10 HANDY Russian phrases to use at the airport

1. Я приехал(а) в Россию на отдых. [Ya priyekhal(a) v Rossiyu na otdykh]. – I came to Russia on vacation.

The first thing to say at passport control. This clearly explains your purpose of visit – the most common question officers ask.

2. Вот мой паспорт. [Vot moy pasport.] – Here is my passport.

Hand over your passport along with this phrase. It's polite and demonstrates that you've prepared.

3. Я буду здесь 10 дней. [Ya budu zdes' 10 dney.] – I'll be here for 10 days.

They'll ask about the planned duration of your stay. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask for proof.

4. Я остановлюсь в гостинице. [Ya ostanovlyus' v gostinitse]. – I'm staying at a hotel.

They may ask where you're staying. Have the hotel name and address on hand.

5. Где получить багаж? [Gde poluchit' bagazh?] – Where do I pick up my luggage?

After passport control, follow the signs for "Багаж" or ask this question.

6. Мой багаж не прилетел. Что делать? [Moy bagazh ne priletel. Chto delat'? / Kuda obratit'sya?] – My luggage didn't arrive. What should I do? / Where do I go?

If your suitcase doesn't appear on the carousel. Head to the lost luggage office (usually near baggage claim) and show your baggage tag.

7. Где обмен валюты? [Gde obmen valuty?] – Where is the currency exchange?

Once you have your bags, you'll need rubles. Ask this to find cash quickly.

8. Как добраться до города? [Kak dobrat'sya do goroda?] – How do I get to the city?

Ask at the information desk or transport counters. They'll tell you about buses, trains and taxis.

9. Где остановка автобуса? [Gde ostanovka avtobusa?] – Where is the bus stop?

Find the bus to the city center (in Moscow and some other cities). You can also say “Aero Express” when in Moscow, and they’ll point you to the express train ticket stalls.

10. Сколько стоит такси до центра? [Skol'ko stoit taksi do tsentra?] – How much is a taxi to the city center?

If you choose a taxi, ask at the official taxi desk – never use unlicensed drivers.

And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia with the ‘Discover Russia’ page!