Where to go in Russia.

Moscow, being the capital, has everything you could want in Russia in one place. A diverse, vibrant, and modern city with more than 10 million inhabitants offers unrivalled sightseeing and entertainment, while also being the political and business “heart” of Russia.

St. Petersburg, is everything Russia always wanted to be. This beautiful, “westernized” city on Neva is the home to the famous Hermitage Museum and is the tourist’s gem.

Other interesting destinations are the small towns around Moscow also known as the Golden Ring, which will give you a taste of life in the Russian provinces, and offer a lot to learn about Russian history and culture. Also of great interest is the old and famous town of Novgorod (3 hours from St. Petersburg).

The Caucasus is usually associated with the war in Chechnya, but it’s a vast region, offering unique opportunities both in summer (the beaches at the Black sea) and winter (skiing and snowboarding in the mountains). It is home to the highest mountain in Europe – Mt. Elbrus (5643m, or 18514 ft), and is one of the few places in Europe where you can still get lots of snow even in summer.

Siberia is a vast and beautiful region. It is home to the biggest fresh-water lake in the world Baikal, the mysterious Altay mountains, immense unexplored taiga forests, and it is also the way from Europe to Asia. The famous Trans-Siberian railway goes through Urals to Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk, allowing you to embark on the world’s longest train journey and to see never-ending landscapes from a comfortable train compartment. The Siberian cities are famous for their hospitality, and offer a lot in terms of entertainment, sightseeing, and business opportunities.

Kamchatka is the peninsula at the Far East of Russia, and is actually much closer to Alaska and Japan than to Moscow. This salient volcano land has been closed to foreigners for decades, but nowadays offers unique trekking and heliriding opportunities in the midst of picturesque and wild nature.

Samara and neighbouring Togliatti are now becoming popular destinations, especially for men hunting for a Russian wife. The natural beauty of the Slavic and Tatar genetic infuences here appeal to many men, as do the mentality of the ladies, neither being from huge teeming cities like Moscow nor from remote one horse town villages that have sporadic running water. Samara and Togliatti, on the Volga River, feel not too big and not too small and is easy to reach via a Frankfurt air connection from Western Europe allowing the traveller to bypass the busy Moscow Airports. (Which we always recommend!) Togliatti (Tolyatti) is a city in Samara Oblast, Russia. It is the administrative center of Stavropolsky District. Population: 717,500 (2006 est.) It is the largest city in Russia which does not serve as an administrative center of a federal subject. It was founded in 1737 as a fortress called Stavropol-on-Volga by the Russian politician Vasily Tatishchev. During the construction of Volga Hydroelectrical Plant in the 1950s, the old settlement fell into the flooding zone of the Kuybyshev dam on the Volga River and was completely rebuilt on a new site. In 1964, the city was renamed Tolyatti (after Palmiro Togliatti, Italian communist leader). Most of Togliatti's history was destroyed in the flood of the 1950s, so almost every cultural point of interest here is related to the Soviet period, such as Victory Park located in Avtozavodsky district. However, the city government builds new monuments and cathedrals. One of the most notable events was opening of Vasily Tatishchev monument near the Volga. One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Togliatti is known primarily for the automobile production plants of VAZ (since 1971, in cooperation with the Fiat S.p.A.) and GM-AvtoVAZ (since 2001), you may know those brands better as Lada. We recommend Togliatti for a visit, and yes we do have many ladies in Togliatti if you check our Gallery Page

Russian Stereotypes

The way of life in Russia is very simple. Russians love to eat rye bread with herring and drink vodka the same way the British drink their cups of tea. The fashion for fur coats and hats is at all times high and the cold winters are impossible to survive without them. The university professors have to sell matryoshkas to foreigners, and former teachers work as security guards and loaders. The average salary is $150 per month, but president Putin is still loved by all the nation. Playing balalaika and drinking vodka is their only entertainment and refuge from this hostile world. Especially, in light of the fact that at any moment there can be another explosion set up by the Chechens that will put an end to this miserable existence. The only hope is the children, who are keen fans of the band TaTu and dream of fleeing the country as soon as they are 18. A few dozen people who managed to make some money on the immense oil fields now live in exile, and Russia will soon go back to communism.

