Saturday, December 7, 2013

Hints and Tips for Visiting Russia

The good news is that it is quite simple and straightforward to obtain a standard one-month tourist visa, but it will cost around $200 to do so. All you'll have to do is fill in some forms and have proof of identity. You should also make sure that you've taken out comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.

When should I visit Russia? - During winter, Russia experiences the kind of weather conditions that might be associated with two of its closest relatives, Alaska and the Arctic Circle. However, during the summer, the weather can be surprisingly warm and balmy, so unless you have a hankering for the extreme cold, then you probably want to visit between late spring and early autumn.

What you should take in your suitcase - Unless you're going there in winter, you shouldn't need to take anything particularly unusual. If you're taking any electrical appliances such as a laptop computer or electric razor, then you might want to bring a travel adaptor with you.

What can I expect when I get there? - The Russian people are some of the most friendly and welcoming that you will find anywhere, and English is widely spoken in the big cities. In particular, Moscow, with its stunning architecture and cosmopolitan feel, is a beacon for tourists and travellers from all over the globe.

Paying for things - Cash is essential for your Russian trip as not everywhere will accept cards, particularly small businesses and rural businesses. ATM machines are scattered all over Russian cities, just as in the west, so you can take out extra cash while out and about. Make sure you find out what the exchange rate is when you leave so that you know how much you should be getting when you exchange your foreign currency. Chequebooks are a no-no as nowhere will accept cheques, and it may also be difficult to find somewhere that will accept travelers cheques too. So cash and cards is definitely the way to go.

Phoning home - Using your cell phone in Russia is not cheap, especially when you're making a long distance call back home. Check with your mobile phone supplier for their rates, and to see if it's possible to have your phone unlocked to accept Russian SIM cards which will cost you less to use. It's also possible to get your own cell phone in Russia with a pay-as-you-go SIM for around $30, which may work out cheaper.

Transport - Traveling through Russia is relatively easy, with plenty of trains, taxis and buses to get you from place to place, as well as the famous Moscow subway. You may want to rent a car for that extra bit of flexibility while traveling, just make sure you have the right documentation and insurance.


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