Russia Travel Guides

The Basics:

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

Language

Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German.

Tipping

Hotel bills in the large Russian cities include a 10 to 15% service charge; otherwise 10% is usual. If a service charge hasn't been added at a restaurant, a 10% tip is expected. City Guides and their drivers also expect a small tip and tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.

Safety Information

Travellers are advised against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, including the regions of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoy. Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) as terrorism and kidnapping in these regions persist. Between April and August 2008, there was a series of explosions in and around Sochi. There is a high risk of domestic terrorism throughout Russia, particularly in Moscow and North Caucasus, with suicide bombings and explosions in public areas and on public transport, and hostage-taking is a serious threat. Visitors are advised to be vigilant and to watch out for pickpockets and street crime. There has been an increase in crime, specifically targeting tourists, in St Petersburg and visitors are advised to be cautious on the metro and buses, and should insist on seeing official ID from police officers. Political protests often end in violence and detention; visitors are advised to avoid all demonstrations.

Local Customs

Photography of anything to do with the military, strategic sites, or the airport, is prohibited. It is impolite to refuse alcohol, food and gifts. In Russian Orthodox churches, women are advised to wear skirts and cover their heads with a scarf. It is a legal requirement for visitors to carry passports for identification; copies are not sufficient.