PHONES & MOBILES If you are staying in Russia for some time then it could well be cheaper to get a Russian sim card. Different companies have varying charges and what might be cheaper today may change next month or week. At the moment Tele2 is the cheapest but only operates in St. Petersburg or Moscow (depending on which city bought it in). If you want one that operates all over Russia then MTC (MTS) is a better bet, check the latest offers at the mobile phone kiosks/shops. Other providers are BEE LINE, MEGAFON, SKY LINK (CDMA-450). You will need to show your passport, visa and registration and they have error messages in English too. If you call within a city on fixed lines then the calls are usually free.

DRIVING I do not advise driving in Russia, well, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, you have to know Cyrillic script on the direction signs and Russian drivers are not the most forgiving or the safest drivers in the world. After about 6 years of traveling and living in Russia it is only now that I feel confident enough to drive in Moscow and St. Petersburg. But a better idea is to hire a car with a driver for reasonable rates, which is much safer. ASK FOR DETAILS. If you do drive then you will need an international driving permit available from the RAC.

HEALTH & INSURANCE The UK & Russia have a reciprocal health agreement but it is much better to have your own travel insurance which includes medical expenses & repatriation. You will also need to show your travel insurance certificate when you apply for your visa. We can now offer extreemly good value travel insurance. We have tested this insurance company and it was the cheapest for us.  

WATER The water in the cities is not bad but to be on the safe side buy bottled water from shops and supermarkets. Buy recognized European brands as some of the Russian brands have a sulphur taste.

STAY SAFE Be aware of pickpockets around the entrance/exits of metro stations, main tourist sites and busy places. Do not flash expensive jewelry, mobile phones or mp3 players around, it may be safer to leave them in your hotel safe. TRY TO BE INCONSPICUOUS. Generally the police here look for any excuse to fine you so always have your passport and visa registration documents with you at all times and carry one or two copies in different places. If you are of African, Arab or Asian descent or are dark skinned then exercise caution especially at night. The phone number of the police are 02 (request a translator but they are only available between 09.30-18.15).

DISABLED TRAVELLERS Russia is not very friendly for disabled travellers, but there are some bright spots such as hotels, museums and restaurants that do cater for disabled people. The Hermitage and the Russian museums have special entrances. The pavements in the main shopping areas are not too bad but generally wheelchair users have a pretty bumpy time. For people with sight and or hearing impairments then Russian drivers are no gentlemen, so be careful.

COME SOON

TOP OF PAGE