The World Cup suddenly made Russia fashionable. However, it is an interesting country to visit in all circumstances. Here are some practical tips for visiting Russia. This will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Do not drink tap water
Yes, Russia is a European and developed country. Do not think that you can drink the water that circulates in its pipes. From this perspective, some areas are less of a problem than others, but to be on the safe side, stick to bottled water.
On arrival, register your visa
This way you will avoid all kinds of problems when leaving Russia. The easiest way is to submit your papers to the reception of your hotel, which will carry out these formalities for you. If you stay less than three days, it is not essential, but it is always better to be careful.
Russian currency
Among the practical details for traveling to Russia, it is not superfluous to remember that the local currency is the ruble . If you have euros or dollars on you, it is best to change them at the airport. The exchange commission will be lower there than in the exchange offices around the corner.
If you plan to pay using a credit card, be aware that its use is quite widespread, but not accepted everywhere. It is also best not to use street vending machines. Prefer those of bank branches.
Moreover, in Russia, stained or excessively damaged banknotes have a bad reputation and you may be refused them. Pay attention.
Practical tips for visiting Russia: transport
To visit Moscow, avoid driving. If Russian vodka and caviar enjoy an excellent reputation, the same is not true of Moscow traffic. On the other hand, the metro works well, and some stations — real works of art — are worth a visit.
Muscovites are proud of their metro . They jealously watch over his cleanliness and respect for good manners. Leaving room for the elderly is completely normal. If you fail to do so… you will be looked down upon.
Eating in Russia
Communism and the Cold War are long forgotten and the big international restaurant chains are well established in Russia. If you want to eat your favorite hamburger or a coffee with a dozen different ingredients, but without caffeine, that’s no problem. At least in the big cities. Tasting the local gastronomy is a good way to discover the country, and at Exoticca, we highly recommend it. Dozens of different soups, Russian omelettes, salads, kotlety and pelmeni are all must-try dishes to enjoy on your vacation. If you had to remember only one of our practical tips for visiting Russia, it would be this one. A buffet will allow you to taste everything in the same place. There are many, especially in big cities,eat all you want for a fixed price .
The costs
As everywhere, the most touristic sectors are the most expensive. You should also know that in Moscow tourists pay more than residents. The same applies to museums which charge higher rates for foreigners. On the other hand, access to parks, monasteries and churches is free and the visit is worth it. But don’t let that stop you from visiting treasures like the Hermitage in St. Petersburg or the Kremlin in Moscow. You will not regret these expenses. Of course, it is always good to look for more economical solutions to personalize your vacation and enjoy a stay that will not be like everyone else’s. These few practical tips for visiting Russia should help you make the difference, and a call to our teams much more: we can customize your trip to your liking.
Security
Security is an aspect to be taken into account in the big cities of Russia. Pickpockets are always on the lookout here, as in most European capitals. Avoid placing your cell phone or wallet in the back pocket of your pants and watch your purse or backpack. Nothing worse than a theft to ruin your vacation.
Still in terms of security, allow us to give you a very useful recommendation in Russia… and also in Cairo! Egyptian and Russian drivers are hardly respectful of zebra crossings and the relationship they have with traffic lights is, to say the least, quite peculiar. So be very careful when changing sidewalks. With these practical tips, we hope you enjoy your time in Russia and have plenty to talk about when you return.
