Rich in history and culture, travel to Russia may not always be easy; but it is worth the effort.
During and after World War II travel to Russia was considered to be hazardous at best. During the Cold War; no one dared broach the thought of travel to Russia for fear of being considered a Communist sympathizer. But, like all things; Russian tourism has changed and this beautiful country is now more open to travel than ever before. That said; there are still some important tips you should keep in mind if you plan to travel to Russia.
First, when planning your travel to Russia you will need to make plans to obtain a visa. This is a non-negotiable matter. Technically speaking, visas are not issued to foreigners unless you have received an invitation from a Russian citizen or a company in Russia. Tourist visas are issued for a very short period of time. If you are planning to travel to Russia, it would be well worth it to worth with a reputable travel agency that is experienced in helping foreigners obtain the documents they need to gain entry.
Another important tip to keep in mind regarding travel to Russia is that you should avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water. In most cases you can purchase bottled water; except, perhaps in the very rural areas.
While the official language of Russia is Russi
an, you can usually get by with a few simple phrases and not worry about learning the entire language. Larger, metropolitan areas tend to cater to foreigners with English speaking staff. If you do plan to travel to the Russian countryside, it’s a good idea to go ahead and learn as much of the language as you can.
The ruble is the official currency of Russia; although you will typically see prices listed in US dollars; especially in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. By and large, Russian prices tend to be far lower than Western prices; especially typical US prices. Exchange booths can be easily located throughout Russia and major credit cards are commonly accepted in the larger cities.
While Russia is an extremely large country, it is important to remember that this nation has very specific seasons. The winters tend to be extremely cold while the summers can be stifling. If you are considering travel to Russia during the height of summer, it’s important to keep in mind that the larger cities tend to evacuate to the coastal communities in an effort to flee from the heat. As a result, you won’t be likely to find as much in the way of cultural excursions such as the ballet and opera. The performing arts season officially reopens beginning in September; with winter hitting full force around November.
Article Comments:
| 07/09/2006 |
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Hmmm, pravdu pishut, ochen' horoshyi sait, toko zabyli napisat', tam eshe zapinat' do smerti mogut .... a tak vse zaebis', molodcy ....
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