Russia

1. The language of the state business and the native tongue is Russian, of over half the population. Guides are available, if you wish to get the hang of it.

2. Adventure travel in Russia could be the next big thing. You can hook up with adventure travel groups based in many Russian cities and towns.

3. Winter temperatures drop to -65 degrees, bring clothes that protect you from extreme winter.

4. You should be vigilant…keep money and valuables out of sight. As with most large cities, Russian cities have their fair share of petty crime. Beware of groups of women, children (who beg) and pickpockets around, who target tourists.

5. Take care when drinking with casual acquaintances and try not to leave drinks unattended when visiting bars/restaurants as they may be drugged.

6. In case of Drugs, penalties are severe. Do not drink and drive, the Russian police enforce a zero tolerance policy. You need to exercise increased vigilance in public places particularly where access is not controlled e.g. open-air events, markets etc.

7. Use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.

8. An exit visa is included with the entry visa. Loss of exit visas may prolong stays while sponsors are contacted and replacements issued. Do not attempt to leave the country without an exit visa.

9. You should register your visa within three days of arrival in Russia with the local branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Most major hotels will do this automatically. It is not necessary to register a visa if the visit is for only two to three days.

10. Take full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents. Private medical treatment can be expensive. Secure travel insurance. Ensure that you are fully covered for unexpected expenses such as costs incurred from overbooked flights.

11. Carry ID at all times. However, when government bodies retain passports, copies should be carried. You have an advantage if you have cash in US dollars. All dollar notes should be in pristine condition. Given exchange rate uncertainties and fluctuations, only small amounts of dollars should be changed at a time. Money should only be changed at banks and recognized exchange kiosks. It is an offence to change money from street traders. You can leave the country with up to US dollars 1,500 in cash without completing a currency declaration form or authorizing documentation.

12. If the amount being taken out of the country exceeds US dollars 1,500 in cash, you must submit to the Customs documents indicating the amount of currency you had brought or transferred to Russia. Only if the amount on arrival exceeds US dollars 1,500 in cash, you need to complete a customs declaration form. The customs officers who are normally located in the Red Channel must stamp this form.

13. It is illegal to settle accounts in dollars cash. Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards. However, smaller retail outlets do not accept credit cards.

14. Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before traveling.

15. Bring enough funds for your stay and onward/return journey. Bank transfers are possible but take time.

16. Declare valuable items such as cameras, computers, jewelry etc, on arrival at customs.

17. Ensure that your visa is valid. Lost/expired visas can be replaced, but it is a lengthy and complex procedure and heavy fines can be levied.

18. Keep a separate record of your passport details. Photocopies of your birth certificate and visa would also help. Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.

19. Very few places in Russia expect you to tip. Top-end hotels and restaurants add 5% to 15% to your bill, while porters expect around US$1 a bag. Shops have fixed prices, but in markets you'll be expected to bargain.

20. Your travel is made easy… there are plenty of buses and you can make use of them for your local travel.

 

Russian buses are now completely open to foreigners. Going between small towns is a great way to travel. Driving in Russia isn't everybody's cup of tea but, if you've got a sense of humour, don't mind some fairly rugged road conditions, a few hassles finding petrol, and getting lost now and then, it's a great way to see the country. The most famous attractions include the Kremlin and Red Square.

Contacts-Russia

 

TIME ZONE

Moscow and St Petersburg + 3 (GMT + 4 during the summer).Other regions vary.

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Country Code: 7
IDD: International Direct Dialing is available.
Outgoing Code: 810; in smaller cities international calls may have to go through the operator.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Fire - 01; Police - 02; Ambulance - 03.

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION

Intourist; ulista Mokhovaya 13; 103009 Moscow, Russian Federation Tel: (095) 292 3786 or 292 2300 Fax (095) 292 2034.

PASSPORT INFORMATION

Valid passport required by all except for nationals of Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Hungary; North Korea; Mongolia; Poland Romania; Slovak Republic; Vietnam and Yugoslavia. Return Ticket is required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure. All travelers are advised to contact the nearest Russian Embassy or Consulate for up to date details.

VISA INFORMATION

Required by all except nationals of Bulgaria; CIS; Cuba; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Hungary; North Korea; Mongolia; Poland; Romania; Slovak Republic and Vietnam.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Military weapons and ammunition; narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Pornography; loose pearls; fruit; vegetables and live animals. An information sheet is available on request.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

US$ 10 is payable on international departures.

HEALTH MATTERS

Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.

FOOD AND DRINK

Water is untreated and not safe to drink.

CURRENCY

Rouble (Rub) = 100 Kopeks. Exchange: Only at official bureaux. All transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form issued on arrival. It is wise to keep all your receipts.
NOTE- Import and Export of local currency is prohibited; all remaining local currency must be reconverted on departure. All major credit cards are accepted. Travelers cheques are preferred to cash but you should also take some hard cash. US dollar cheques are recommended.
ATM availability: Over 350 locations.

MONEY WIRING SERVICES

MoneyGram: Unavailable. Western Union: (095) 119 8250.

CREDIT CARD EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Amex: +44 1273 696933
Diners Club: (095) 2843955
Russian Federation Visa: (1) 410 581 9091

TRAVELERS CHEQUES EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Russian Federation Thomas Cook: +44 1733 318950 Russian Federation BANKING HOURS 0930 - 1730 Mon. to Fri.

COST OF LIVING

Moderate to expensive; since the change to free-market economy.

LANGUAGES

Russian. English, French and German are spoken by some people.

WEATHER

North and Central European Russia - Variable climate. Summer sunshine may be up to 9 hours a day whilst winters can be very cold. Siberia- Very cold winter with the possibility of pleasant summers. There is considerably seasonal temperature variation. Summers are usually short and wet. Southern European Russia - Winters are shorter than in the North.

RELIGIONS

Mainly Christian with the Russian Orthodox Church being the largest Christian community. Muslim; Buddhist and Jewish minorities also exist.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2000: Jan 01; 07. Mar 08. Apr 30. May 01; 02; 09. June 12. Nov 07.
2001: Jan 01; 07. Mar 08. Apr 15. May 01-02; 09. June 12. Nov 07. POST Airmail to Western Europe takes over 10 days.

RADIO FREQUENCIES

BBC: 17.64 15.07 9.415 6.195 VOA: 15.20 9.765 6.040 5.995.

WOMEN IN SOCIETY

A mix of modern and traditional ideologies influence attitudes. Since the move to democracy old communist ideas persist especially amongst the older generation.

TRANSPORT

AIR: Aeroflot runs services from Moscow to major cities.
RIVER: Many companies offer cruises along several rivers. The Volga towns; The Golden Ring and Moscow - St Petersburg are popular routes.
RAIL: The rail system is a vital part of the infrastructure due to the poor road system. Only a few long distance routes are open to use by visitors and reservations must be made on all journeys.
ROAD: The European part of the Russian Federation depends heavily on its road network. The few roads in Siberia and further East are impassable during the winter. It is worthwhile to plan your route in advance and arrange motoring holidays through a reputable agency.