Top tips
If you know anyone from Russia tell them you’re going, they might be able to put you in touch with someone. To have a personal contact is so useful as Russians are superb hosts and will really look out for you.
Your best bet money-wise is to bring a bank-card (CIRRUS - although charges are high, or a student credit card) and use the ATM machines. They can be difficult to find and don’t always work. You can take money out in dollars or roubles. Your parents can also transfer money via a money transfer company but bear in mind there is usually a 10% service charge and quite a lot of paperwork.
Make sure you have travel insurance and if you plan to cross the Ural Mountains into Siberia, check your policy covers this. Many companies define European cover as being west of the Urals only, so if going east you may need a worldwide policy.
On the plane into Russia you will fill out a form, one half for entry and the other for exit. The entry bit will be taken off you on arrival but you need to keep the exit slip. Don’t lose it as there could be problems when leaving, and keep it in your passport all the time. A good idea is to colour photocopy all your documents and keep them somewhere safe.
Russians put a lot of effort into their appearance. A scruffy looking, brightly dressed backpacker will immediately stand out, particularly if in any way ‘alternative’. Clothes are usually black, especially in winter, and you’ll see people polishing their shoes on the street and the metro.
It is difficult to find laundry services. In Moscow there is a youth hostel (the Travellers Guest House) where you can drop off a bag of dirty clothes for cleaning at a reasonable price.
Most shops and banks etc open every day from 9am to 7pm.
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