The Russian capital is making efforts to find a common language with foreigners.
Approximately 100 signs with directions in English to the capital’s most popular landmarks have appeared across the city.
The authorities plan to increase the number to 135 by the end of the month. Later, sightseeing spots outside of the capital will also get English signs.
It is all part of efforts to double the number of tourists visiting Moscow. City Hall also promises to create several tourist information centers before the end of 2012.
The Moscow subway system will also become an easier ride for foreigners, as the head of the underground has ordered that all signs be translated into English.
Now foreign tourists and expats can only see transliterated versions of the names of metro stations in Latin letters on maps in the subways cars.
The signs on platforms and underpasses are currently not translated, making it difficult to find one’s way in the wide net of underground stations and exits.
In addition, by 2020 all government officials will be obliged to speak at least one foreign language fluently. The hope is that Russian bureaucracy and paperwork alike will be easier to handle for foreigners.