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Compare Flights to the Russian Federation (Russia)

Russia Introduction

Russia, known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world. In Ian Fleming’s James Bond movies, Russia was the birthplace of many movie villains and computer games (Red Alert) trying to take over the world. Although fiction has made Russia popular, the country itself has a rich history. Being the first communist country in the world, Russia became a democratic country in 1991. This allowed tourists to travel freely to Russia to experience and witness the country’s rich culture.

Tourism

Tourists looking to travel to Russia need a tourist invitation (Reservation Confirmation). This means that a confirmation letter of booking, pre-payment for accommodation, travel arrangements in Russian and a tourist voucher is needed. Unfortunately only hotels and travel agencies (online or offline) that have a consular reference are able to issue confirmations valid for visa purposes. Avoid traveling to North Caucasus as it is extremely dangerous due to conflict within the region.

Airport

Moscow (MOW) alone has 3 international airports. Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME) and Vnukovo (VKO).

Airlines

What to see

  • Trinity Monastery in Sergiev Posad
  • Fortress at Derbent
  • Grand Cascade in Peterhof
  • The Motherland Calls Statue
  • Kazan’s Kul-Sharif Mosque
  • Yugyd Van National Park
  • Moscow GUM
  • Fortress Oreshek on Lake Ladoga
  • Temple of All Religions
  • Saint Basil’s Cathedral

What to do

  • Art Moscow
  • Art November
  • Festival of the North
  • International Documentary Film Festival – Novosibirsk
  • Moscow Air Show
  • Moscow Pride – Gay & Lesbian Festival
  • Moscow Stiletto Run
  • Perm International Snow, Ice ad Fire Festival
  • Sounds of Eurasia
  • St Petersburg International Dance Film Festival
  • Summer Ballet Festival
  • Winter Festival Arts Square
  • World Festival of Clowns

General Information

Currency & Time Zone

Russia’s main currency is the Ruble (RUB) and it is divided into 100 kopeks. ZAR 1.00 will get you about RUB 3.80. All payments must be made in rubles and luckily currency exchange offices in Russia can easily be found. Visa/MasterCard are very common and can easily be used and more acceptable than American Express, Discover or Diners Club.

Russia is the largest country in the world and is located on the UTC+3 to UTC+12 time zones meaning time ranges from 3 hours to 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Water

It is advisable to not drink tap water and drinks with ice. Bottled water and Coca Cola are available everywhere.

Crime

Russia is known as one of the most corrupt countries in the world and although crime is dropping dramatically, assault, robbery and pickpocketing are the most common done crimes in Russia. Be careful when traveling in underground walkways, subways, overnight train stations, airports, tourist attractions and restaurants as these crimes are more common in these areas. Also be wary when visiting nightclubs, as spiking drinks are also very common. Efforts to fight corruption within the police force have been very successful, you might find some policemen who still remain underpaid and therefore corrupt.

Weather

Russia is a cold country and the climate varies from humid continental climate to subarctic climate near the North Pole at places such as Siberia. Humid subtropical climate can be found near the Black Sea with mild and wet winters. Near the Caspian Sea and Lower Volga semi-arid climate can be found. The coldest month is January with the hottest month in July.

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