TRAVEL TIPS

Time

Time is GMT +3 for both Moscow & St. Petersburg.

Water

Water quality varies widely in Russia. Your best bet is to drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water which is widely available in supermarkets. Be careful to avoid ice and raw foods and vegetables.

Electricity

Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 Hz. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.

Currency

All prices are generally quoted in rubles. Currency can be freely converted at banks, hotels or kiosks. Traveler's checks are hard to cash. Credit cards are accepted in most places that work with foreign tourists. Some may turn down American Express. Visa and MasterCard are known, hence - more widely honored. ATM machines are widely available in major cities, but note: they do not have letters on the key pad, so if your PIN includes letters, do remember them as digits!

Telephones

Despite the recent rapid improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure, telephoning in Russia can be difficult and expensive. Best bet is to use the phone at your hotel or use AT&T, Sprint or MCI's USA direct services. Tokens or calling cards are required for street pay phones, which can be purchased at newsstands, in some stores, and many kiosks.

Crime

Crime situation has considerably improved in Russia over the past couple of years. Moscow and St. Petersburg are a lot safer than many American cities. Precautions include not flaunting valuables, or walking alone at night through city outskirts or parks.

Tipping

Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants. Tip 10- 15% depending on service. It is typical to round up the amount due to the next round figure.

Visas

Travel in Russia has become easier than ever. Remember, however that visas are required. And you need a fully licensed travel company like RNG to provide the necessary visa support and registration. Please click here for instructions and downloadable application forms. You are as well welcome to call us at 212-575- 343.

Currency

All prices are generally quoted in rubles. Currency can be freely converted at banks, hotels or kiosks. Traveler's checks are hard to cash. Credit cards are accepted in most places that work with foreign tourists. Some may turn down American Express. Visa and MasterCard are known, hence - more widely honored. ATM machines are widely available in major cities, but note: they do not have letters on the key pad, so if your PIN includes letters, do remember them as digits!

How much money in foreign currency can I bring to Russia? You can legally bring to Russia any amount of cash money, however you are required to declare a sum that is more than $1500. You can legally bring out of Russia only $1500 in cash. If you have more, the rest of the sum must be accompanied by a special certificate from a Russian bank called "Raz- resh-enih-ye nah vyh-voz vah-lyu-ty" (Permission to export currency).

Are there Currency Exchange offices in Russia? Yes, there are. You can legally exchange foreign currency in Russian banks.

Are there any restrictions on the travel checks (Thomas Cook, American Express, Visa etc.) or credit cards in Russia? No, there are no restrictions. Credit cards and travel checks are not to be declared and can be used freely. Russian banks can cash your travel checks. You can also buy travel checks in Russian banks. You can find ATM Machines in the hotels, airports and banks.

take pills. Is it OK to bring medical drugs to Russia? Yes, in reasonable quantities for personal consumption.

have non-consumer radio equipment (i.e. walkie- talkie, GPS, radio transmitter). Is it legal to bring it to Russia? To avoid any inconveniences, your are strongly advised to declare that equipment at the Customs Control and consult a Customs officer. If it is forbidden in Russia, it will be put in Customs storage and returned to you when you leave Russia.

I want to bring my dog (cat) with me. What are the veterinary requirements? Prior to arrival to Russia, all dogs and cats must be put in quarantine for 21 days in the US. During last 14 days (but not earlier) they must get vaccination (please, consult your veterinarian) and animal's transportation container must get special sanitary treatment. Upon completing these procedures, the veterinarian issues a certificate, which you have to get authorized at your local Office of the Department of Agriculture (or similar local official authority) and, then, translate into Russian. Please, note that in some cases Russian quarantine authorities may require the animal to be put in quarantine in Russia for additional 30 days.

Same documents as for a single-entry one, however, the necessity to get a double-entry Visa must be reflected in your invitation.

How do I get a multiple Visa? Your partners in Russia must apply on your behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to its Regional Offices in Russia to get the invitation for a multiple Visa issued. Then, this invitation will be cabled to the Consulate or sent to you directly. Once the Consulate receive it, you become eligible for a multiple Visa.

I lost my Visa to Russia. Can I be issued a duplicate? Yes, we will issue you a duplicate, however you will have to pay the minimum processing fee ($70 - for single- entry; $120 - for double-entry; $200 - for multiple) again and it will take up to 3 business days.

When in Russia, can I change my visa status (i.e. from tourist to business or from business to educational and vice versa)? No, you cannot change your visa status being in Russia. In order to do that, you have to leave the country and reenter on different visa.