Before your visit to Russia: FAQ
FAQ on Russia
Visa info
Climate
Phrasebook
Is it safe in Russia?
Russia is a very safe country, you just need to have common sense when travelling around like in any other country. There are 24 hours emergency numbers and professional operators will be able to assist you in any unforeseen circumstances. The universal (ambulance, police or fire station) emergency number is 112. The phone call is free.
Wi-Fi / Internet or mobile connection
One can easily find wi-fi connection in most of the hotels and restaurants and in some shops. When it comes to mobile connection, it might be easier and cheaper to buy a Russian SIM-card than to use a European one. Anyway, all carriers provide 4G in the big cities. Connection at the periphery depends on the operator and ranges from none to 3G.
Can I easily find vegetarian/halyal/kosher foods?
The traditional Russian diet is based on meat, chicken, and potatoes. Today, more establishments are becoming alert to the different diets, so it's never a problem to find an appropriate dish at a restaurant in a big city. A variety of salads and vegetable-based dishes are also always available, but expect that you will need to be flexible in smaller towns.
Can i pay with my credit/debit card in Russia?
Most of shops, restaurants and museums in big cities accept both credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard). It might become a problem in smaller towns and villages though, so if you plan to go to the Russian periphery, it's better to have cash in roubles with you.
Can i pay in euro/dollars? Where do i exchange money?
There are a few places where foreign currency is accepted, so it's better to pay with card or roubles. You can exchange money at your home country before your travel or at any exchange point in Russia. Mind the fact that there are lots of those in big cities, but it might become a problem to find one in a small town.
Why does everybody look so grumpy?
In Russia, smiling is not common, reflexive welcoming gesture as in European culture. The Russian smile is mostly an authentic expression of emotion, so if a Russian smiles at you, you may be sure this is a sincere smile. Don't let yourself be tricked by that - the Russians are still warm-hearted and welcoming people.
Which strong drinks should I try?
Everybody's heard of the Russian vodka. There are many other strong alcoholic beverages which are worth trying though. We would especially recommend to taste Russian nastoika or nalivka, which is basically sweet fruit or berry liqueur. Cranberry and lingonberry nastoika's are the most popular.
What is the locals attitude towards tourists?
Foreign tourists are warmly welcome to Russia, and the Russians are usually happy to greet travellers. It makes us feel especially grateful when foreigners can speak a little bit of Russian, so learning how to say "hi" and "thank you" in Russian is the easiest way to melt the Russians' hearts.
What do i take back home as a souvenir?
There are lots of Russian specials you might get interested in. Russian vodka and caviar, both black and red, are famous all over the world. There are also amazing examples of folk handicrafts in traditional styles, such as Zhostovo paintings or Gzhel.
Which taxi service do I use?
The easiest and the safest way to use taxi in Russia is to download some of the following mobile apps: Yandex.Taxi, Uber Russia or Citymobil. One can see the price of the ride in advance and pay with either card or cash.
Which delicacies should I taste in Russia?
Russian cuisine includes some dishes you'd not want to miss. Beginning with starters, it's kholodets, or studen, which is basically meat jelly. Black and red caviar are also sure worth tasting. A traditional choice for the first course are borscht (soup with beetroots) with smetana (sour cream) or shchi (cabbage soup). Second courses are usually based on meat, especially pork and beef, and potatoes - so tasting beef Stroganov with smetana sauce, usually served with mashed potatoes, is a must-do. Another interesting dish is Russian pirogi - pies with different fillings; the most famous of them is coulibiac, a pie filled with salmon or sturgeon, rice, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, onions, and dill. Russian vareniki - sweet dumplings - might become a great dessert to finish a traditional Russian meal.
Do I have to speak Russian to travel to Russia?
This is a complicated question. There are lots of english-speaking people in big Russian cities - actually, every student is able to have a small talk in English. But when it comes to the periphery it might be more difficult to find someone who understands English - for example, it is nearly impossible in a Karelian village. So if you're going to visit the Russian periphery it's easier to find a guide who will follow you - for your own convenience. By the way, our travel agency "Apelsin" provides guiding services in all European languages.
RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA is the easiest type of Russian visas to get and the cheapest. It is intended to be used by foreign tourists wishing to come to Russia on holiday for a short period of time. Such visas are issued for a maximum of 30 days and cannot be extended. A tourist visa is the best option when you know exactly where and how long you will be staying without diverting from your planned itinerary. For a tourist visa to Russia, you must have confirmed accommodation for every night of your stay in the country.
To get that visa you need:
To get that visa you need:
1
Passport
Passport must be valid for more than 6 months with at least 2 blank pages for your visa and entry/exit stamps.
2
Tourist visa support documents
If you travel by yourself:
The consulate will need a proof that you are coming to Russia as a tourist. That's why you will need confirmation of tourist acceptance from your hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa, and flight tickets to and from Russia when applying for a visa. If you have any museum tickets booked in advance, that also might help.
If you travel with a tour group or are a cruise passenger:
You will need a letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from authorized Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
It might also be necessary to prove your solvency before your visit to Russia, that's why a bank statement confirming necessary amount of money on your account might be needed.
The consulate will need a proof that you are coming to Russia as a tourist. That's why you will need confirmation of tourist acceptance from your hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa, and flight tickets to and from Russia when applying for a visa. If you have any museum tickets booked in advance, that also might help.
If you travel with a tour group or are a cruise passenger:
You will need a letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from authorized Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
It might also be necessary to prove your solvency before your visit to Russia, that's why a bank statement confirming necessary amount of money on your account might be needed.
3
Application form, completed and signed
You can find a blank example of the form on the website of Russian consulate in your country. It's usually necessary to have two copies of the form, as well as two passport-size photos signed on the back.
The climate in Russia is one of the reasons for tourists to be awared of travelling to our country. The opinion on Russia being always cold and snowy is almost wholy a myth, though we wouldn't reccomend the Transsiberian route in February - as well as we don't recommend going to Crimea in July. Here are some tips on climate and weather in different parts of Russia as well as our comments on the best time to travel in particular destination.
1
What is the best time to go to the central part of Russia?
The central, or as many call it "European", part of Russia (let's say Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Kazan and Nizhniy Novgorod) is a good destination to start your acquintance with Russia. The climate is rather tourist-friendly: one can go to these cities whatever time of the year, though months from April to October are the best. By the way, these cities are particularly beautiful and almost magic in December and January, when they are covered with snow and decorated for the New Year.
2
Saint Petersburg: the everlasting rain
It's not true that it always rains in Saint Petersburg. The weather and climate there are actually rather similar to those in the capitals of Scandinavian countries, especially Stockholm and Helsinki. So it is quite rainy, but there also can be sunny days; summer isn't very hot, and winter is not quite cold. The most important thing one should remember about weather in Saint Petersburg is the fact that it changes quickly and often, so if you are going to visit Saint Petersburg, don't forget to take with you clothes and accessorises for all occasions: take both coats and t-shirts, umbrellas and sunglasses. Also mind "The White nights" - a period in the beginning of summer when it never gets completely dark. These few weeks are one of the most popular periods for tourists to come to the city.
3
Which time do I choose to go to Baikal?
The breathtaking views of Kamchatka and Baikal are one of the most important reasons to come to Russia. One has to think carefully to choose the right time to visit those places not to miss something. Best time to come to Baikal is in summer, which lasts from the middle of June and ends in August. One can fish or even swim and , of course, enjoy fascinating and colourful views of the nature of Baikal. Another good time to come to Baikal is in winter, when the weather is sunny and frosty. Such tours give tourists an opportunity to see the amazing and unique ice of Baikal, which is usually light-blue and transparent.
4
When do I go to the Far East?
When planning a trip to Kamchatka one should also avoid those periods when the weather is rainy and windy. To see the amazing volcanoes and geysers and to visit the national parks one has to use helicopters or jeeps, so going there in spring or in autumn when the roads are closed and the weather is too bad to fly, is a waste of time and money. Best time to come to Kamchatka is in summer, which starts in July and ends in the middle of September. One has to remember though that it's rarely warmer than 15 degrees, and it's foggy sometimes. If you want to see the snowy sceneries of the peninsula and to do winter sports, you can choose a tour in February or in March, when it's about -5 degrees, and daylight becomes longer.
