Useful information for visitors to Russia

Using photo- and video cameras in some museums, national parks and reserves will be charged, but in most places it is free (in some places shooting is strongly prohibited at all!).

Tipping is customary in Russia to give in the amount of 50-150 rubles for the service, for the waiters’ service – usually 10% of the invoice amount.

There are several rules of conduct necessary to keep in the museums: Visitors are supposed to check in their coats at the entrance. Visitors are supposed to put special boots on their own shoes (if it is necessary, it is always provided free at the entrance). Visitors are supposed not to carry big bags/ suitcases visiting the museums. Visitors are supposed to keep silence inside the museums. Visitors are supposed not to touch the exhibits and show windows.

Before entering into the any Orthodox Church, women are supposed to cover their heads, and men are required to remove their hats. Women should not go into a monastery or a temple wearing trousers, short skirts, for this matter at the time of the visit long skirts and shawls are offered on the entrances. Behave in temples and monasteries should be modestly, keeping silence and not interfering the believers. Photo and video shooting of priests in some churches is strictly prohibited, it must be definitely clarified before entering inside.

Water quality varies from place to place. So don’t use the tap water in Russia.

For the legal stay in Russia all foreign nationals are required to obtain a voluntary health insurance policy on the day of arrival for the entire period of stay in Russia, regardless of the purpose of the visit. Health insurance policy gives you a right for health service in any city and in any state medical clinic, regardless of your registration. In the insurance case, follow the instruction which is indicated in your insurance policy.

All payments are carried out in rubles. One can exchange dollars, euro and other currencies in the banks. International credit cards are widely accepted.

There is no tradition in Russia to smile at strangers, Russians are very reserved in public.
Russian outlets take round 2-pin Euro plugs. A flat Euro plug adapter did not fit into the socket. Current is 220V.
You must carry your original passport at all times. A copy will not be sufficient.

Restaurants of Moscow, Petersburg and other large cities of Russia will offer you a wide choice of dishes of local and international cuisine, as well as some national specialties.