General information about Russia and some travel tips

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts , 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

Money: The official currency is the Ruble (Rbl) divided into 100 kopeks. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and at places that deal with foreign tourists. Currency can be changed at banks, currecy exchange booths and hotels. Travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to cash, but if necessary it is advised to take them in US Dollars or Euro. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get roubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US dollars or Euro notes to change once there. It is illegal to pay for goods or services in hard currency, though it is often accepted. more

Language: Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German. See also: Cyrillic pronunciation

Health: Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever and tetanus-diphtheria, as well as medications for travellers' diarrhea. Water for drinking and brushing teeth should be treated; bottled water is readily available. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK entitling citizens to free health treatment. Local state medical facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents should they require private care.

Medical facilities: Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all of their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive, if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The cost of a medical evacuation from the Russian Far East can be as high as $50,000. It is helpful to carry a letter, in Russian, from your health care provider, describing the nature of any personal medication that you carry into Russia. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/.

Bring with you all prescription drugs. Tap water is not to be drunk without first boiling. A good mosquito repellant is recommended for summer. 

Crime information: Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies can occur frequently and at any time or place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. 

Tipping: A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Hotel bills in the large cities include a 10 to 15% service charge; otherwise 10% is usual. Tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.

Safety: The areas in North Caucasus of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai are highly volatile at present and visitors are strongly advised against travel in those regions. Only essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) should be undertaken. There is a high risk of domestic terrorism throughout Russia, particularly in Moscow and North Caucasus, with suicide bombings and explosions in public areas and on public transport, and hostage-taking are serious threats. The Russian authorities are also concerned about a possible threat to Western interests in Moscow and the threat of terrorist attacks in major cities. Visitors are advised to be vigilant, particularly in tourist areas, and also to watch out for pickpockets and street crime, especially in large cities.

Communications: The international access code for Russia is +7.  When calling Russia from abroad the initial zero on the area code must not be omitted. The outgoing code is 810 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 81044 for the United Kingdom). Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and post offices. Phone booths in airports and major hotels usually take Amex or Visa cards but are generally much more expensive than street phones. Mobile phones work in most large towns and cities. There are numerous  local operators using GSM networks, each covering relatively small areas. Visitors are required to declare mobile phones at customs when entering Russia. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes throughout the major towns and cities.

Public Holidays
Jan 1 - New Year,
Jan 7 - Russian Christmas (Orthodox), 
Mar 8 - International women’s Day, 
Apr 15 - Russian Orthodox Easter, 
May 1-2 - Spring and Labour Day, 
May 9 - Victory in Europe Day, 
Jun 12 - Russian Independence Day, 
Aug 22 - National Flag Day, 
Nov 7 Constitution Day.