5
What do I take with me if I come to Russia in winter?
It depends on your exact destination which clothes you should take with you to Russia. However, there are some general recommendations: first, remember that even in regions with mild climate, winters are colder than in most European countries, so it is better to get a warm coat and shoes in advance. In addition, due to the abundance of snow, the sun may seem very bright, so be sure to take sunglasses with you. If you are going to Lake Baikal, Altai or the Far East - you should also take sunscreen (SPF 20 or more) with you: the sun is very bright there, and the air is clean, so it's easy to get sunburned.
Getting acquainted
- Good morning! - [dóbraje útra] - Доброе утро!
- Good evening! - [dóbryj vécher] - Добрый вечер!
- Hello! - [zdrástvujte] / [privét] - Здравствуйте! / Привет!
- Nice to meet you! - [prijátna paznakómitsya] - Приятно познакомиться!
- My name is ... - [minyá zavút] - Меня зовут....
- How are you - [kak dilá] - Как дела?
- Where are you from? - [atkúda vi] - Откуда Вы?
- I am from ... - [yá iz] - Я из....
_________ Serbia - [sérbii] - Сербии
_________ Germany - [girmánii] - Германии
_________ France - [frántsii] - Франции
_________ Spain - [ispánii] - Испании
Important questions
- How do I get to ...? - [kak dabrátsa do] - Как добраться до ...?
- Could you please help me? - [pamagíte mne pazhálusta] - Помогите мне, пожалуйста.
- How much does it cost? - [skólka eta stóit] - Сколько это стоит?
- Where is ... ? - [gde] - Где... ?
- Is it near/ is it far? - [eta blíska / eta dalikó] - Это близко / это далеко?
- May I pay with cash/euro/credit card?- [mózhna zaplatít' nalíchnymi/ jévro/ kridítnaj kártaj] - Можно заплатить наличными / евро / кредитной картой?
- Do you speak English/ French/ German? - [vi gavaríte paanglíjski/ pafrantsúski / panimétski] - Вы говорите по-английски / по-французски / по-немецки?
Common words and phrases
Yes. - [da] - да
No. - [net] - нет
thank you - [spasíba] - спасибо
please - [pazhálujsta] - пожалуйста
I don't know. - [ja ni znáju] - Я не знаю.
I don't speak Russian. - [ja ne gavarú parússki] - Я не говорю по-русски.
It hurts. - [mne ból'na ] - Мне больно.
I don't feel good. - [mne plóha] - Мне плохо.
I need a doctor. - [mne núzhen vrach] - Мне нужен врач.
Open - [atkrýta] - Открыто
Closed - [zakrýta] - Закрыто
morning - [útra] - утро
day - [den'] - день
evening - [vécher] - вечер
night - [noch] - ночь
Days of week - [dni nideli] - Дни недели
Colours - [tsvetá] - Цвета
red - [krásnyj] - красный
yellow - [zhóltyj] - желтый
blue - [sínij] - синий
light blue [galubój] - голубой
orange [aránzhevyj] - оранжевый
green - [zelyónyj] - зеленый
violet - [fialétavyj] - фиолетовый
pink - [rózavyj] - розовый
brown - [karíchnevyj] - коричневый
white -[bélyj] - белый
black - [chórnyj] - черный
grey - [séryj] - серый
Numbers - [tsifry] - Цифры
1 - [adín] - один
2 - [dvá] - два
3 - [trí] - три
4 - [chitýri] - четыре
5 - [pyát'] - пять
6 - [shest'] - шесть
7 - [sem'] - семь
8 - [vósem'] - восемь
9 - [dévyat'] - девять
10 - [désyat'] - десять
11 - [adínatsat'] - одиннадцать
12 - [dvinátsat'] - двенадцать
20 - [dvátsat'] - двадцать
30 - [trítsat'] - тридцать
40 - [sórak] - сорок
50 - [pidisyát] - пятьдесят
60 - [shizdisyát] - шестьдесят
70 - [sém'desyat] - семьдесят
80 - [vósemdesyat] - восемьдесят
90 - [devyanósta] - девяносто
100 - [sto] - сто
200 - [dvésti] - двести
300 - [trísta] - триста
400 - [chitýrista] - четыреста
500 - [pyatsót] - пятьсот
600 - [shestsót] - шестьсот
700 - [sem'sót] - семьсот
800 - [vosem'sót] - восемьсот
900 - [devyatsót] - девятьсот
1000 - [týsyacha] - тысяча
2000 - [dve týsyachi] - две тысячи
10000 - [desyat' týsyach] - десять тысяч
No. - [net] - нет
thank you - [spasíba] - спасибо
please - [pazhálujsta] - пожалуйста
I don't know. - [ja ni znáju] - Я не знаю.
