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Destination:

Russia


Basics

topWhen to Go

Many travelers prefer to visit Russia between May and mid-July when the weather is most pleasant. During this period, the extreme northern location of St. Petersburg creates magic as daylight floods the city round the clock and White Nights cultural festivals attract the country’s brightest stars of classical music, opera and ballet. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, Russia’s striking white winters make for a memorable holiday—but be prepared for extreme cold this time of year.

topWeather & Temperature

May to September generally offers the warmest weather with temperatures often reaching 90 degrees or above in August. You can expect high humidity and thundershowers, and snow flurries are not uncommon at the beginning and end of the season. Spring and fall can be pleasant, though muddy and unpredictable. Even with temperatures dipping well below zero, it is often said that Moscow and St. Petersburg are at their most beautiful in winter.

Moscow
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average High Temperature °F 24 25 36 51 65 71 75 71 60 47 32 25
°C -5 -4 2 11 18 22 24 22 15 8 0 -4
Average Low Temperature °F 17 16 24 36 46 54 58 54 46 37 26 18
°C -8 -9 -5 2 8 12 14 12 8 3 -3 -8
Average Precipitation in 1.5 1.2 1 0.95 1.5 2.3 2.1 2.2 1.8 1.9 1.5 1.4
cm 3.9 3.2 2.7 2.4 3.9 5.9 5.5 5.6 4.6 4.9 3.8 3.5
St. Petersburg
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average High Temperature °F 25 26 35 48 60 68 72 69 58 47 34 28
°C -4 -4 2 9 15 20 22 20 15 8 1 -2
Average Low Temperature °F 18 17 24 34 44 53 58 55 47 39 29 22
°C -8 -8 -4 1 7 12 15 13 8 4 -2 -6
Average Precipitation in 1.2 0.98 0.97 0.92 1.4 2 2.4 2.3 1.6 1.7 1.5 1.2
cm 3.1 2.4 2.4 2.3 3.5 5.1 6.1 5.9 4.1 4.3 3.8 3.1

topTime Difference

Moscow is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and eight hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST). From March to September clocks go forward an hour for “summer time.”

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A valid passport and visa are required to enter Russia. Visa requirements can be confusing, so we suggest you work with your travel specialist or Zierer Visa Service to expedite the process.

topImmigration & Customs

All passports and visas are inspected thoroughly at immigration and visitors are required to complete a customs declaration on arrival. This form, along with a second declaration covering your stay in Russia, must be submitted at departure. To avoid import duties being levied on items such as laptops and jewelry when leaving the country, be certain to declare all valuables in your possession on the customs form upon entry. Russian departure customs are more rigorous than most.

topRegistration

Officially, all foreigners are supposed to register with OVIR, the Visa and Registration Department, within three days of their arrival. Your travel specialist or hotel can do this on your behalf.

topPersonal Security & Health

Security

The primary concern in Russia’s larger cities is pick-pocketing and robbery. Be extra vigilant near tourist attractions and on public transportation. Take sensible precautions, and avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Health

If medical treatment is required, your hotel will likely have its own doctor. If additional treatment is needed, the American Medical Center or European Medical Centre is the best option. Special vaccinations are not required, but do bring sufficient supplies of any medications you may need and don’t drink the tap water (use bottled water even when brushing your teeth). Proceed with caution when buying food from outdoor vendors, though the ice cream available at street stands year-round is always a safe and delicious bet.

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

Russia’s currency is the ruble. Notes come in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rubles. Hotels, restaurants and retailers are not allowed to accept US dollars. It is unlawful to take rubles in or out of Russia. Foreign currency in any amount may be brought in, but you will be expected to have less when you leave.

Changing Money

Rubles are not available outside of Russia. The best place to change money is at the kiosks near shopping districts and at Money Exchange Bureaus within bank offices. Be prepared to show your passport and avoid private agents, as they may be unscrupulous. ATMs are widely available in most major towns and cities.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

Credit cards are not universally accepted. Visa and MasterCard are the best option, as American Express is rarely taken. Always carry enough rubles for your immediate needs, as cashing traveler’s checks is often a challenge.

Tipping

10 to 15% is the general rule for nicer hotels and restaurants, 5 to 10% is fine in more casual establishments—but first, make certain the tip has not already been added to your bill. For taxi drivers, round up to the next ruble.

Currency Converter

To check on currency rates, go to www.ex.com

topPhone

Dialing Codes

The country code for Russia is 7. City code for St. Petersburg is 812. City code for Moscow is 495.

To call Russia from the US, dial 011, 7, city code, followed by the seven-digit phone number.

For inter-city calling within Russia, dial 07, city code, and seven-digit phone number.

To call the US from Russia, dial 8 (tone), 101, the area code and number.

Information and Emergency Codes

For information in Moscow and St. Petersburg, dial 09. International directory assistance is not available. Dial 01 for fire, 02 for police and 03 for an ambulance.

Mobile Phones

Coverage is good in cities, but less predictable elsewhere. Cell phones must be compatible with European systems. Check with your provider or purchase a temporary phone with a prepaid account at a cell phone store upon arrival.

topElectrical

Electricity is 220V. U.S. appliances need a 220:110 adaptor. These are best purchased before traveling.

topLocal Customs

Russia tends to be formal and fashion-conscious. When in doubt, dress up rather than down. It is common for locals to carry indoor shoes so that they may remove outdoor boots upon arriving at their destination. Don’t forget to take your coat off indoors, as it is considered rude not to.

Avoid shaking hands over a doorway or threshold as it is widely considered bad luck to do so. When invited to a private home, bring a gift of wine, chocolates or an odd-as opposed to even-number of flowers. And don’t decline a drink, as it may offend the host—even if it means just toasting, but not actually consuming.