Visiting Russia For The First Time
With its stunning art and diverse society, the largest country in the world, Russia is a captivating destination. It is possible to find that patience and a sense of humor can make your first Russian trip enriching. Here are our top tips to avoid common pitfalls while visiting Russia.
The dos and don’ts of visiting Russia
DO apply early for a visa and register upon arrival
All visitors must apply for visas in advance. The process for applying depends on where you are going and your nationality. The application process for travelers from several countries, including the UK or US, requires that they apply in person at an Embassy or Consulate and provide their biometric data. Passport-holders from 52 countries may be eligible for an e-visa. This includes many EU citizens, as well as some from China, India, and Japan. These are temporarily suspended by COVID-19. For more information, please contact your Russian consulate or embassy for confirmation. Using an online russian name generator, you can easily generate various Russian names.
Although you can still apply at the last minute, it could cost you a lot. A specialist travel agency can arrange visas and book transport reservations. Each visitor to Russia must have their visa registered within seven working days of arrival. Weekends and public holidays are not included. If you are staying in a private residence, your hotel, hostel, landlord, friend, or family member will require you to register. Keep in mind that visa entry and departure dates will be written according to the European calendar convention (day/month/year), rather than the American one.
Remember to check the occasions schedule
Moscow and St Petersburg are closed on major holidays, the week between New Year’s Day (or Orthodox Christmas) or the week (or two) of May (around Labor Day or May Day or Victory Day). Both cities are lively during this time, with parades and concerts. However, museums and other institutions might be closed or have their hours cut. The best time to visit St Petersburg is May-September, but the White Nights celebrations are at their peak in mid-June.
Dress up for a night out
Although we can’t guarantee your success in Moscow’s face control (clubs trying to “save face”, by allowing only patrons who conform to their image standards), you can improve your chances of getting into top clubs by dressing up well. For women, high heels and skirts are recommended. For men, black is the preferred color. Russians make an effort to go to the theater or to a fancy restaurant.
Do learn the Cyrillic alphabet
It pays tenfold to learn the Cyrillic alphabet. Even if you don’t know many Russian words, it will allow you to decode street signs and metro stations, as well as maps and timetables. Google Translate and the Russian Metro app make it easy to travel to countries you don’t know. However, you can still learn the language and be more friendly with locals by brushing up on the basics.
Do not expect to spend your money
The wallet-thinning shock can be found at many restaurants as well as hotels. You’ll pay more for museums than you would if you were a Russian, sometimes up to 10 times as much. Flashing your ID at museums and other institutions can help you save money if you are a student.
There are many ways to save money on dining out. Furthermore, many restaurants offer business lunches that are very filling and of great value. Many restaurants offer “business lunches,” which are very filling and affordable.
These food markets, which combine farmers’ markets with food halls, are very popular and often located in historic buildings. There are many vendor stalls where you can buy ingredients and sample different cuisines from all over the globe. You can try more local and international cuisines at food markets than in restaurants.
DO NOT ask for a mixer to go with your vodka
Russian traditions are few in number. Russian vodka drinking is a sacred tradition. In addition, Russians are against any foreign ideas of mixing it with orange juice, tonic, or other beverages. You can wash it down with water, lemon juice, pickles, or a glass of water. Vodka should be drunk quickly and not sipped. You should order vodka snacks after each shot. It is traditional and has good sense.
Respectful behavior in a church is not acceptable
While working churches are open to all, visitors should be respectful of any devotions and not offend anyone. While there is no face control, women are required to cover their heads and expose their shoulders when entering churches. Some monasteries or churches require women to wear skirts. Wraps can be purchased at the door. In church, men should take off their hats and avoid wearing shorts.
Do not take photos of government buildings
Photographing official-looking buildings and military-security structures is a dangerous business. For such innocent conduct, travelers fined and arrested.
Try not to be astound assuming that the police stop you
In 2011, new laws passed that purportedly restructured Russia’s police force and their interactions with the public. However, it is still a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport, visa, and registration, as well as travel documents that show how and when you will return home, and to present these to officers when requested. Special tourist police may find near major attractions such as Red Square. They have the special language and training to assist tourists.
Russian authorities may expect you to pay an “unofficial” payment if you issued a fine. This will allow them to expedite the service, rather than waiting for the matter handled at the station. In any case, it is important to always request a receipt and keep the number of your country’s Embassy handy in case things get complicated.
Russia: Introduction
Lonely Planet’s video guide will help you navigate Russia. It will also show you where to go and what to do.
Lonely Planet
Moreover, Lonely Planet’s second bestseller offers a new ranking of the best places on Earth.
