Time: Russia is divided into 11 time zones ranging from GMT +2 in the east to GMT +12 in the west. 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.

Health: Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, tuberculosis and typhoid fever (long-term travellers), as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. An influenza vaccine is recommended for travel between November and April. HIV/AIDS is on the increase. Drinking water should be treated; bottled water is readily available. Visitors are advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents. Blood transfusions should not be performed, due to uncertainties concerning the blood supply. Travellers are advised to avoid contact with domestic, caged and wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.

Tipping: Hotel bills in the large 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: There is a risk of domestic terrorism throughout Russia, particularly in Moscow and North Caucasus. 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, and visitors are advised to avoid all demonstrations.

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.

Business: A formal dress sense is important as Russians appreciate style. A good firm handshake and eye contact indicates strength. Business cards are exchanged and it is advisable to have a Russian translation of details on the alternate side. The giving of gifts is common and should be localised or display the company logo. Regular business hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with one hour taken at lunch.

Communications: The international access code for Russia is +7. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 495 for Moscow and 812 for St. Petersburg. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take phonecards, bought at newspaper kiosks and post offices. There are numerous local mobile operators using GSM 900/1800 networks. Visitors are required to declare mobile phones at customs when entering Russia. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout 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.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

01/22/08 by visitEarth
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