The authors consider theoretical approaches to the evaluation of international functions of large regional centres. They analyse the factors determining this activity and propose a number of quantitative and qualitative indicators helping to estimate its efficiency. A special attention is paid to the role of local governments in the development of foreign contacts. It is shown that Russian metropolitan centres have become highly involved in international contacts, but they find themselves in very different stages. A comparison of Yekaterinburg and Rostov demonstrates that cultural factors of internationalisation are as important as economic restructuring.