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The Kremlin - Russia
The Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin, or simply the Kremlin, is a fortified complex in the center of Moscow founded by Russian ruling dynasty of Rurikids.

The Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin, or simply the Kremlin, is a fortified complex in the center of Moscow founded by Russian...

Top 10 Places To Visit In Russia - 4K Travel Guide
Moscow - Russia
Moscow
Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital.

Moscow

Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital.

Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood in Moscow, Russia
Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood
This church is said to have the most mosaics of any church in the world, some 7,500 square metres of them.

Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood

This church is said to have the most mosaics of any church in the world, some 7,500 square metres of them.

Russia flag

Russia Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Moscow

Location:

North Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, extending from Europe (the portion west of the Urals) to the North Pacific Ocean

Currency:

Russian rubles (RUB)

Area:

17,098,242 sq km

Population:

142,320,790 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Russian (official) 85.7%, Tatar 3.2%, Chechen 1%, other 10.1%; note - data represent native language spoken (2010 est.)

Religion:

Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+3

Tel Code:

+7

Things to Do

  • 1. Red Square

    Visit the iconic Red Square in Moscow, home to landmarks such as the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral.

  • 2. Hermitage Museum

    Explore the world-renowned Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, which houses a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts.

  • 3. Trans-Siberian Railway

    Embark on an epic train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, crossing the vast landscapes of Russia.

  • 4. Lake Baikal

    Visit Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, known for its stunning natural beauty.

  • 5. Peterhof Palace

    Explore the grand Peterhof Palace and its beautiful gardens, often referred to as the Russian Versailles.

  • 6. Kazan Kremlin

    Discover the historic Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

  • 7. Golden Ring

    Explore the historic towns of the Golden Ring, including Suzdal, Vladimir, and Sergiev Posad, known for their picturesque architecture and religious sites.

  • 8. Kizhi Island

    Visit the open-air museum on Kizhi Island, featuring traditional wooden architecture and UNESCO-listed wooden churches.

  • 9. Mount Elbrus

    Climb Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia and Europe, offering breathtaking views and a challenging ascent.

  • 10. Baikal-Amur Mainline

    Experience the remote and picturesque landscapes of Siberia by taking a journey on the Baikal-Amur Mainline railway.

Weather

Climate

Russia is a very large country, and the climate varies greatly depending on the region. In general, the western part of the country has a more temperate climate, while the eastern part of the country has a harsher, colder climate.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Russia depends on your interests and the region you plan to visit. For example, if you're interested in outdoor activities and visiting Lake Baikal, the best time to visit would be during the summer months (June to August). On the other hand, if you're interested in visiting the cities and experiencing Russia's cultural heritage, the best time to visit would be during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November).

Best Time to Visit Moscow and St. Petersburg

The best time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be very cold and snowy.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Russia Open
Test
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Hotels

      There are many hotels in Russia that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some popular hotel chains in Russia include the Radisson Blu, Hilton, and Marriott.

      Hostels

      Hostels are a popular and budget-friendly accommodation option in Russia, particularly for solo travelers and backpackers. Many hostels offer dorm rooms as well as private rooms, and many have communal kitchens, common areas, and free Wi-Fi.

      Apartment Rentals

      Another option for visitors to Russia is to rent an apartment. This can be a more cost-effective option for those traveling in a group or for an extended period of time.

      Homestays

      Homestays are a unique way to experience the local culture and way of life in Russia. Visitors can rent a room in a local resident's home and have the opportunity to interact with and learn from their host.

      Luxury Accommodation

      For those seeking luxury accommodation, Russia has many high-end hotels, resorts, and spas to choose from. Some popular options include the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace in St. Petersburg, and the Ritz-Carlton Moscow.

      Transportation

      Air Travel

      Russia has several airports, including Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports, and St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport, which are well-connected to cities both within Russia and internationally.

      Rail Travel

      Russia's rail network is extensive and offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities. There are several different classes of service available, including standard, first class, and luxury.

      Bus Travel

      Bus travel is another option for getting around Russia, and is often the most budget-friendly option. Buses run regularly between cities and towns, and offer a scenic way to see the country.

      Taxi

      Taxis are widely available in Russia's cities and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone. It is recommended to use official taxi companies and to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.

      Metro

      The metro is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around in Russia's cities. Moscow and St. Petersburg both have extensive metro systems, which are easy to navigate and offer frequent service.

      Bicycle Rentals

      Bicycle rentals are becoming more popular in Russia's cities, and are a great way to explore and get some exercise. Many cities have bike rental kiosks where you can rent a bike for a few hours or for the day.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.