Essential Apps to Download for Your Trip to Russia
- Iri
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Traveling around Russia without speaking the language or reading the signs can feel a bit intimidating at first — especially outside the major cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where English isn’t as common. But don't worry: with a few smart apps, you’ll feel much more at home.
Here are the essential ones locals actually use every day:
Yandex Maps
Forget Google Maps — in Russia, Yandex Maps is king. It’s detailed, reliable, and much better adapted to local realities, especially now when sanctions have made many Western apps glitchy. If you need to get around, this will be your best friend.
If you prefer offline maps, download Maps.me. It's super handy because GPS signals can sometimes be restricted in central Moscow, so having your routes saved ahead of time is a game-changer.
Yandex Go (Taxis & Transport)
Think of it as Russia’s Uber — taxis, food delivery, car rentals, all rolled into one. Yandex Go is fast, easy, and widely used. (Fun fact: it’s so successful that in places like Dubai, it operates under the name Yango!)
Yandex Translate
Language barrier? No big deal. Install this app to translate signs, menus, and conversations in real-time. It makes a huge difference when you're trying to order food or ask for directions.
2GIS
This Russian-made app is a hidden gem. It doesn’t just show maps — it tells you what’s inside office buildings, malls, and big complexes. Super useful when you need to find a particular store, restaurant, or even a hidden café.
Telegram
In Russia, Telegram is the messaging app. Beyond chatting, you’ll find groups for local tips, restaurant updates, museum info, and even real-time alerts about the metro or events.
Russia Train (RZD App) / Yandex Trains
If you're planning to explore by train (which you definitely should!), download one of these apps. These are the official app for booking long-distance trains — perfect for trips between Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and beyond.
RZD Google Play / AppGallery
Yandex Train iOS / Google Play
Yandex Metro
Russia’s metro systems are legendary — huge, beautiful, and very efficient. With Yandex Metro, you'll always know the fastest route, even if you don't speak a word of Russian.
Need a hotel? Ostrovok is like the Russian version of Booking.com. It’s easy to use, and many properties allow cash payment on arrival — great if your foreign bank card isn’t accepted.
This app is a must if you're booking domestic flights or even some international connections. It’s reliable, transparent, and still accepts foreign cards.
VPN Apps
Last but not least, don’t forget to install a VPN before your trip. Accessing Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and even some news sites will require it. Download a few options in advance, and if you can, invest in a paid version — they work much more reliably.
(Instagram and Facebook belong to Meta, which is designated as an extremist organization in Russia).
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