1.- Recommended time to travel: The best time of year to travel is of course in summer, from May to September, when temperatures are more pleasant.
2.- Clothing: It depends on the season chosen; in winter you should be very well prepared for the cold, with a good coat, gloves, scarf and even a raincoat. In spring and autumn you can bring warm clothing, but suitable for rain. In summer bring light clothing, not forgetting sweaters or jackets for the evening.
3.- Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelling to Russia, but for people who are going to have a long stay in the country, it would be advisable to be vaccinated against diphtheria, rabies and encephalitis.
4.- Hospitals: It is mandatory, when obtaining the visa, to have insurance that covers any illness.
5.- Electrical appliances: The plugs have two round pins. The electricity is 220 v. at 50 Hz.
6.- Mobile phone: KB Impuls, Mobile Tele Systems and Vimpelcom are the operators with which you can have Rooming.
7.- Driving in Russia: The state of the roads, added to the weather conditions, makes driving in Russia not advisable. You drive on the right and an international license is required.
8.- Security: Russia does not have a higher crime rate than the rest of the European countries, but you have to be careful with theft and scams, especially in St. Petersburg.
9.- Business hours: Post offices, banks, shops and most offices are usually open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, but supermarkets have longer hours and large shopping centers until 10 p.m.
10.- Money: The Russian currency is the ruble and it is best to change your money at exchange offices. It is not advisable to carry traveller’s cheques and credit cards are increasingly accepted.
11.- Shopping in Russia: The most typical souvenir is Matrioshka, painted wooden dolls that fit inside each other and symbolise fertility. They also have high quality products, such as vodka, which is always a good gift.
12.- Tips: It is usual in restaurants to leave 10% of the total bill, although in some cases, it is included in the bill.
