Supermarkets and Pharmacies

Pharmacies, or 'apteki/аптеки' are typically well-stocked with a wide range of medications and health-related products. Prescription drugs are available, but certain medications that might require a prescription in other countries, such as some antibiotics, can often be purchased over the counter, though regulations have tightened in recent years. Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies are widely available.

Pharmacies also sell medical supplies like bandages, thermometers, and first-aid kits, as well as personal care items and baby products. However, controlled substances, strong painkillers, and psychotropic drugs are strictly regulated and require a prescription from a licensed doctor.

Pharmacies are generally open during standard business hours, but there is a 24-hour option in every district of Moscow (‘dezhurnaya apteka’). The premises of the 24-hour pharmacy may be closed at night, but if you ring the bell, the pharmacist will open the window and help you. Pharmacists are usually knowledgeable and can provide advice on minor health concerns or recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments.

It is also possible to order items for delivery or collection from pharmacies located near you from apteka.ru or eapteka.ru.

Moscow has several major chains of supermarkets you can use.

• Pyaterochka (Пятёрочка)— national economy-class chain
• Auchan (Ашан) — global economy-class chain
• Perekryostok (Перекрёсток) — national mid-level chain. Some Perekryostok shops are open 24/7
• VkusVill (ВкусВилл) — national mid-level chain specialising in healthy food
• Azbuka Vkusa (Азбука вкуса) — premium-level chain, delivery available. Most Azbuka Vkusa supermarkets are open 24/7

All these chains have loyalty programmes that can be used via the respective supermarket app. Pyaterochka and Perekryostok use the same loyalty programme since they are part of the same chain (X5 Group).

There are various food delivery services such as Yandex.Food (food from various restaurants), Vkusvill (food and produce from its supermarkets), and Samokat (online orders only).

These delivery services are available in almost all areas of Moscow within the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD). However, please check whether delivery is possible when making your order.

Food and grocery delivery can take varying amounts of time, but most items are delivered within two hours. Samokat delivers groceries within 15 minutes, and Vkusvill has the option of selecting express delivery (30 minutes). 

All major supermarket chains also offer delivery of ready-made food.