Theworld’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find thatperseveranceand a sense of humour will go a long way in enrichingyour first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding commonpitfalls when visitingRussia.
Get trusted guidance to the world's best travel experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter.
DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival
Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including theUK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here.
You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune.Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days ofarrival, excluding weekends and publicholidays.The obligation to register is withyour hotelor hostel, or landlord, friend or family ifyou’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will bewritten according toEuropean calendar convention(day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa.
DO check the events calendar
During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, bothcitiesarefestive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to Septemberis the besttime to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city isirresistible, with the White Nights revelry at itspeak.
DO dress up for a night out
We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men.Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or aposh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.
DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet
Making an effort to familiarize yourself withthe Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus,even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital toolslike the Russian Metro appand Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.
Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russiaas much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need tohails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental.
DO expect to spend your money
Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay.If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.
You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great valueand very filling. Several years ago the trend for "anti-cafes"cropped up inlarger Russian cities, and there are still a few whereyou pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time.
Food marketsthat blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of vendor stalls.Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes.
DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka
Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka, and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic areanathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.
DON’Tbe disrespectful in a church
Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulderswhen entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s alsorequired for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available atthe door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.
DON’Ttake photos of government buildings
Be very careful aboutphotographing stations,official-looking buildings andany type of military-securitystructure – if in doubt, don’tsnap! Travelers havebeen arrested and fined forsuch innocent behaviour.
DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police
Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square, who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.
If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated.
You might also like:
How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow
How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway
Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train
This article was originally published in August 2009.
