Russia Travel Information

Russia is a vast and diverse country, known for its rich history, magnificent architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling streets of Moscow to the pristine beauty of Lake Baikal, Russia has something to offer for every type of traveler. Here are some of the top 10 things to do in Russia:

1. Visit the Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow

The Red Square and the Kremlin are two of the most iconic landmarks in Russia, and a visit to Moscow would not be complete without seeing them. The Red Square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the State Historical Museum and St. Basil's Cathedral.

2. Explore St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, housing an incredible collection of art and artifacts.

3. Take a stroll along the Arbat, Moscow's famous pedestrian street

The Arbat is a historic street in the heart of Moscow, known for its lively atmosphere and street performers. It's a great place to relax, people-watch, and sample some of Moscow's street food.

4. Visit the Winter Palace and the Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg

The Winter Palace and the Peterhof Palace are two of St. Petersburg's most impressive palaces, and they offer a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of imperial Russia.

5. Discover the natural beauty of Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world, and it's also one of the most beautiful. The lake is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing.

6. Explore the Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is not just a mode of transportation, it's also a work of art. With its ornate stations, marble walls, and intricate mosaics, the Moscow Metro is a must-visit for anyone interested in Soviet-era architecture.

7. Take a boat tour along the Volga River

The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, and it flows through the heart of Russia. A boat tour along the Volga is a great way to see the countryside and learn about the local history and culture.

8. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the largest and most important art museums in Russia, with a vast collection of Russian art, from ancient icons to contemporary works.

9. Explore the historic city of Suzdal

Suzdal is a historic city located just a few hours from Moscow. It's famous for its well-preserved wooden architecture, ancient monasteries, and tranquil countryside.

10. Enjoy a traditional Russian performance

Russia is famous for its classical music and dance, and there are many theaters and concert halls in Moscow and St. Petersburg offering performances of everything from ballet to opera.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.