Travel guide – russia
russia
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Overview
As Russia moves forward into the 21st century, it leaves behind a turbulent history of tyranny and a crippled economy: from Ivan the Terrible to Peter the Great, from the fall of the tsars to the dictatorship of the Soviet government. Today it is a nation embracing its newfound freedom and future potential, whilst enjoying a renewal of the rich cultural heritage of its past.
Despite the visible effects of hardship and economic disparity, and its previous isolation from the rest of the world, travellers will encounter a country of enormous diversity and vitality, with cultural treasures and historical monuments, great imperial cities and glittering cathedrals. Visitors will experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky, the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet, and marvel at priceless Russian icons and the unique style of decorative onion-domed architecture.
Most westerners associate Russia with the great imperial centres of Moscow and St Petersburg, and although these two cities, the capital and the beautiful ‘Venice of the North’ are a must-see, they are a mere scratching on the surface of this vast and varied land. Straddling two continents and 11 time zones, the Russian Federation is the largest country on earth, nearly twice the size of the United States of America. Within this impressive expanse lie natural wonders such as Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, and beautiful mountains, rivers and forests abounding with wildlife as well as timeless traditional villages scattered across the Siberian landscape.
Visitors taking the opportunity to explore Russia will not be disappointed: its impressive museums, overwhelming sense of history, culture and unspoilt wilderness will leave one with a desire to see more.
Regions and cities within Russia...
Moscow
St Petersburg
Climate
The main holiday season for Russians and foreigners is during the warmest months of July and August, but it also rains a lot at this time. The best times to visit are May and June or September and October, avoiding most of the crowds and the rain. Winters are very cold and bitter, especially in Siberia.
Health
Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever and tetanus-diphtheria, as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. Water for drinking and brushing teeth should be treated; bottled water is readily available. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK entitling citizens to free health treatment in hospital. Local state medical facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents should they require private care. There have been outbreaks of bird flu in regions of Russia, including Tula, Tambov, Kurgan, Chelyabinsk and Novosibirsk, but there have been no reports of human infection. Travellers are advised to avoid contact with domestic, caged and wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.
The basics
Time
Russia is divided into 11 time zones ranging from GMT +2 in the east to GMT +12 in the west. In summer the time is +1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September. The local time in Moscow and St Petersburg is GMT +3 (GMT +4 in summer).
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
A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Hotel bills in the large cities include a 10 to 15% service charge; otherwise 10% is usual. Tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.
Safety
The areas in North Caucasus of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai are highly volatile at present and visitors are strongly advised against travel in those regions. Only essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) should be undertaken. 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 are serious threats. The Russian authorities are also concerned about a possible threat to Western interests in Moscow and the threat of terrorist attacks in major cities. Visitors are advised to be vigilant, particularly in tourist areas, and also to watch out for pickpockets and street crime, especially in large cities. 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.
Communications
The international access code for Russia is +7. When calling Russia from abroad the initial zero on the area code must not be omitted. The outgoing code is 810 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 81044 for the United Kingdom). Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and post offices. Phone booths in airports and major hotels usually take Amex or Visa cards but are generally much more expensive than street phones. Mobile phones work in most large towns and cities. There are numerous local operators using GSM networks, each covering relatively small areas. Visitors are required to declare mobile phones at customs when entering Russia. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout the major towns and cities.
Duty Free
Customs inspections on entering Russia are stringent. Visitors have to declare on a form items such as currency and valuables, which they are bringing in for their own use. Duty free allowances change often and at short notice, but in general travellers can bring 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg tobacco; 1.5 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine; perfume for personal use; and gifts valued at not more than US$10,000.
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