Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world. Making up for over 7% of the world’s mass, it’s not surprise that the country has a rich history and an incredible diversity of landscapes, climates cultures and cultures. I promise, there is more than Vodka and bears.
Why Visit Russia
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
Russian history dates back thousands of years ago, starting with the occupation of our early ancestors. Vikings, mongols and many other cultures followed, creating a fascinating but complex history. Its architecture serve as a reminder of all these times, with many iconic monuments like the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the wooden architecture in Kizhi Pogost, the picturesque town of Irkutsk, in between others.
LANDSCAPES & NATURE
Russia boosts a huge amount of diverse and untouched nature. Stretching across multiple time zones and climates, its landscapes varies from desert to frozen coastlines, tall mountains, volcanic moonscapes, beaches, pines forest and more, with a total of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This diversity allows wildlife to thrive, being home 48 unique endangered species.
VODKA
Many people don’t actually know this, but Vodka was actually invented in Poland. However, russians took it as theirs, improved it and made it part of their culture, making in one of the most popular spirits in the world. In fact, one of the russian’s typical breakfast includes vodka! (Yes, BREAKFAST!)
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Thanks to its size, its not surprise that Russia is inhabited by at least 160 different ethnic groups, with different languages, traditions and religions. Ancient cultures still survive among its indigenous tribes, maintaining their customs despite the modernization.
Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world. Making up for over 7% of the world’s mass, it’s not surprise that the country has a rich history and an incredible diversity of landscapes, climates cultures and cultures. I promise, there is more than Vodka and bears.
Why Visit Russia
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
Russian history dates back thousands of years ago, starting with the occupation of our early ancestors. Vikings, mongols and many other cultures followed, creating a fascinating but complex history. Its architecture serve as a reminder of all these times, with many iconic monuments like the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the wooden architecture in Kizhi Pogost, the picturesque town of Irkutsk, in between others.
LANDSCAPES & NATURE
Russia boosts a huge amount of diverse and untouched nature. Stretching across multiple time zones and climates, its landscapes varies from desert to frozen coastlines, tall mountains, volcanic moonscapes, beaches, pines forest and more, with a total of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This diversity allows wildlife to thrive, being home 48 unique endangered species.
VODKA
Many people don’t actually know this, but Vodka was actually invented in Poland. However, russians took it as theirs, improved it and made it part of their culture, making in one of the most popular spirits in the world. In fact, one of the russian’s typical breakfast includes vodka! (Yes, BREAKFAST!)
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Thanks to its size, its not surprise that Russia is inhabited by at least 160 different ethnic groups, with different languages, traditions and religions. Ancient cultures still survive among its indigenous tribes, maintaining their customs despite the modernization.
- Name: Russian Federation
- Capital: Moscow
- Official Languages: Russian
- Currency: Russian ruble
- Time Zone: UTC+2 – +12
- Name: Russian Federation
- Capital: Moscow
- Official Languages: Russian
- Currency: Russian ruble
- Time Zone: UTC+2 – +12
Bucket List
Spot some historic architecture in Kizhi Island
Hit the beach in Sochi
Spot some endangered wildlife in Siberia
Explore the Lake Baikal
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Russian is the official language in Russia. Younger generations might speak a little bit of English, but this is not the case for the majority of the population, especially in remote areas.
ELECTRICITY
In the Russia the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The Rouble is the official currency in Russia. Other foreign currencies might be accepted at major hotels and tourist attractions but not anywhere else. You are able to exchange your currency at the airport, banks, exchange houses or withdraw directly from the ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are widely available (except for remote areas). 1 USD equals 69.88 roubles (as of 2020).
CLIMATE
Russia stretches along many different climate zones, with different landforms and altitudes. In general, the country has 4 seasons, with hot dry summers (ranging 52°F- 86°F / 11°C- 30°C) and very very cold winters (ranging 2°F- 15°F / -9°C- 16°C) .
SAFETY
In general, Russia is a safe country to travel to, especially is you are visiting the big cities, where law enforcement presence is everywhere. Petty crime such as pickpocketing are still very common, which is no different to any other tourist destination. It is recommended to avoid empty areas at night, and be mindful when visiting the border with Ukraine.
How to get around
By plane
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way of getting around Russia. It will save a lot of time, due to the size of the country. However, not all cities or town are accessible through air. Aeroflot is the main carrier of the country, with more than 100 regional carriers available.
By Car
Distances in Russia are massive, and although it is a really good way to enjoy the views, driving will take a lot of time. Road conditions are improving, but they are not good enough yet to be safe for tourists. As driving in Russia has a lot of hazards, (road conditions, winter, police harassment, traffic jams in Moscow, angry drivers) is not recommended for tourists. Almost all the major agencies of car rentals are available at airports and big cities. International driver’s license with authorized translations are required.
By Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to move around Russia, however they are slow and uncomfortable. Train is recommended instead.
By Taxi
Taxis are widely available in big cities and towns, and they are relatively inexpensive. They can be pulled over on the street or booked through apps like Uber and Yandex (russian version of Uber)work in Russia.
By Train
Rail is by far the best way of traveling around Russia. Although not as fast as flying, it provides scenic views, decent comfort and affordable rates. The Trans Siberian Express and the Trans Mongolian should be a part of your bucket list on their own.
By Public Transport
All the big cities (like Moscow and St. Petersburg) have a comprehensive network of public transportation. It is also reasonably cheap. The Metro in Moscow is incredible and an experience in itself.
Visa Policy
Travelers who are nationals of the following 60 nations are not required to obtain a visa prior to visit Russia, except for citizens of Belarus and South Ossetia, who have the right to unlimited visa-free entry to Russia.
(90 days): Abkhazia , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Estonia, Latvia, Moldova , Tajikistan , Ukraine , Uzbekistan , Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras,Israel, Jamaica, Maldives, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines South Africa,Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
(60 days): Mauritius, Samoa, North Korea.
(30 days): Bosnia and Herzegovina , Botswana, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Montenegro, Palau, Serbia, Seychelles, Thailand, North Macedonia.
(14 days): Brunei, Hong Kong, Nauru.
Citizens of all the remaining countries will need to apply for a visa in advance through the russian embassy.
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