Tips to Russia travel about: climate, money exchange, other things.
Medical insurance.
Get a medical insurance policy to cover unexpected expenses in case of emergency medical care in Russia or order it from us. Medical insurance for the period of your stay in Russia covers doctor’s consultations, hospital stay, emergency dental care; other medical services according to the total cost coverage amount, age of the insured.
Weather.
The climate varies significantly in different regions of our large country. For example, even in the two mail Russia cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, which are located between each others 4 hrs by train, the weather is different. Moscow has more sunny days and is generally warmer. In St. Petersburg it is always humid, often cloudy. When traveling in Russia, take an umbrella, warm seasonal clothes and shoes with you.
Money exchange.
In Russia, you can import any amount of cash currency, but not more than 100 thousand US dollars. Amounts up to 10,000 US dollars are not declared. You can exchange cash currency (USD, EUR, AED, INR, other) in banks or exchange offices. Banks set their own exchange rates, which fluctuate depending on various factors.
We recommend not to exchange currency at the airport upon your arrival in Russia. It is not profitable.
You can find a favorable exchange rate by comparing offers or on the recommendation of your guide in Russia.
MIR debit card.
Upon arrival in Russia, you can apply for a MIR debit card right at the airport. The MIR card will allow you to pay for any services, purchases in stores in all cities of the country.
In Saint Petersburg, at the Pulkovo airport, in the arrivals hall, go to the T-bank office. Present your passport and entry visa. After exchanging your currency at any exchange offices in the city, top up your MIR card through T-bank ATMs in shopping centers, department stores.
At Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, this service is provided by the YUMoney electronic payment service, the information center of which is located in the Sheremetyevo airport area in the international flights arrivals hall, Terminal C, 1st floor.
A service employee will help you go through free registration and open an electronic wallet. The MIR card is issued free of charge and after activation you can pay using a QR code or NFC technology throughout Russia.
Tipping.
Tipping is not a generally accepted rule. This is your personal decision, whether it is worthwhile to thank for good service. The Russians themselves are not very active on this issue. Half can not decide on the amount. A quarter do not give a tip at all.
Waiters in restaurants and cafes, maids, porters, luggage carriers in hotels await your thanks. Often a 10% service charge is included in the bill. Then the tip falls into the “common pot” and is distributed among all employees.
We recommend leaving 5-10% for any form of payment. It is accepted to thank (arbitrarily) your guide (guide), the driver.
