Russia flights and travel guide

Language

Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German.

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Money

The official currency is the Ruble (RUB) or Rouble, divided into 100 kopeks. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and at places that deal with foreign tourists. Currency can be changed at banks, currency exchange booths and hotels. Travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to cash, but if necessary it is advised to take them in US Dollars or Euro. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get rubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US dollars or Euro notes to change once there. It is illegal to pay for goods or services in hard currency, though it is often accepted.

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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). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 095 for Moscow and 812 for St. Petersburg. 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. Cell 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 customswhen entering Russia. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout the major towns and cities.

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Tipping

A 10 per cent tip is expected at restaurants, if a service charge hasn't been added. Hotel bills in the large cities include a 10 to 15 per cent service charge; otherwise 10 per cent is usual. Tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.

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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.

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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 UKentitling 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.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

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