Are you going to Russia for the first time? Read this article!
So you have decided to visit our wonderful and unique northern country! Congratulations! We are 100% sure you’ll spend here the time of your live, find new interesting people, see unbelievably beautiful places!
But nevertheless you should remember that you are going to an absolutely different country with its laws, rules and traditions. Don’t panic, just read the article and get prepared for new impressions.
Those who have no idea about Russia usually are very surprised and even taken aback by what is not like at their homes. That’s why foreigners should remember many important things. So this article is your guide to Russia.
Of course one of the most sufficient moments is the weather. The weather in Russia may be very different. It depends on the region of your destination. In winter it may be very cold, about -35 (so welcome to the famous Russian winter!); it is impossible to come without a warm sweater, a jacket or a coat. A hat and gloves are also required.
As for summer time, you should take a swimsuit and sunglasses, because, for example, in July it may be very hot (+30). Besides take some kind of a cap to prevent sunstroke. But such extremes are not common. For the last several years winters haven’t been so severe and in summer it may be cool and rainy, especially in the evening, so don’t forget about some shirt with long sleeves or a light jacket. And one more important aspect connected with summer is flies, mosquitoes and midges. It is really a big problem. So if you don’t want to have your evening on the fresh air spoiled purchase insecticides. It’s not a problem at all to do that right in the place – your hosts will definitely help you.
In spring and autumn the weather may be very rainy, windy and wet especially in March, April and October. So think about good shoes and, of course take an umbrella. Coming to Russia at these seasons may bring you a lot of positive impressions as well. For instance, in the end of September there is usually a season called Babje leto that brings back the summer heat again; several weeks it’s sunny, warm and dry, at the same time trees are already covered with gold, red and orange coloured leaves - Golden autumn has come! In the end of April and May you’ll see trees getting covered with young, tiny, light green leaves. Everything around starts looking summerlike.
We suppose that everybody knows that medical kit is your friend in any travelling. You must know that the food in every country is specific, and it may be heavy for your stomach at first till it won’t get used. Moreover different pills are also needed just in case, because the weather in Russia may change unpredictably and quickly and influence your wellbeing. Take care of yourself and think thoroughly about medicines you may need.
Take a credit card (Visa or Master cards are ok) and some cash with you. You may easily get rubles from ATM. In Russia credit cards are seldom used in shops and restaurants, be ready for that! There are plenty of small shops and cafes that won’t be able to receive your card, they are mostly used in big trade centres, malls, restaurants. The point is that Russian infrastructure is not as developed as in Europe or the USA so you will mostly need cash.
Do not forget that on the territory of Russia you can’t pay for your purchases with euros or dollars. Only rubles are used. You can easily exchange currency in any bank. We do not advice you to do that in the streets as it’s also possible (everything is legal but the course is a bit higher and the bank percents are not payed); this way you may be misled.
It is very important to know that it is dangerous to drink water just from taps. It’s dirty. Many foreigners don’t know about that, because in the European countries it is possible to drink such water, it’s mostly specially purified. In Russia don’t take such a risk and don’t drink it! You’d better boil it, clear through filters or just buy drinking water in any shop.
And some more aspects you should be aware of. According to the law it’s forbidden to drink alcohol in public places. But you’ll see crowds of young people walking down the streets or sitting in parks with a bottle of bier or whatever. Such peculiarity shouldn’t amaze you. Our advice is NOT to follow this example. The same thing is with speeding up. Follow the rules and don’t look at the cars rushing down the streets with the unbelievable speed. Cross the street only in the specially equipped places such as conjunctions with the traffic lights or zebra crossings. Foreigners are penaltied for breaking the law more frequently and harsher since they don’t speak the language and don’t know the particularities of the local law. And please, keep your things safe.
Of course it is not the whole list of very significant things that you should know, but every foreigner should remember them by heart to feel comfortable and safe in Russia.
Russians are very cheerful and hospitable. Our hospitality is our national trait. We are always ready for communication and long-lasting friendship. Your host-family will be glad to provide a convenient accommodation and do their best to make you feel at home. They will definitely be pleased to find out more about you, your family, your country and people. So don’t forget your photo album and your national souvenirs. Don’t forget a camera; there are lots of unique and beautiful places to go sightseeing! Try to purchase our national souvenirs as well to share impressions with you nearest and dearest back home.
Welcome to Russia!!
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