Scammers: As with any big event, scammers can prey on those wanting to watch a World Cup game. Avoid advertisements, websites and emails that promise “free tickets” and ask you to put credit card details in to verify your identity. Search for the company website for credibility rather than clicking links from unsolicited emails.
The Money Drop: Often seen around the Red Square in Moscow, this planned scam could happen in a variety of ways. Usually it plays out in the following way: As you are walking amongst other tourists, somebody is running between you and another person and accidentally drops some money. Another person also sees the money and begins to pick it up. He will offer to share it 50-50 as the owner is far out of sight. Minutes later, the owner of the money along with some other guys will ask for the money back in full. Holding only half you will need to make up the rest in order to leave.
Fake drivers: Seen outside of popular tourist areas such as airports and many 4-5 star hotels, fake drivers may appear associated to companies but are not. Some drivers may appear to be designated drivers for you but will demand money en route to your destination. Drivers may also avoid switching their meters on. Travellers should ask their hotel to order a reputable taxi instead of getting one off the street. Travellers should not accept unexpected trips or detours, because if pre-arranged drivers have been organised then journey management plans should be followed.
There are moderate levels of health concerns when visiting Russia. Consider taking a little extra precaution before and during your stay in Russia.
Russians are known to be fairly reserved people, which can be confused with rudeness by foreigners. Here are some local etiquette tips to keep in mind:
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to be another amazing spectacle with over 2 million fans from around the world ready to cheer in the stand. Millions more are expected to tune into television programs broadcasting the matches. Be prepared, plan ahead and enjoy what this World Cup has to offer if you are travelling to Russia.
