DO’s and DON'Ts in Russia - At the street

Despite existing stereotypes, visiting Russian cities is no more dangerous than visiting any other European ones. It is not a third-world country and the turbulent 90s are long gone. Russia is safe for travel, but there are basic precautions that you should take when visiting any country. First of all, do not carry all your documents and money with you; do not walk alone at night.

What other recommendations would be helpful when you travel to Russia?

DO’s

· Take an official taxi, as in unlicensed cabs drivers generally wait for taking advantage of foreigners.

· Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa with you at all times separately from original ones.

· Always carry some currency with you because some shops do not accept credit cards, as well as traveler’s checks are hard to cash.

· Carry currency in a travel money holder. Pick pocketing is not uncommon in crowded markets and in tourist areas.

· Credit cards (VISA, Master card, Euro card, American Express, Diners Club, Maestro) are accepted in most places that work with foreign tourists, but NOTE: they do not have letters on the key pad, so if your PIN includes letters, do remember them as digits!

· Speak Russian! This is the easiest way to learn Russian. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Most Russians are just happy that you are trying and will help as much as possible. They are truly warm and hospitable despite their normal cold and pessimistic attitudes on the street.

· However..Know that most young people have studied English and can help you if you get in a bind.

· Offer your seat to disabled people, elders, pregnant women and people with children in a public transport.

· If you think something is going wrong or you doubting about the local rules – just ask. Very often foreign people assume that if something is wrong, someone will let you know. Russians often assume you know what they want. This creates a discrepancy.

DON'Ts

· As a precaution, it is best not to flaunt valuable items.

· Don't walk alone at night through parks and in outer city streets.

· Don’t take a taxi along last at night. Avoid a car if it has anyone besides a driver.

· Don’t use ATM on the streets and in metro. Safer to use the ones in a bank or hotel lobbies where the ATM's are guarded and uncorrupted.

· Do not exchange currency in the streets if someone offers to sell you rubles.

· Do not take photos of military installations

· Don't expect people to smile at you. It is not customary in Russia, especially in big cities, to talk or smile at strangers, so don't interpret this behavior as coldness or unfriendliness.

· Don’t speak too loudly in public, it is considered impolite.

· Don't point with your finger. Instead, point with your entire hand

Be sure that our company will provide you with all the necessary support and information, to make your stay in Russia as comfortable as possible.

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