Russian FAQ page // visas, accommodation, transportation, safety and other tips at IvanTheGuide.COM

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Travelers FAQ

The A's to your Q's.

Accommodation Standards, Hotels, Hostels, Apartments, Resorts, Hostels, Back-Packing, B&B;, homestays, and country side

Documents Passports, Russian Visas, Visa Costs, Invitations, Applications, Length of Stay, Lodging Applications|

Transportation| Airports, Train stations, Transfers, Schedules & timetables, Tickets cost, Safety, Taxi, Public transport & metro.

Tips and Traps| Backpackers, Banking, Climate, Clothing, Credit cards, Currency, Customs, Electricity, Emergencies, Getting around, Medical, Petrol and diesel supplies, Shopping, Safety, Telephones, Vaccinations, Weights & Measures.

Other Q's|Maps, Events, Sights and interests, other tourist info.

Disclaimer: although all care and attention to detail was taken in the preparation of this FAQ page, we can take no responsibility for the accuracy of information in this section.

Accommodation

Q: The form says hotel confirmations and vouchers are needed for staying at hotels like we are planning to do in Golden Ring. But the hotels that I have made reservations at in Golden Ring are mostly small and tell me they "don't do visa support". Would it be possible for you to write the invitation so that it covers the entire time we are in Russia?

A: Yes, it's possible. You could also type that you planning to stay only in Moskva, and take a short journey in some cities.

A: I have been having a very hard time finding any way to independently arrange a hotel booking in Kostroma. Do you have any suggestions regarding Kostroma/Golden Ring?

Q: Check out Associated cities section. Most of listed cities have contact information of local guides, lodging, transportation and attractions.

A: The problem is, these places, especially the two really small places I'm staying at in Rostov Veliky and Suzdal, do not do visa support. Is this a problem? I would assume that as long as I get an invitation that covers the time I'm in Russia that I would not NEED the visa support from these hotels. Can you confirm this?

Q: You don't need confirmation papers from ALL hotels, where you planning to stay. Invitation, which you have received, already has one. The answer means that they couldn't send you invitation or they have no permissions to register you (small problem of small hotels). In this case you need to register in another hotel for small extra fee, if you planning to been there more than 3 days.

Documents

Q: I am looking for a hotel that can arrange documents for getting a visa. Could you advice smth?

A: Hotels could make a papers/visa> for the exact number of nights of your stay. If you're booking the hotel just for getting visa, then search for companies offering visa documentation on the Internet or this site.

Q: Do I need visa and what is passport requirements?

A: Valid passport, visa needed to all travelers. If you arrange your trip through the agency, they will prepare visa arrangements; If you are independent traveler, you'll need an invitation from a Russian citizen or company. Then you'll have to apply for a visa through your local consulate.

Q: Who could issue an invitation me?

A: Travel agency, your business partner or your host could. Order your invitation at least two weeks before your visit to the Russian consulate, and remember that it will take them another 2 weeks to issue your visa.

Q: Could you advise me about questions regarding Russian visa application: There is a question that asks: "Do you have medical coverage valid in Russia? (check one)" The two possibilities are: "official medical protection plan purchased" or "paid by host". Do you know if this protection is required by authorities, and if so, how do I get it, and do they require some proof that I have purchased it? Or could I just say I have it even if I don't?

A: You need to purchase police in your local insurance company and type "official medical protection plan purchased"

Q: What do I do about registration in case of private accommodation in Moscow?

A: Ask your host to assist you with registration. If it's an apartment management company - they usually include registration fee in the bill and make it with out any problem. If you stay in private apartments, your landlord must issue to PVU "notarized confirmation", where he confirm that you'll stay in his place.

Transportation

Q: I could only find train travel at night... is this correct, or do trains run from St. Petersburg to Moscow during the day also?

A: The faster train is express R-200. Tickets in $35-50 mostly available also before departure time at 18:27 or so. Less than 4.32 - and you are in Moskva. A bit cheaper is Aurora day train. Check this page for details.

Q: Are foreigners free to travel around the country?

A: You are supposed to have your destination on your visa. But nothing will happened if you visit more cities, than you have listed. Don't forget to make a registration stamp, if you'll stay in the new place more then 3 days.

Q: How do I get to Moscow from the airport? / Do you have any suggestions on how to get from Sheremetyevo to the city center?

A: Here is separate page about transportation and airport transfer details.

Tips and Traps

Q: I am a 19 yr old female student. Do you think a female travelling alone will experience many troubles?

A: Mostly Russia is safe country, and if you don't planning for example to visit getto in the evening, it's normal to travel alone. However, I don't recommender to take a private taxi, walk alone after midnight, etc … However, all those restrictions concern not only foreign people.

Q: What about security and Russian mafia? Is it a problem?

A: Mafia doesn't touch the average visitor. Why would they be interested - there is nothing for them in you. This is not something you can stumble onto or into accidentally.

Q: I have been told that independent travel outside Moscow is dangerous for Americans. What do you think? Is this true? I have travelled independently in Romania (1995) and really had no trouble, even though many told me I shouldn't do it.

A: In general hospitality is one of the special characteristics of Russians - and it doesn't matter from States you are or UK. I haven't heard any story about ugly scum's in Golden Ring cities. I would go there, but not in Naberegnie Chelny, Kazan or Kemerovo. If you are experienced in self-drive travel and especially in Romania - Golden Ring is OK to you in security context. It will be very good if you will learn several phrases in Russian!

Since more than 50% of you Q's are safety and security, may be my comments to UK Consulate recommendations for travellers to Russia will show you more about what you should worry about, and what is just rumours and exaggerations.

Other Q's

Q: Is Russia an expensive country?

A: Places, which serve New Russians and Expats are twice/three times expensive than places for the other people. The last one are two times cheaper than in States or Europe. According to your travel plans, you may spend $30 per day or $300, and be satisfied completely. Click here to view Russian prices and here for holyday and long journeys costs.

Q: I'll spend only 3 Days in Russia: could you advise - St Petersburg or Moscow?

A: For tourism, culture and getting around with less help, Saint Petersburg is the good choice. May be you should spend two days in St. Petersburg, take the night train to Moscow and spend one day there. Then you definitely want to go back and visit both for a longer time!