RFT EXPO 2027

Language and signage

Russian is the working language at the venue, with Cyrillic signage on the Metro and across TC Sadovod. English is common at international hotels but limited elsewhere, so carry the venue and hotel addresses written in Russian and keep a translation app with a Cyrillic keyboard ready.

Business etiquette

Moscow trade meetings are usually formal: arrive on time, shake hands, exchange business cards and use surnames and titles until invited otherwise. Decisions may need sign-off from senior management, so build a second meeting into the schedule if a deal matters.

Currency and payments

The local currency is the Russian ruble. Cards issued outside Russia may be declined at some terminals, so carry cash for taxis, Metro top-ups and small purchases, and confirm with your bank which card networks are accepted before travel.

Visa and migration registration

Business visas are required for most foreign nationals, with an e-visa option through evisa.kdmid.ru. Keep the migration card and registration slip with your passport; hotels normally register foreign guests, but verify this at check-in. Rules vary by nationality, so confirm with the Russian embassy before booking.

Dress code and hall conditions

Business attire is the norm at TC Sadovod, with comfortable shoes for long hours on concrete exhibition floors. Halls are air-conditioned but the walk between transport and the entrance is outdoors, so plan layers for changeable mid-August weather.

Tipping and taxis

Restaurant bills often include a service charge; otherwise rounding up or leaving 5-10 percent is usual. Use metered taxis or app-based ride-hailing rather than informal cabs, and agree or confirm the fare before departure from the airport.

Photography and stand etiquette

Ask before photographing stands, samples or price lists, and expect some exhibitors to decline. Exchange contacts with the person responsible for the product line rather than taking a catalogue without a named follow-up.

Mid-August weather

Moscow in mid-August typically sits in the low 20s C with passing showers and cooler evenings. Carry a compact rain layer and check the forecast two to three days before travel; the climate is changeable rather than reliably dry.

Daily transport habits

The Metro is the fastest way across Moscow and a Troika card lowers the single-journey fare; stand on the right of escalators and keep moving with the flow. Aeroexpress trains serve Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, and app-based ride-hailing fills the gaps on the last leg to the fairground.

Safety and documents

Carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and migration card, and leave the originals in the hotel safe unless you need them. Keep the organiser and hotel numbers saved offline, and plan evening travel in groups or by app-based taxi after hall closing.