Some essential information you need to know when traveling to Russia:

So, you have everything ready for your trip to Russia! A visa in your passport, an airline ticket and may be a couple of scary guide books. Your suitcases are packed and you are nervous and excited to step on the plane to take there.

Let us make it a little easier on you.

These are just bits of information every travels needs to know for their Travel.

Arriving in Moscow Airport

Most  foreign travelers arrive in Moscow at Sheremetyevo 2Airport.  The airport  was built for the 1980 Olympics, and for a city of 8 million-plus, it's   relatively small . The airport does  not have the best reputation,    prowled by cigarette smoke, aggressive  taxi drivers  and   long lines at the customs.   On and all, once you are at the airport you will definitely  know  you have arrived in Russia, and there is  something of a charm to that.

Once you got your stamp in the passport and clutched you bags, you will emerge in a horde of taxi drivers tripping over themselves trying to offer you a ride into the city. Bargaining skills come in handy when it comes to Taxi drivers. If you don't speak the language and don't bargain, be prepared to pay $40 minimum. An alternative to being whisked away by strong Russian taxi men , there is a taxi desk in the center of the arrivals hall , for a higher price, of course. Another convenient option for many travlers is arranging a transfer through a Travel Agency/ With prices compatible to Taxi Fare, you will be met at the airport with a welcome board and transported to your exact address. The taxi ride to or from the city center should run about a half an hour to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
It's worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet , regardless. Being able to read signs on the street and in the metro will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Sample of Average Moscow Prices

Language

Traveling to a country without the knowledge of the language could be a scary thought. Take a deep breath. Even with the vocabulary of Da(yes) and Net(no), you should be able to get around town without any difficulties . Hotels, tourist agencies, museums and most of the younger Russian population speak English and most of the time will gladly assist you . In smaller, more isolated cities English speakers are much harder to find so learning a couple of Cyrillic words is a good idea.

It's worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet , regardless. Being able to read signs on the street and in the metro will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Money

Carrying a lot of cash at all times is never a good idea, especially if you're a tourist. Always be aware of the pick pocketers and carry your wallets and purses close to you.

Russian prices are considerably lower than those in more developed countries, but if you don't speak Russian and want to live as a Westerner, Moscow can be a very expensive city.

The easiest way to get rubles is to change U.S. dollars is using your ATM cards. ATMs are widely available in Moscow and St. Petersburg and to a lesser extent in other big cities. You can also exchange the currency at exchange booths that are also available on every other corner.

Prices at restaurants and shops are often listed in U.S. dollars but in most places payment is acceptable in Russian rubles. Credit cards are not as commonly used and are mostly acceptable at Western hotels, high-end restaurants and some shops .

Weather

Russia has a continental climate where the winters are viciously cold and the summers can get scorching. The swings are most extreme in southern and central Siberia, but even in Moscow temperatures can range from -20 to 100 Fahrenheit.

Late spring, early summer and the fall are good times to visit. The end of May and beginning of June is a perfect time to visit St.Petersburg and Moscow and experience the splendor of white nights . Early Fall is also a great time for a visit, in the beginning of September the ballets and the operas start their seasons . (The performing arts season runs from about September to May, although there are occasional shows in the summer, especially during St. Petersburg's White Nights Festival in June.)

The first real cold hits Moscow and St. Petersburg sometime in November and there's usually snow on the ground from December through April. Russian winters with long, snowy days definitely live up to the Russian Winter stereotypes.

There is nothing as mysterious and breathtaking like the domes of Russian churches under the blanket of snow.

Phone numbers you need to know :

Useful Telephone Numbers

Traveling in Russia, following numbers are very useful to have:

Phone Number Service

01 Fire Department.
02 Police
03 Ambulance
08 Weather Forecast
09 Local Telephone Number Inquiry

U.S. Embassy in Moscow : Address - Novinsky Boulevard 19/23
Tel (095) 728 50 00 Fax ( 095) 728 5090

E_mail for questions: adoption@cinderellatravel.com

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FAQ's

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Travel

Q: Do I need a Visa to Go to Russia , Ukraine and other CIS Countries?

A: Yes. All citizens of U.S. and Canada as well as most other countries require a visa . Contact our agency for information you need in order to obtain a visa . We are an accredited company with most consulates In New York and will assist you with the process of getting your visa

Q: Do I need to Register my visa in Russia ?

A: Visas must be registered within 3 days upon arrival in Russia. If you stay in a hotel, you visa will be registered at the check-in free of charge . If you stay at private home, you will need to register your visa yourself. We will provide you with the address where you can register. Registration fee is $20

Q: What is the best way to make reservations in hotels in Russia and other CIS countries?

A. Most cities , even small ones do have hotels available. If there are no hotels, our agency will find another lodging option, like an apartment. You should book hotels through an official agency, not through the internet.

Q: Is there an English Speaking staff at the hotels ?

A: Yes, All hotels have an English-speaking staff.

Q: What time can I check-in & check-out the hotel?

