5 Essential Apps for Your Moscow Trip

Google Translate Android  |  iOS

Key features

• Voice Translations
  Just press the mic button record your voice and get the translation. To understand the russian buddy just record his voice with the google translate app. Here you go. Now Google makes it possible to have a conversation. Do not expect a perfect translation though. But you will be able to communicate and what’s more important to have fun.
• Written Translations
  This option is the most easiest one and everybody knows how to use it. Simply choose the language of the original sentence and the language of translation and the type whatever you want to say. The only problem is if you want to know what a Russian says you will have to install a Russian keyboard as well.
• Camera Instant Translations 
  Reading signs, menus or anything else was never as easy! Open your Google Translate app, press the camera button, point the camera on anything you want to get translated, a street sign for example, and get the translation right there on the screen of your phone.

This app is totally a must have if you are not a Russian speaker (and even if you know basic or intermediate Russian it will be useful anyway). If you don’t have this app installed on your phone make sure to get it before you go to Moscow or any other city in Russia. The application is much more handy than the online translation service.

Yandex Taxi Android  |  iOS Get Taxi Android  |  iOS Uber Android  |  iOS

Key features

• Order a taxi to your current location or a specific address
• Option to get a taxi right now or by specific time
• Economy, Comfort, Business, Kids and even Van tariffs
• Payment by card or cash
• No need to communicate in Russian – all the apps have English interface
• Real time tracking on the map – see where your driver is

These 3 apps are very similar to each other. I think you must be already familiar with Uber in your country. So guess what? We also have Uber 😀 But to be honest Uber works only in the biggest cities that’s why we have local Taxi Apps too. They all are pretty alike but sometimes they offer you different fares that is the reason why I have all of those on my phone.

Yandex Metro Android  |  iOS

 Key features

• Builds the fastest and the most convenient route
• Tracks your Location with GPS
• Available in English
• Yandex Metro is also available in Saint Petersburg

 This app is a must have for all of you who is planning to travel in the Moscow metro. Very convenient to have the Moscow metro map in your pocket. If you are also going to use buses or suburban trains please read my new article about Transportation in Moscow.

Google Maps Android  |  iOS Yandex Maps Android  |  iOS

Key features

• Building the fastest and the most convenient route
• Tracking your Location with GPS
• Available in English
• Available offline if you pre-download the map
• Checking the traffic level
• Finding the nearest ATMs, cafes, restaurants, hotels etc

It is obvious that you will need to use an app for navigation. Google Maps is internationally famous and handy. But in Russia we mostly use Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator because Yandex knows Russian roads better, all the hidden cameras, some hidden ways and the information about different shops and restaurants is more up-to-date. But in fact both of them are good.

TripAdvisor Android  |  iOS

Key features

• Tracks your Location with GPS
• Available in English
• Shows you the closest restaurants with ratings and price marks (you can set a filter)
• Shows you all the nearest attractions and sights
• Before going anywhere you can get the price range, the cuisine type, the attraction type, see the reviews and pictures

Probably you have already used the TripAdvisor website or App when travelling around the word or just planning your trip to Moscow. On the TripAdvisor website (or App) you can see reviews of other travelers or locals about different places or sights to get an idea if it is worth going there yourself. I highly recommend to use the App when you are in Moscow and looking for a good place to eat out. It is the best in it. I always check for nearby restaurants with TripAdvisor app whenever I go travelling and I suggest you also do so.