Jurisdiction Guide

Late May through September is usually best, with milder temperatures and long days. Winters in western cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg are cold but still navigable, while Siberia can be extremely harsh from November to March.

Cash is still common, but large cities widely accept cards. Learn a few basic Russian phrases, English is not spoken everywhere. Google Maps works well, but Yandex apps are more accurate for taxis and transit. Buy a local SIM at major airports or shopping malls. Carry your passport or a copy when out; police can ask for ID.

A firm handshake with direct eye contact is the usual greeting. Take off your shoes when entering homes. Avoid smiling at strangers in public, it can seem odd to locals. Dress smartly in cities, especially when dining out or visiting theaters. Never shake hands over a threshold; it's considered bad luck.

Pickpocketing happens on the Moscow Metro and at tourist sites. Roads can be tricky due to aggressive driving and poor conditions outside cities. Watch for fake taxis near airports or train stations. Winters bring icy streets and risk of hypothermia if not dressed appropriately.

The city of Kazan fuses Russian and Tatar cultures, with unique cuisine and architecture. Lake Baikal offers wild nature and small villages far from crowds. In Karelia, you'll find wooden churches and quiet islands rarely seen by outsiders.

Most visitors need a visa arranged in advance, except for some Latin American and ex-Soviet states. E-visas are available for citizens of select countries visiting St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, and Vladivostok, but not yet for all regions. Long-stay visas require sponsorship from a Russian entity. Work and digital nomad options are limited and bureaucratic.

Trains connect major cities; the overnight sleeper is comfortable and popular. Domestic flights can save time on long distances. Buses work well for regional travel but are slower. Yandex Taxi is cheap and widespread in urban areas. Driving is possible, but signage outside of Moscow and Saint Petersburg is mostly in Russian.

Try borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes). Kvass, a mild fermented drink, is sold on the street in summer. Tea is more common than coffee, often served strong with lemon or jam. Vegetarians can manage in Moscow and Saint Petersburg but may have fewer options elsewhere. Most food is safe, but stick to bottled water in rural areas.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg are much pricier than other regions; expect high costs for accommodation and meals in city centers. Budget travelers can eat out and stay in hostels for $30-50 a day, while mid-range travelers should budget $80-120. A metro ride in Moscow costs about 60 rubles, and an intercity train from Moscow to St. Petersburg starts around $30 in third class.