I don't speak Russian. - [ja ne gavarú parússki] - Я не говорю по-русски.
It hurts. - [mne ból'na ] - Мне больно.
I don't feel good. - [mne plóha] - Мне плохо.
I need a doctor. - [mne núzhen vrach] - Мне нужен врач.
Open - [atkrýta] - Открыто
Closed - [zakrýta] - Закрыто
morning - [útra] - утро
day - [den'] - день
evening - [vécher] - вечер
night - [noch] - ночь
Days of week - [dni nideli] - Дни недели
- monday - [panidél'nik] - понедельник
- tuesday - [ftórnik] - вторник
- wednesday - [sridá] - среда
- thursday - [chitvérk] - четверг
- friday - [pyátnitsa] - пятница
- saturday - [subóta] - суббота
- sunday - [vaskrisénje] - воскресенье
Colours - [tsvetá] - Цвета
red - [krásnyj] - красный
yellow - [zhóltyj] - желтый
blue - [sínij] - синий
light blue [galubój] - голубой
orange [aránzhevyj] - оранжевый
green - [zelyónyj] - зеленый
violet - [fialétavyj] - фиолетовый
pink - [rózavyj] - розовый
brown - [karíchnevyj] - коричневый
white -[bélyj] - белый
black - [chórnyj] - черный
grey - [séryj] - серый
Numbers - [tsifry] - Цифры
1 - [adín] - один
2 - [dvá] - два
3 - [trí] - три
4 - [chitýri] - четыре
5 - [pyát'] - пять
6 - [shest'] - шесть
7 - [sem'] - семь
8 - [vósem'] - восемь
9 - [dévyat'] - девять
10 - [désyat'] - десять
11 - [adínatsat'] - одиннадцать
12 - [dvinátsat'] - двенадцать
20 - [dvátsat'] - двадцать
30 - [trítsat'] - тридцать
40 - [sórak] - сорок
50 - [pidisyát] - пятьдесят
60 - [shizdisyát] - шестьдесят
70 - [sém'desyat] - семьдесят
80 - [vósemdesyat] - восемьдесят
90 - [devyanósta] - девяносто
100 - [sto] - сто
200 - [dvésti] - двести
300 - [trísta] - триста
400 - [chitýrista] - четыреста
500 - [pyatsót] - пятьсот
600 - [shestsót] - шестьсот
700 - [sem'sót] - семьсот
800 - [vosem'sót] - восемьсот
900 - [devyatsót] - девятьсот
1000 - [týsyacha] - тысяча
2000 - [dve týsyachi] - две тысячи
10000 - [desyat' týsyach] - десять тысяч
At a hotel: words and phrases
- Do you have any numbers available? - [u vas jest' svabódnyje namirá] - У вас есть свободные номера?
- Here is my booking. - [vot majó branírovanije] - Вот мое бронирование.
- How much is it per night? - [skól'ka stóit adná noch] - Сколько стоит одна ночь?
- How many keys do you need? - [skól'ka kluchéj vam núzhna] - Сколько ключей Вам нужно?
- Is there internet in my room? - [v majéj kómnate jest' vajfáj] - В моей комнате есть интернет?
- What time is check-out at? - [va skól'ka chekáut] - Во сколько чекаут?
