Russia — the largest country on the map of the modern world, and, from the point of view of natural beauty and the abundance of “places of attraction” for tourists, it is also a subject of permanent interest for travelers from different corners of the earth. There is a majestic and magnificent monuments, places of historical significance. The unique beauty and nature of Russia: it attracts not only wildlife lovers but also lovers of adventure and extreme relaxation.
Next, we look at some important features and parts you should know for those planning a trip to this country.
Visa
For travel to Russia you need to obtain a visa. Tourist visa for entry to Russia is granted to persons who enter the country with the goal of traveling around the country or visiting specific attractions. The validity of the visa depends on the period of stay, travelling in any hotel, and also tied to the dates of entry and exit from the country, according to travel documents. Accordingly, you should pay special attention to the dates that were mentioned in your tickets or vouchers for settlement in the hotel as you will not be able to change the validity period of the visa.
In order to apply for a visa, do not require the mandatory presence of the applicant, and is not assigned a specific time for the interview. However, keep in mind that to obtain a business visa, or visa for travel to trade and business, the rules will be different — in this case the personal presence of the applicant. For more detailed information regarding tourist visa for entry to Russia, including information on the work of the Russian Embassy in Iran and the numbers of the relevant telephone numbers, please refer to our following articles.
Budget your trip
The name of the capital of Russia, city of Moscow, is present in the list of the most expensive cities in the world. Monetary unit is ruble. Credit cards are accepted not everywhere, and usually do not accept traveler’s checks. Most tourist attractions, including the Hermitage Museum, will only accept cash. But for the inspection of the Kremlin suit and credit card. To buy tickets for train or plane, you also need to have cash. But if you still want to use your credit card, then you will need to contact the staff at the place of stay — they will help you with ticket purchase.
In Russia the cost of entry to museums or other tourist sites for foreigners is typically twice the price of the tickets for the local citizens.
The biggest expense during a trip to Russia, especially Moscow — accommodation. Of course, in Russia, as elsewhere, you can find pretty cheap hotels, but there should not expect high quality of service and the opportunities of comfortable rest, which provide expensive hotels. If you travel to Russia is not to be confused stay in the hostel, you can try to stay in one of the hostels Russia middle or high class. Of course, prices for accommodation in hostels are also different — stay in hostels of higher quality will cost a bit more, but it will still be cheaper than a hotel.
But with regard to transport costs, the situation is somewhat different: the price of public transport in Russia is not too high. As for the actual prices for visiting tourist sites, then it will not be too expensive.
Another unpleasant item of expenditure during a journey to Russia, especially for those who tend to travel not to spend a lot — the cost of food. Those restaurants you can find menus in English, and that is clearly targeted at foreign tourists, as a rule, very expensive. But if you will try to avoid such restaurants and prefer those places that prefer the Russians — locals, you can dine there at a fairly reasonable price.
Language
One of the biggest challenges you will face when traveling to Russia, will be the language and communicating with people. On the stations, stations and stops of public transport the majority of all signs and advertisements are written only in Cyrillic. Most of the cashiers or ticket sellers don’t speak English. So it will be very useful if you before you travel to Russia to get acquainted at least with the Cyrillic alphabet, especially if you are traveling independently and not part of an organized group. If you have organized tour, such difficulties will not — you will always be accompanied by a guide, and if necessary, he will perform all such formalities.
A trip to the city and public transport
The best and most convenient form of public transport in Russia is the metro, especially in Moscow. At each station you will see the Windows of offices in which you will be able to purchase tickets. If you are going to use the subway often, it is best to purchase reusable tickets, to save yourself from having to stand in long queues. And your expenses on the purchase of this recommendation will also help to significantly reduce. Taxi is one of the most expensive public transport in Russia. However, in large cities such as St. Petersburg, you absolutely makes no sense to hire the services of a taxi especially if you need to quickly get to your destination. In such cities you will inevitably have to lose a lot of time in traffic jams. It is better to only use trusted companies that organize the transportation by taxi. But it is better where possible, to avoid travel by taxi or private car.
In addition to metro and taxi, a popular means of transport in Russian cities are buses and minibuses. However, the best way to travel around this city as, for example, Saint-Petersburg, will be rented Bicycle. This method will not only reduce your expenses but also gives you a great chance to see all the places you want to visit to see the life of the city and its inhabitants at close range.
Long-distance travel
One means long distance communications in Russia are the same air. For travel to the big cities it is better to book tickets in advance, but travel in smaller cities you can buy tickets on the spot at the airport. For travel over shorter distances use railway transport services. So, high-speed trains on the route Moscow-St. Petersburg and back travel that distance in only 4 hours.
Alternative long-distance trains, which also need to keep in mind is by bus. The buses, funded by the budget or the municipality, usually leave from bus stations, while private buses leave from the train stations.
Purchase
Shopping in Russia — a very special, unique experience. However, when you purchase any goods or Souvenirs, keep in mind that the removal of a range of goods from Russia is prohibited. This is especially true of products of a cultural value. If possible, do not buy anything when crossing the border can cause problems. Always keep a receipt or a receipt for goods purchased. Any valuable or Antiques must have a certificate and evidence that point to their value, check if it is available. These official certificates are usually issued by the Ministry of culture of Russia.
The right time (season) to travel
Most tourists are afraid of the legendary cold of the Russian winters. The best time to travel to a country that is really worth a visit is the summer season, i.e. from early June to mid-September. However, the spring is interesting because at this time of the year in Russia is marked by many traditional festivals and cultural events. The fall season is also suitable for various exhibitions, participation in cultural festivals, but its hallmark is the cloudy gray sky; moreover, the weather becomes markedly colder. Frosts begin approximately two months before the calendar winter, that is December. It’s the season, when the city begins to cover the white veil, which gives them a peculiar beauty. Silence, clean air, and if lucky, still and Sunny weather will give you a great opportunity to commit skiing or sledding and Snowmobiling.
In accordance with the time of year you chose to travel, bring the necessary clothes and things that you might need during your stay. In the winter you will definitely need a hat, a few additional things you can wear in case of need, as well as waterproof shoes, preferably with flat soles. In spring and autumn you can not do without a cloak or Cape from the rain.
