Russia Holidays

Yes,
but driving in Russia is not easy, particularly if you cannot read Cyrillic.
Additionally Russian drivers do not always adhere to rules and driving is thus quite
problematic. It is easier to hire a car and driver.

Generally
no. Market traders will probably accept foreign currency, but restaurants,
shops etc. will only accept Roubles.

In
the main cities most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards.
Additionally there are ATM machines everywhere. Move out of the cities or main
tourist centres and life is very different and you should ensure you have
sufficient roubles.

All
Russians are required to carry official identification at all times. The rules
also apply to foreigners, so you should, technically, carry your passport when
you are out and about.

There is no denying that the Russian visa process is laborious. A long form plus a visit to have your fingerprints done. That said we have done this form many times, we keep up to date with changes and have an extensive crib sheet to make the process as simple as possible.

Travelling around Russia is as safe now as it has always been. Like with any
destination, we always advise keeping an eye on your belongings, especially when
out in busy, crowded areas and it is sensible to leave any valuables at home.

Russian women particularly take huge
pride in their appearance and visitors should pack something clean and tidy if
visiting the theatre, ballet or high end restaurants. When visiting churches,
women must remember to cover their heads, so pack a scarf. Men should never put
their hands in their pockets in church.

Russia
has an excellent mobile network, but be warned, it is very expensive to
use a foreign mobile phone for calls and data. You will, however, find free Wi-Fi available all over
the place.

Perfectly so but they tend not to bother with a meter and charge extortionate amounts. Better to get one of the smartphone apps such as “Get Taxi” or Uber. Uber is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city and very cheap. Perfect for a visit to the theatre. The average ride costs £2. The cars vary and they can take 6-8 minutes to arrive, but it works well.

Russia has a rich heritage of
traditions, so it can be hard to remember everything.

• Russians
  love flowers, so if you are going to dinner in a private apartment flowers are
  a perfect present – always take an odd number as even numbers are for funerals!
• Never
  give a gift of soap; it implies the person smells. Next best to flowers are
  chocolates.
• Never
  show your back to someone, for example when entering a row of theatre seats, it
  is appropriate to enter facing the people already seated.
• Always
  take your shoes off when you enter someone’s apartment or house, there are
  usually slippers to wear.
• Don’t
  jay walk, as the police will fine you.