Read more about currency, transport, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Russia.
- Language: Russian
- Capital: Moscow
- Population: 142 million
- Religion: Russian Orthodox
- Currency: Ruble
- Surface: 17,075,000 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
Russia is on the surface the world’s largest country and therefore there are also many time zones. In 2014, summer time was abolished and Russia is now permanently in winter time.
Moscow and St. Petersburg – Sweden: +2 hours in winter and +1 hour in summer
Transport in Russia
Bus The
buses in Russia do not meet the same standard as we are used to in Europe. Of course, we have chosen the best category, with air conditioning where possible.
Trains
On train journeys we travel in the best possible class. There is a big difference between different departures, but we strive to use the best connections. It is not always the same standard as in Sweden, but train travel is always an experience!
On the night train between Moscow and St. Petersburg, we sleep in compartments for four people. We would like to draw attention to the fact that it is not always easy to get to the top beds in the passenger compartment.
Price level
A main course with accessories costs around 150 SEK, including drinks about 200-250 SEK. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you need about 50 SEK per day. If you want to include extra drinks in that amount, you should expect an additional 50 SEK per day.
Tip
In restaurants, cafes and bars in Russia, you usually give around 10 percent in tips or you round the bill up if you are satisfied with the service. Taxi drivers and hotel staff do not usually get tips in Russia. On round trips, the local guides expect a certain amount as a thank you for their services.
For cruises, other rules apply. See the travel program for your trip.
Currency and credit cards
The currency in Russia is the Russian ruble (RUB). 1 SEK = approximately 8.1 RUB (April 2016).
You can use international credit cards at major hotels, in most stores, at all major restaurants and in department stores. In the big cities, there are plenty of opportunities to withdraw cash at ATMs.
Electricity
In Russia you have 220 volts, and the sockets are usually identical to Swedish. To be on the safe side, you can bring an adapter set.
Telephone and internet
According to allcitycodes, the international country code for Russia is + 7. It is expensive to call home, so feel free to contact your mobile operator regarding coverage and prices for calls from Russia.
Most hotels offer paid internet access and most restaurants and cafes have WiFi.
Drinking water and hygiene
Hotels and larger restaurants are of a modern / western standard. Out in the city and in the country, you can count on going to so-called pedal toilets, and that there is a lack of toilet paper. The standard of public toilets or in the countryside can thus be relatively primitive. Bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes and perhaps hand sanitizer (available at Swedish pharmacies, for example), so you will not be as dependent on access to water.
You should not drink tap water, but instead buy bottled water.
Customs and traditions
Russia is generally a modern and international society, and there are no specific rules or guidelines for dress or behavior.
When visiting churches, for example, we recommend that your clothes cover your knees and shoulders.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited during all flights and transport.
In Russia it is allowed to smoke outdoors, e.g. in cafes and restaurants, but indoor public smoking is prohibited.