A. Check-in time is usually from 2 : 00 p.m.
Check-out time is usually before 12.00 p.m.

Notes: The check-in and check-out time are subject to the management of the specific hotel. It is advisable to contact the hotel if you need earlier check-in or later check-out. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out sometimes result in an extra charge.

Q: Are the hotel rates per person, or per room?

A:. The hotel rates we offered are per room, not per person.

Q: Can I confirm a non-smoking hotel room?

A. Yes, you can. We will book a room for you based on your requirements.

Q: Is Internet access available in hotels ?

A:. Yes, most major 4* hotels provide convenient Internet service at reasonable rates.

Q: How difficult is it to find hotels in smaller cities in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries?

A: Most cities , even small ones do have hotels available. If there are no hotels, our agency will find another lodging option, like an apartment. You should book hotels through an official agency, not through the internet.

Q: Can we arrange train tickets and plane within Russia, Ukraine and other CIS through a travel agency in U.S.?

A: We will assist our clients with booking flights and railway tickets within Russia , Ukraine and other CIS countries.

Currency

Q: Where can I change dollars for other currency?

A: You can change the currency in the country you are visiting. You can exchange money at the airport for higher exchange rates. Your best bet would be the ATM machines and many "Exchange booths" that are available in most cities. If you are traveling to a smaller city you should exchange the currency prior to arrival. It may be difficult to find exchange booths at more rural locations.

Q: How much money can I bring to Russia?

A: Legally you can bring any amount of cash , however you are required to declare a sum over $1500.

Q: Are there ATM machines available in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries?

A: ATM machines are widely available in large cities. ATMs are not as popular in smaller towns, so it is better to have some cash available upon arrival. You should certainly inquire with your bank about fees associated with international transactions.

Q: Can I pay with a credit or debit card in Russia and CIS countries?

A: Large stores and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, however credit cards are not as popular as they are in U.S. Most places still accept cash only, especially in smaller cities.

vendors.

Q: What are the restaurants like in Russia?

A: Both Russian and Western cuisines are available throughout the major cities. There is a variety of small cozy Russian style restaurants to upscale , chic hot spots. New restaurants , cafes and lounges are being open every couple of months.

Guides

Q: How are the tour guides in Russia? If we travel by ourselves, is it a good idea to book tour guides for some excursions?

A: All guides must be certificated by the national tourism administration. Most guides have Bachelors degrees form Universities of Culture and are highly educated in History , Languages and Art. They are professionals in their field and have exceptional English skills. Some tours are recommended to take with a guide. You can take individual tours with a guide who will share with you the history and vast knowledge of a specific place or that special painting.

Also, it is recommended to have a guide to most touristy spots. During white nights season in St. Petersburg , for example, lines to Hermitage and most palaces are hours and hours in the waiting. If you book a guide you do not have to stand in line , which can save you hours of your precious time.

Weather

Q: What is the weather like in Russia ?

A: Russia has a continental climate where the winters are viciously cold and the summers can get scorching. The swings are most extreme in southern and central Siberia, but even in Moscow temperatures can range from -20 to 100 Fahrenheit. Late spring, early summer and the fall are good times to visit.

Language

Q:I do not speak any CIS languages. What to do?

A: Traveling to a country without the knowledge of the language could be a scary thought. Take a deep breath. Even with the vocabulary of "Da" and "Net", you should be able to get around town without any difficulties . Hotels, tourist agencies, museums and most of the younger Russian population speak English and most of the time will gladly assist you . In smaller, more isolated cities English speakers are much harder to find so learning a couple of Cyrillic words is a good idea
It's worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet , regardless. Being able to read signs on the street and in the metro will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Travel Insurance

Q: Is travel insurance necessary?

A: Yes. We highly recommend our clients purchase travel insurance to guard against unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Most travel insurance companies offer Trip Cost Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, emergency medical transport and medical expenses insurance. These pay for loss due to any unforeseen circumstances such as death, injury and illness. Travel policies also cover you for a variety of other risks, such as cancellation charges, loss of money, loss of baggage, and liability to third parties to name but a few. Although we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our clients, if any of the above do happen it can be very costly to you. Purchasing travel insurance is an easy way to ease the mind and to know that you will be able to deal with problems that may arise. Besides, an annual travel policy will save you money if you propose to go abroad more than once in any twelve month period.

Common questions.

Q: What is a Transfer?

A. A transfer is a transportation vehicle that is provided to deliver a client from one destination to the next. Usually transfers are arranged to take a client from the airport to hotel or vice versa

Q: Is electrical current in Russia different from U.S.?

A: The electrical current on European Continent is 220 volts. If you plan to bring any electrical appliances , you should purchase an adaptor that switches from 110 to 220 volts.

Q: We adopted a child in Russia and now we want to go back there together.
Do we have to get Russian visa for our child?

A: No. Children adopted in Russia remain Russian citizens until 18 years of age and must travel to Russia with their Russian passports.

HAVE A NICE TRIP!