First Time Russia

Checklist

AMake sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of your visa.

AArrange your visa.

ACheck airline baggage restrictions.

ACheck travel advisory websites.

ATell banks and credit card providers your travel dates.

AOrganise travel insurance.

What to Pack

AGood walking shoes – Russian cities are best explored on foot.

APhrasebook, mini-dictionary or translation app.

AEarplugs and eye mask for napping on trains, noisy hotels and during long White Nights.

AA sense of humour and a bucketful of patience.

Top Tips for Your Trip

AConsider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas, make key transport bookings and hire guides.

ATreat yourself to a stay at a business or luxury hotel over the weekend when many often drop their rates substantially to cover the shortfall in business customers. Big discounts can also be had on hotel rack rates when booked online.

ARail tickets can be booked online or at stations 45 days in advance. There are discounts for online and advance bookings.

AFixed-priced business lunches, common in cities, are a great deal and an ideal way to sample the cuisine at fancier restaurants.

ASchedule some time out of the big cities at rural or off-the-beaten track destinations to fully appreciate what is special about Russia.

What to Wear

Informal dress is generally fine. However, Russians do make an effort when they go to the theatre or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise if you want to fit in. If you’re planning on exploring on foot, a comfortable pair of waterproof walking shoes will come in handy, as will an umbrella or rain jacket.

In winter, bundle up with several layers before going out and bring a long, windproof coat to stay nicely warm. Hats and coats are always removed on entering a museum or restaurant and left in the cloakroom.

Sleeping

For major cities and resorts it's a good idea to book a night or two in advance.

AHotels Range from unreconstructed edifices of the Soviet era to luxurious and contemporary.

AHostels Moscow and St Petersburg have rich pickings but you'll now also find many good ones in other major cities and towns.

AB&B & homestays Not so common but worth searching out for a true experience of Russian hospitality.

Money

AIf prices are listed in US dollars or euros, you will still be presented with a final bill in roubles.

AThere are ATMs on every corner around the country these days; look out for signs that say bankomat (БАНКОМАТ).

ACredit cards are commonly accepted in big cities, but don’t expect to be able to use them in more off-the-beaten-track spots and rural areas.

AInform your bank or credit card provider of the dates you’ll be travelling in Russia and using your card, to avoid a situation where the card is blocked.

Bargaining

Prices are fixed in shops, but at souvenir markets, such as Izmailovo in Moscow, polite haggling over prices is a good idea.

Tipping

It is customary to tip in restaurants and cafes, but elsewhere it is optional. You are not expected to tip when you buy drinks from the bar.

AHotels Only in the most luxurious need you tip bellboys etc, and only if service is good.

AGuides Around 10% of their daily rate; a small gift will also be appreciated.

ARestaurants Leave around 10% if the service warrants it.

ATaxis No need to tip as the fare is agreed either before you get in or it's metered.

Etiquette

Russians are sticklers for formality. They’re also rather superstitious. Follow these tips to avoid faux pas.

AVisiting homes Shaking hands across the threshold is considered unlucky; wait until you’re fully inside. Remove your shoes and coat on entering a house. Always bring a gift. If you give anyone flowers, make sure it’s an odd number – even numbers of blooms are for funerals.

AReligion Women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches women are also required to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

AEating & drinking Russians eat resting their wrists on the table edge, with fork in left hand and knife in the right. Vodka toasts are common at shared meals – it’s rude to refuse to join in and traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot.

Eating

Russia's main cities and towns have a good range of eating options; in smaller towns and villages the choice is narrower. Booking on the day of your meal is usually fine, though top-end restaurants should be booked at least a month ahead of time.

ARestoran Russian restaurants can be quite formal. Modern ones sometimes have play areas for kids.

AKafe & kofeynya Cafes are cheaper and often a bit more atmospheric and quirky than restaurants.

AStolovaya These Soviet-era style canteens can be great value for non-gourmet, self-serve meals.

ATraktir Traditional-style taverns also serving hearty Russian dishes.