Seems like an interesting country, doesn’t it? If you truly believe some of the things above, you urgently need to get a visa and buy a ticket to Russia to make sure you have and adequate perception of reality. Or at least see this unique country before it ceases to exist.

Just to prepare you for the trip, lets shed some light on these myths. Hopefully next time there will be fewer people packing their trekking gear instead of the casual clothes and cashing all their credit card money expecting no ATMs next time they travel.

Let’s start with the most practical topic, prices. With Moscow steadily earning the 3rd place the list of the world’s most expensive cities, how can one expect a family to survive on a $150 salary? Yes, these are the official figures, but the majority of Russians get most of their salary in sealed envelopes to save on taxes, so the rumours about total poverty are simply not true. While life in Russia is cheaper than in Europe, it is perhaps even more expensive than in the US. That is unless you live in a small town like Borovichi, have a free apartment from the good old Soviet system, and don’t mind buying your groceries from the market on a regular basis. Besides, most Russians have small private datchas (countryside houses), where they spend summers and grow vegetables and berries. The thing is, if you want the western standard of living, then Moscow or St. Petersburg will come at a high price. However, if you travel to smaller towns, everything is going to be much cheaper. Togliatti for example, is cheaper generally than Western Europe but similar to Poland or other nearby Baltic countries.

The fur hats and coats is a total myth. While many Russian women like to wear the sexy long fur coats in winter, the majority of people prefer more practical clothes or simply can’t afford these $2000-$3000 coats that are actually produced in Greece. Also, if you see somebody wearing a fake fur hat, there’s a 80% chance he is a foreigner who has been ripped off at one of the downmarket street markets. Yes of course some Russian men do wear the famous fur hats, but only in the dead of winter and not like an urban uniform as some satirical TV shows portray. Sometimes this myth is intensified with the idea that Russians also like to carry rifles, which come handy to kill occasional bears roaming around, again, we have never seen a bear in a town in Russia but we did read a news report about one on a remote Airport runway once somewhere outside Volgograd. Fear not, unless you go to the zoo, you will not see any bears.

The fact that there is a big unemployment problem, especially among those who used to work in the public sector, is true. However, things are improving and those who were able to adapt to the new realities usually managed to find a good position that utilises their potential in full. It’s not 1993 anymore after all.

The total fear of terrorist acts and all kinds of natural disasters and catastrophes is something that is very often exploited by the media. But a simple explanation is that Russia occupies one sixth of the world’s territory and basically, with everything else equal, it is supposed to account for roughly 17% (one sixth) of all disasters in the world. As for the terrorist acts, well, Russia is not more dangerous than any other western country nowadays. Given the state of today’s politics, Russia holds similar or lower risks in this regard as the USA or Western Europe. Just stay away from the 'risky' areas, such as Chechnya and it will not affect you in any way.

It is also a popular stereotype that Russians are racist, there is more than a grain of truth in this. Politically correct Russia is not, but much of the population have never seen a black man, so it is natural for Russians not to trust what they dont know. It remains a fact that a black man seeking a white Russian wife will have a harder time finding one, getting her family's approval will be even harder, but some men have done it. So is Russia racist? While other countries are buried deep in their immigration policies, concerns, and debates, Russia is further relaxing its immigration policy. There are talks that no visas will be needed for EU citizens as soon as 2009, (But we disagree - Don't hold your breath for that!) and there are incentives for workers from the neighboring CIS countries to come and work on a legal basis in Russia. In a recent nationwide poll conducted by VTsIOM (the local research agency), only 10% of Russians said they are concerned with immigration issues. In fact, in a country that is a home to so many different nationalities and that was always promoting the idea of being equal irrespective of status or race, racism cannot be looked at from the same perspective as in the West.

