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Russia FAQ

Is tipping customary in Russia?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Russia, so is left up to the discretion of the individual. Some restaurants may already add a 10% surcharge to bills, otherwise feel free to leave spare change or round up the bill.

What is the internet access like in Russia?

Travellers will be able to find internet cafes in Russia's large cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, but less so in rural and remote areas. Internet access is available on the Trans-Siberian Railway for certain legs of the journey. This requires purchase of a local connection (around US$40), which will work with some laptops and certain 3G devices.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Russia?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in the cities and regional centres of Russia, although coverage may not be available in remote areas. Remember to activate global roaming before leaving home if you wish to use your phone while in Russia.

What are the toilets like in Russia?

Travellers can expect to encounter both squat toilets and modern flushable toilets while travelling through Russia. Be prepared by carrying your own soap and toilet paper (as these aren't always provided). Additionally, some public toilets may require a small fee payment before access.

What will it cost for a…?

Trip on the metro = 25 RUB
Internet access = 100 RUB per hour
Bottle of beer = 35-50 RUB
Snack at a cafe = 200 RUB
Dinner at a restaurant = 800-1,500 RUB

Can I drink the water in Russia?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Russia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader or hotel where filtered water can be found and don't forget to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Russia?

Large hotels, restaurants and shops often accept international credit cards; however, smaller shops and vendors may only accept cash, so be sure to carry other modes of payment as credit cards aren't always an option in Russia.

What is ATM access like in Russia?

Travellers will be able to find ATMs in Russia's large cities and regional centres. Remote and rural areas will have less ATM availability, so prepare accordingly before venturing out of metropolitan areas.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Russia?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Russia?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 7 Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
Feb 23 Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland
Mar 8 International Women's Day
May 1 Spring and Labour Day
May 9 Victory in Europe Day
Jun 12 Russia Day
Nov 4 National Unity Day
Dec 12 Constitution Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays in the Russia go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/russia/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • RUSSIA:
    Australia: Yes - in advance
    Belgium: Yes - in advance
    Canada: Yes - in advance
    Germany: Yes - in advance
    Ireland: Yes - in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - in advance
    New Zealand: Yes - in advance
    South Africa: Yes - in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - in advance
    United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
    USA: Yes - in advance

    You will need a visa support letter (sometimes known as an 'invitation' or 'voucher') in order to apply for your Russian visa. You can obtain this letter through our visa support agent in Russia by completing our online visa application form. The visa support link and instructions will be sent to you or your travel agent at the time of booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details required online. You will then be able to download the visa invitation letter instantly. We will add 3 days to the visa duration before your trip entry and exit date to Russia for your convenience. If you are planning on arriving or leaving Russia outside of these dates please contact your travel agent as we will need to manually request a visa letter from our Russian partners to fit your dates.

    A single entry visa invitation is included in the cost of your tour. The maximum length of stay in Russia on a single entry tourist visa is 30 days. Visa extensions do NOT exist in Russia! We may be able to help to organise a longer or multiple entry visa invitation on your behalf but this will be at your own expense and paid directly to our local partners.
    Once you have downloaded the invitation letter you can then apply for your Russian visa by going to your closest Russian consulate or by using a visa service recommended by your travel agent. Please note that we do not recommend trying to obtain your Russian visa outside of your home country or place of official residence as your application may be refused. For other application requirements, including processing time and cost please check with the consulate.

    All foreign citizens entering Russia are required to fill in a migration card. The entry portion of the card will be retained by Immigration upon arrival. The stamped exit portion of the card must be kept with your passport during your stay in Russia and submitted to Immigration upon departure. If you are not given a migration card at Immigration on arrival you must request one, even if the immigration official says that you do not need one. Loss or failure to receive the exit portion of the card will result in you not being able to travel on our trip as all hotels require this card for registration and may result in significant delays or fines upon departure.

    IMPORTANT - TRAIN TICKETS:
    All train tickets will be booked according to the passport number that you submitted at time of booking. If you plan to travel using a different passport for entry to one of the countries visited on our trips you MUST inform us of this when you book your trip. If you obtain a new passport after booking you must also inform us of this as soon as possible.
    If your passport number does not match the passport number on the train ticket you will not be able to board the train.
    Changes of train ticket due to incorrect or changed passport information will mean traveller must pay additional expenses to rebook tickets and in peak season new tickets may not be possible at all.

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Russia at a glance

  • 9
  • Moscow
  • 138.7 million
  • Russian
  • RUB
  • (GMT+03:00) Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
  • +7

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