Trolleys (Trams), Buses, Trolleybuses

Both Moscow and St. Petersburg are well covered by buses, trolleybuses and trolleys (trams).

Police

Once you arrive in Russia, always keep your documents with you but remember to keep them in a safe place (not your back pocket or back pack for example – the best option is in an inner pocket or front pocket). It is also a good idea to make photocopies of your documents just in case. Sometimes the police make spot checks on the street and they can ask to see your documents (passport and visa).

Russian Holidays

31st of December- 1 of January - New Year's Day
7th and 8th of January - Orthodox Christmas
23rd of February - Red Army Day
8th of March – International Women's Day
1st and 2nd of May - May Day
9th of May - Victory Day
12th of June - Independence Day
7th of November - Day of Reconciliation and Harmony
12th of December - Constitution Day

Tipping

Tipping an appropriate amount is customary at restaurants and bars but not anywhere close to the extent of how it is in the US. For example, you might want to leave a 200 roubles tip for a meal that cost 1500 roubles or a 70 roubles tip on something that cost 500. Generally, a tip is between 10% and a maximum 20%.

Health

No vaccinations are required for Russia. If you are concerned, get the Health Advice for travellers booklet by calling 0800 555 777. If you suffer from any medical condition, please ensure you take enough medication with you. Mosquitoes are common in the summer (especially in St. Petersburg) so take repellent with you. Emergency medical treatment is free in Russia but we suggest you take out UK medical insurance policy as well. Don’t forget to take the Emergency medical number with you. In St. Petersburg it is wise to avail drinking the tap water which contains nasty bugs.

Arriving in Russia

When your flight lands you need to proceed through passport control and Customs. After you pass through customs you will come out in to the main airport concourse where our drivers will be waiting with your names on a sign.

Passport Control

You will have to fill out a simple landing card which you get in the airport upon arrival or given to you on the plane. This is a simple form which you should fill in and sign. It’s just a formality.

Customs

Unless you are taking a huge amount of money, or some precious items or weapons etc in to Russia, just go through the green channel upon arrival. If you do have things to declare, sometimes you will be asked to fill in a Customs Declaration form (same on the way out). Although this is system is being phased out it is worth knowing you may have to fill one in.

Money/Eating Out

Russian currency – the rouble is made of 100 kopeks. The exchange rate of rouble to dollar and to euro changes on the daily basis. At the moment the best currency to take to Russia is the Euro. There are now widespread ATM machines in Moscow and St. Petersburg where you can take roubles or Euros or US Dollars. Nevertheless it is worth taking low denomination Euros for tourist purchases, etc. Exchange rate is around 50 roubles to the pound. Shops also accept credit cards (though not all of them) and you will have to exchange in to roubles to buy things in non credit card shops, bars or restaurants. Do not take traveller’s cheques as high commission charged and not every bank accepts them.

We often get asked how much money our customers should take to Russia for food which is a difficult question! A meal in McDonalds will cost about few pounds and in a decent restaurant budget for around 40-60 pounds per person including drinks.

Tipping is normal and 10% is recommended in restaurants. Our guides and drivers also will greatly appreciate tips the size of which is up to you. You will normally have one guide and driver in Moscow and another guide and driver in St.Petersburg on our Twin Centre tours. Please take very good condition banknotes as many exchange places do not accept torn or defaced notes.

Electricity

Voltage is 220V (AC), 50 Hz and the plugs are two pin continental style.

Safety

Contrary to media reports, Moscow and St. Petersburg are no more dangerous than any other large European city (in fact the locals are much friendlier than in most cities). The closest you will get to the mafia is seeing their Mercedes 600s stopped at the traffic lights. In certain parts you may see gypsy children asking for money - just give them a firm no and if they will leave you alone. You are always well looked after by our local guides! Driving in Russia is an art form and car rental is particularly unwise (unless you have experience of rally driving). Don’t forget the streets are wide in Russia on the whole and crossing is much easier by subterranean passage. If you make a run for it you are dicing with Mercedes 600s, trams and trolleybuses so beware! Don’t put your hands in your pockets in Rus­sian churches and dress appropriately e.g. ladies cover shoulders etc. As in any large cities, beware of pickpockets.