The popular portrayal of Russia as a country that is steadily moving towards economic collapse and authoritarian government is something that might sell well, but is far from reality. The case of Yukos and Khodorkovsky, back tax claims, and other recent events are, of course, alarming, but it is simply a natural stage of the initial capital accumulation. Many capitalist countries went through this, and many democratic societies have rich establishments, while a majority of private property is also distributed among a few people (or families).
Russia is simply repeating the standard path and you can’t expect the total transformation in just 15 years. Two steps forward, one step back, but we’ll get there! Besides, the potential for growth, especially in public sector and hi-tech sectors is impressive and can’t be ignored. Growth will continue as long as President Putin can resist the temptation to keep switching the gas off to his neighbours and concentrate on improving East/West relations. However, not allowing extradition of Litvinenko's killer to the West for example, does nothing to promote Russia as a modern forward thinking country.

Overall, Russia is a very diverse and interesting country, which has its flaws and gems. The best approach is to be friendly, open-minded, and to preferably come with a lot of money. Try to enjoy the sights, have lots of fun, go to clubs, do a trekking trip in Siberia, get yourself invited for a dinner with a Russian family, and perhaps even invest in some small company that might become a future Microsoft.

Planning a Trip

When to Travel — Weather. If you have a choice, then your only consideration should be the weather. There is always something going on in the capitals, so you will be sure to have first class entertainment any time of the year. Russia enjoys a continental climate, meaning hot, dry summers, and cold, dry winters. Because it’s not too humid, the warm summers don’t feel too hot, and the chilly winters aren’t that cold. Basically, the most pleasant months to come are May through July, and then September and the first half of October. The summer, especially July and August, is also good if you want to do trekking or adventure trips. The winter is not as cold as it is portrayed, sometimes it is colder, the first snow appears in November and in Togliatti for example, January can get down to -25 Celcius. If you want to see the real Russian winter with lots of snow, then the best (and coldest) month to come is February. If you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, then anytime from December through March is a good time.

What to Pack. All the standard clothes, but if you want to taste Moscow entertainment, be sure you have some nice outfits as well. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of good waterproof shoes and a nice warm jacket, as it sometimes gets chilly, especially in autumn. Don’t bring cigarettes, as they are really cheap in Russia, (unless you smoke English brands, you won't find them so buy them at Duty Free on the way over.) but do take your medicines if you’re not absolutely certain they’ll be available in Russia. Make sure you have copies of all your important documents, and that your important phone numbers are written down in a safe place. Do take your credit cards, as ATMs are readily available, but it’s useful to have cash in dollars or euros if you plan to travel outside of big cities. If you are a student or under 26, an ISIC card may be useful; many hotels, restaurants, and cafes will give you a discount (usually 10%) and it will be cheaper to book flights and tours.
It also makes sense to take a mobile phone (preferably unlocked, so you can plug in a local pay-as-you-go SIM), Russia mainly uses GSM 900/1800 standard. To make cheaper phone calls it makes sense to get an international phone card (online or once in Russia). A local SIM card will be cheaper but see below for more about those.

Customs Rules. Russian customs are not as mysterious or bad as they seem. Just make sure you don’t have any valuables or strong medicines, and try to keep most of your money in credit cards. If you want to avoid having to declare anything and passing through the red corridor, make sure you fit in the following limits when you cross the Russian border:

Cash and foreign currencies: not more than $3000 US or equivalent (travellers cheques not recommended, it’s better to take credit cards)

Alcohol (not more than 2 L), tobacco (not more than 250 gr), cigarettes (not more than 100)

Items for personal use only (if you carry something for professional use or merchandise with a value more than $2300 US (or equivalent), you’ll need to pay a 30% tax) If what you carry is over the limits stated above, you should declare it and pass through the red corridor.

