You speak Russian? Not? Then keep the following travel tips in mind when traveling in Russia:
Visa
You will need a visa (tourist or business) to enter Russia. Embark on the formalities as soon as possible, because they can take a while.
custom statements
When entering and leaving Russia, you will need to declare all the goods that you bring with you, respectively, take out of the country. Items for personal use, jewelry, electronics, everything must be declared.
Around the country
To travel around the country, you can use buses, trains, rental cars or taxis. Only use taxis with the company logos and ask the price before starting the trip. You can also rent a car or drive your own car, in which case you must pay a road tax and respect the speed limits of 60 km/h – on secondary roads – and 90 km/h – on main roads.
tips
Hotel service charges are usually already included in the hotel bill. Otherwise, a 5 to 15 percent tip is accepted in hotels and restaurants alike.
Money
Foreign currencies can be easily converted to the local national currency, the ruble. Currently, 1 USD is worth 23.5 RUB (Russian rubles). There are even establishments that will accept currencies, especially the dollar, as such; however, traveler’s checks are rarely accepted.
Weather
To avoid the cold Russian winters and rainy summers, the best periods to visit the country are from May to June and from September to October.
Not
Avoid politically unstable parts of the country that you hear about on the news; never photograph a policeman; Do not throw the garbage in the street; do not try to leave the country with goods that you have not declared to customs or with firearms, works of art or jewelry.
