Calling to Russia
Making Calls while in Russia
Making Calls while in Russia
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General Tips for Making Phone Calls within Russia
Remember that the digits in an area/cellular code and a subscriber number must total 10. For domestic long-distance calls, always include an 8 before the area code. For local calls within Russia, simply dial the 5-7-digit subscriber number.
Mobile phone calls within Russia
Mobile phone companies use 3-digit operator codes that always being with the number 9. All domestic calls to cell phones must include the preliminary 9. These calls should be dialed as follows:
Receiving calls from abroad
Remember not to dial 8 before the area code when calling internationally. For example,
- +011-7-9xx-xxx-xx-xx for a call to a cellular phone
When calling from abroad to a land line in Russia, always dial the area code for the city you are calling. Don’t forget the international access code and country code too! For example,
- +00-7-495-xxx-xx-xx for a call to Moscow from London
Other calls and numbers
Toll-free numbers in Russia always begin with 800. However, you must dial 8 first when calling these numbers in Russia:
Remember that these toll-free numbers will not be free if you are calling from outside of Russia.
The following toll-free numbers are used for public service purposes.
Emergencies:
- 01 Fire
- 02 Police
- 03 Ambulance
Services:
- 07 Domestic Directory Assistance
- 08 Domestic Operator Assistance
- 8-194 International Operator Assistance
Tips for Calling Internationally from Russia
If you are trying to call internationally from Russia, dial 8 and wait for a tone. After you hear the tone, dial 10, followed by the country code. e.g. For a call to the U.S., dial 8-10-1-xxx-xxxx.
Russia is slowly phasing out coin-operated phones and replacing them with card-operated ones. The coin-run ones rarely work; avoid them. If you do find one that works, feed it 1-, 2-, or 5-ruble coins. You can purchase cards for the other phones at many metro stations and at hotel kiosks in Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, not all phones accept all kinds of phone cards. Furthermore, not all phone cards allow international calls. The most common is Moscow City Telephone Service (MGTS). Remember that phones in Russia use only Russian and internationally recognizable symbols. You may want to purchase phone cards before you leave for Russia.
Internet cafes are increasingly available in the major urban centers. Many hotels also offer Wi-Fi or online access, but rates may be high.