Upon entry into Russia, you should make absolutely certain to declare anything which might exceed these limits or thought to be purchased in Russia. It is especially recommended to declare any amount of cash you are carrying into the country to avoid having problems taking it out of the country with you. The amount should be declared and stamped by the customs authorities, so you can later present it to them when you leave the country.
You are allowed to carry up to $10,000 US cash (or equivalent) across the border, but if it’s more than $3000 it should be declared upon entry.

Some items require special permission to be brought in or out of Russia. These include strong medicines, historical items, (such as Icons) endangered plants and species, among others things.

Electricity in Russia runs at 220 volts and 50 Hz AC supply. The sockets are European standard (like France or Germany). If you need an adaptor, it’s better to get it in your country, as they are not easily available in Russia.

Health & Safety. The citizens of the EU have reciprocal agreements with Russia for emergency care, however, it’s recommended to get extra travel insurance. Besides, sometimes Russian consulates require this insurance to issue a visa. There are no additional vaccinations needed to travel to Russia, but if you go trekking in Siberia during May — July it’s recommended to get a encephalitis vaccine. Although the risk is minimal, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Also, you should be aware that Russia has a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases, so always use contraception (condoms are readily available in stores).

Internet Access. Dial-up and fast-speed ADSL internet is available in all parts of Russia, especially in Moscow, where you can choose between a few dozen providers. Monthly fees are about $20-$40; 1 hour costs about $1. Internet cafes are often open 24 hours, and an hour of internet access costs between $1 and $2. Wi-Fi access is popular in Moscow and St. Petersburg; there are both free and commercial locations ($5 / hour). GPRS service is available in most areas and is very cheap (~$0.30 / Mb), but unfortunately 3G is not yet launched.Rural Russia and older flats outside of big cities may well still be on dial up (if anything) and the popular route with this is to buy scratch cards at Kiosks for access, but the speed can be painfully slow, you will not be using VOIP on a Russian dial up Internet connection!

Post & Courier Services. The Russian post is cheap, not very reliable, and quite slow. That said, your letter is almost guaranteed to reach its destination, but it may take ages. All major courier companies have offices in most Russian cities, but their services will come at a price.

Telephones. Russia has an outdated telephone system. However, adaptors to American RJ plugs are readily available. Most of the lines have a pulse system of dialing, and the connection quality is often not very good unless you use an alternative provider. International rates are quite high, so it’s recommended to get international calling cards or get a call-back number to phone abroad. Mobile phones are hugely popular, and it’s very easy to sign up for a pay-as-you-go plan, although many companies will only sell to Russian citizens on production of a Passport. If you want a Russian SIM card, best let your lady get one for you before you arrive. The prices are relatively low: $0.25 per minute, but in many cases you have to pay for incoming calls as well.

Time & Open Hours. Moscow and St. Petersburg are GMT + 3 hours. Businesses are usually open 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Some are open on Saturday as well. Most shops are open 7 days a week, usually from 9 or 10am until 8 or 10 pm. Many grocery stores are open 24 hours.

Video & Audio. The Russian TV system is Secam. Video cassettes (mini DV, VHS, etc.), and CD-Roms are readily available from supermarket and telecom shops.

Weights, Measures & Numbers. Russia uses the same system as continental Europe (meters, kilograms, litres). Decimal numbers are separated with a comma (e.g. three thousand two hundred nine is 3,209.00 in USA and 3 209,00 in Russia). Time is measured in a 24-hour format (6pm = 18), but many Russians still say “meet you at 6”. The temperature scale used is celcius.

Money. Russia is not a very cheap country. While it is possible to survive on $200 per month, don’t count on it, as in order to do that you need to live in a small town, have a free government apartment, eat no fruit or meat, and buy your groceries at a market.

