TRAVEL TIPS to RUSIA
By Cahaya Asia -
Land of snow and deadly winters, bloomy meadows with tremendous rivers, midsummer sun that never sets, a hospitable country with generous party, talented business and fantastically artistic people. There are countless natural, historical and cultural attractions in Russia. All that makes Russia a MUST-SEE Destination.
Russia covers more than 17 million square kilometres. It takes about a week to cross the country's ten time zones by train, and ten hours by air. Russia's population is about 150 million. The national language is Russian. Sixty percent of Russian are atheist, while the majority of believers are Orthodox.
Russia has the largest river in Europe, the Volga, the world's largest lake, the Caspian Sea, the world's deepest freshwater lake, the Baikal, and the Europe's highest peak, Elbrus.
FACTS FOR THE TRAVELLERS
Visas: Travel in Russia has become easier than ever. However, all the visitors require visas. Please refer to us for more information and help. Visas must be obtained in advance and are not sold at the airport upon your arrival.
Climate: One of the best times to travel to Russia is summer, which is the raining season as well. July and august are the warmest months. The coldest periods is winter when you can warm yourself up visiting theatres and other places of interest. During this time all places in Russia have central heating.
Time: GMT + 3 for both Moscow and St Petersburg.
Telephones: Dialling code for Russia is +7. Moscow Area Code : 095. St Petersburg Area Code : 812. Public telephones accept token and calling cards, which can be purchased at newsstands, in some stores and many kiosks.
Electricity: Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50hz. The plug is two-pin thin European standard. Make sure to bring your own converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.
Weights and measures: Metrics.
Currency and money: The official monetary unit in Russia is rouble. It is recommended to take US Dollars or Euros; they can be exchanged at banks, hotels, kiosks. Major Russian cities have ATM machines to draw cash; also almost all the restaurants/shops will accept credit cards. It is not recommended to take traveller's checks with you to Russia.
Taxis: There are a number of taxi companies in major cities in Russia. Like elsewhere in Russia, avoid gypsy cabs by phoning ahead for a taxi or asking your hotel to arrange one for you. If you arrive at the Moscow airport, you will see a number of drivers clamouring for your business. It's better to go outside and line up at the taxi queue, where regulated taxis can be found.
Tips: Tips are note necessary but highly expected and appreciated. Usually it covers 5-10% depending on service.
Crime and security: The only concern for the tourist has to be petty crime.
Water: Water quality varies in Russia. Buy drinking water in bottles, and do not drink tap water.
Medical care: An agreement between Russia and Britain allows British citizens obtain fast and cost free medical service in case of emergency. In general, calling a state-run ambulance is still free of charge. If you are at a hotel call the front desk, which in turn will call the necessary ambulance service. Russian speakers can call an ambulance from a private phone or payphone by dialling 03. Saying it's for a foreigner might help to get faster and better service.
National holidays: New Year's Day (1 Jan), Russian Orthodox Christmas (7 Jan), Easter Sunday (Mar/Apr/May), International Women's Day (8 Mar), Labour Day (1 May), Victory Day (9 May), Independence Day (12 Jun), Day of Reconciliation (7 Nov), Constitution Day (12 Dec).
//visitrusia
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