- What time is breakfast at? - [va skól'ka záftrak] - Во сколько завтрак?
- I need an extra pillow/ blanket, please. - [mne núzhna itschó adná padúshka / adnó adijála] - Мне нужна еще одна подушка / еще одно одеяло.
- It's too cold/hot in my room. Something is wrong with the air conditioning. - [v majéj kómnati slíshkam hóladna / slíshkam zhárka. chtóta niták s kanditsianéram] - В моей комнате слишком холодно / слишком жарко. Что-то не так с кондиционером.
- May I leave my luggage here? - [magú ja astávit' svoj bagázh zdes'] - Могу я оставить свой багаж здесь?
- I'd like a wake-up call at this time, please. - [razbudíti minyá pazhálujsta v eto vrémya] - Разбудите меня, пожалуйста, в это время.
- Clean my room, please. - [ubirítis' v majóm nómiri pazhálujsta] - Уберитесь в моем номере, пожалуйста.
- Can I order food to my room? - [magú ja zakazát' jidú v nómir] - Могу я заказать еду в номер?
- I've lost my key. - [ja patiryál svoj kluch] - Я потерял свой ключ.
At a shop: words and phrases
- How much is it? - [skól'ka eta stóit] - Сколько это стоит?
- Could you write the price down, please? - [ni maglí by ví zapisát' tsénu] - Не могли бы вы записать цену?
- Do you have .... ? - [u vas jest'] - У вас есть ... ?
- I would like to buy ... - [ja hatél by kupít'...]
___________ souvenires - [suviníry]] - сувениры
___________ food - [jidú] - еду
___________ alcohole - [alkagól'] - алкоголь
___________ medicines - [likárstva] - лекарства
___________ clothes - [adézhdu] - одежду - Do you accept euro / dollars / credit cards? - [vi prinimájete jévro / dóllary/ kárty] - Вы принимаете евро/ доллары / карты?
- Is it local? - [éta mésnaga praizvótstva] - Это местного производства?
- It's too expensive. - [éta slíshkam dóraga] - Это слишком дорого.
- Can i try it on? - [mózhna primérit'] - Можно примерить?
- Keep the change. - [zdachi ninada]
price - [tsená] - цена
buy - [kupít'] - купить
change - [zdáсha] - сдача
pay - [platít'] - платить
At a restaurant: words and phrases
- I need a table for one, please. - [stólik na adnavó pazhálujsta] - Столик на одного, пожалуйста.
- We need a table for two/three/four, please. - [stólik na dvaíh/ traíh / chitvirýh pazhálujsta] - Столик на двоих/троих/четверых, пожалуйста.
- Do you have the menu in English / Spanish / German? - [u vas yest menú na anglíjskam / ispánskam / nemétskam] - У вас есть меню на английском / испанском / немецком?
- I'm a vegetarian. - [ja vigitariánits] - Я вегетарианец.
- I have allergy from... - [u minyá alirgíja na..] - У меня аллергия на...
_________nuts - [aréhi} - орехи
_________fish - [ríbu] - рыбу
_________milk - [malakó] - молоко
_________chocolate - [shakalát] - шоколад
_________seafood - [moripradúkty] - морепродукты
_________peanut - [aráhis] - арахис
_________garlic - [chisnók] - чеснок
_________citrus - [tsítrusovyje] - цитрусовые - I'd like... - [mne by hatélos'] - Мне бы хотелось ...
_________beef - [gavyádinu] - говядину
_________pork - [svinínu] - свинину
_________chicken - [kúritsu] - курицу
_________fish - [ríbu] - рыбу
_________rice - [ris] - рис
_________potatoes - [kartófil] - картофель
_________pasta - [pástu] - пасту
_________vegetables - [óvotschi] - овощи
_________fruits - [frúkty] - фрукты
_________salad - [salát] - салат
_________soup - [sup] - суп
_________dessert - [desért] - десерт
_________ice-cream - [marózhinaje] - мороженое
_________cake - [tort] - торт
More questions?
Feel free to ask for any information you might need to plan your trip to Russia. We will contact you as soon as possible.