Generally, prices are the same as in the USA, and about 30% lower than in Europe. If you are a traveler and want to get western standard service, expect to spend as much on accommodation, food, and travel as you would in any other European country. That is, about $100 — $150 per night on hotels and from $30 on meals. If you are ready to compromise, you might get cheaper accommodation and food, but only in smaller cities. If you are a budget traveler, and stay in a self-catering hostel, the absolute minimum you’re going to spend in Moscow is about $35 per day, while smaller cities may come at about $15-$20 per day. If you are settling in, you can rent a standard apartment in Moscow or St. Petersburg for $1000 per month (western standard and central will cost about $1500), and about half that amount in smaller cities. Food will cost about $300 per month, and transport expenses will be about $150 per month. If you are ready to accept the Russian standard of living, the absolute minimum in the capitals is $600-$800 per month (if you rent a room or share an apartment).

The official currency in Russia is the Ruble. While many Russians are used to calculating prices in dollars (this dates back to a habit acquired during the high inflation rates of the 90s), it can’t be used for official payments. Small businesses, market traders and friends may accept them, but it will be absolutely impossible in bigger shops. The Euro is very popular, as most Russians prefer to keep their savings in this currency since the US Dollar has been in terminal world wide decline. There are plenty of currency exchange offices everywhere in big cities, many of them are open 24 hours. In smaller places, any local bank will oblige. (They often only accept crisp new looking notes - be warned!)

ATMs are available in any city or small town, and Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus/Maestro cards are almost always accepted in cash machines although Visa seems the more widely accepted. (AmEx and Diner’s owners will find it harder to use ATMs).

If you are paying in shops, it is still better to have cash ready, and it is a must in small towns, not too many businesses accept credit cards yet. Those who have signs proclaiming that they do will often suffer from a 'broken' machine when you try to use it. (Remember, they dislike paying too much tax!) Travelers cheques can be cashed in most banks with a small commission fee. Western Union, MoneyGram and other transfer services operate in most cities, usually through local banks.

Traveling around Russia

Is quite easy, the best way to get around is with domestic airlines or the efficient train system. The prices are not much different, but for short distances (up to 800 km) taking a train is the better option.

The most diverse routes are offered by Sibir (www.s7.ru) and Aeroflot (www.aeroflot.ru), and you can also try Transaero (www.transaero.ru) and KrasAir (www.krasair.ru). Generally, the price for a one-way flight between Moscow and St. Petersburg (1.5 hours) is about $70 including taxes, while far-flung Siberian destinations start at about $100-$150 one way.

The Russian train system is very efficient and punctual. Trains are relatively comfortable (if you get 2nd class) and secure (each carriage has a conductor on duty 24h, and there is a police team on every train). It is often rather hot, unless you purchase a “firmenny” (premium) seat, and you may find it not very clean. The tickets can be purchased directly at train stations, or online through the Train Line agency (www.trainline.ru). The price for a one-way 2nd class overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg (8 hours) is about $50, and a trip from Moscow to Irkutsk (5000 km, 4 days) costs about $200.

Budget travelers may prefer taking 3rd class tickets, which is a common carriage. Normally, it is also a good choice for women travelers, as they don’t risk being stuck with unwanted neighbors at a private compartment. However, most 3rd class trains are not as clean as 2nd or 1st class. The price for Moscow – St. Petersburg 3rd class is about $20 one way, while a trip to Irkutsk will cost about half as much.

Driving is easy in the European part of Russia if you are used to Eastern European driving, we would not recommend it for Americans. However, if you feel brave and do decide to drive in Russia, you’ll find plenty of petrol stations and places to eat along the way. However, it is not always very safe to leave a car and to drive in some areas in southern Russia, so it’s better to know your route before you depart. If you are driving from Samara to Togliatti, we recommend the roadside cafe called 'Away from the wives' inhabited by stressed local guys escaping the wagging fingers of their better halves. Still want a Russian wife?

Has this whet your appetite about Russia? Why not learn some Russian phrases?