Do I need a visa for Russia?
Yes.
Permits and local requirements for entry
You need to have the following documents with you at all times in Russia:
Passport with visa (nowadays the migration card is electronically completed on arrival into Moscow airport) The tourist voucher
The OVIR (Visa & Registration Department) registration stamp, which is either put in your passport or on a local permit. The police can stop visitors at any time and ask to see these papers.
When is the best time of the year to visit Mt Elbrus?
The best time to visit is from mid May through to September. May offers a challenging climb with cold weather, more difficult conditions and very few visitors; June is a little warmer but still with few visitors; July and August is the peak season with the most settled and warmer months; September is also a nice time of year with fewer visitors and still warm but slightly more temperamental conditions.
What vaccinations do I need for Russia?
No vaccinations are required.
What's the currency in Russia?
The currency is the rouble which can be purchased from some banks before travel. It is often hard to have time to buy rubles on your journey through the airport and the ATMs have limited payout facilities. In the Elbrus area nobody will accept foreign currencies and there are few, if not any, ATMs in the villages and small towns down in the Caucasus.
What is the time difference and phone code for Russia?What is the Russian character like?
They are generous and warm hearted with quite a cynical sense of humour. They are forthright with each other, often very loud, polite and sometimes suspicious towards strangers and generally difficult to assess to a western mind. They are not overly demonstrative people but they do love literature, music, nature and of course vodka.
Are there ATM facilities in Russia?
Yes, in the airport and in Terskol however guarantees of them working cannot be made. We suggest you bring cash in roubles.
Are prices set in Russia, or can we expect to haggle?
Generally the price you see is the price you pay, however on occasion it is possible to seek out the best deal particularly when buying souvenirs in the markets in Terskol.
What type of plug is used in Russia?
Russia uses a Type C Europlug as well as the Type E and Type F Schuko. The voltage is 220-240.
What Language is Spoken in Russia?
Russian is the official language of Russia. English is not widely spoken or written in Russia. All of our guides at Adventure Alternative can understand and speak English, however, outside of that do not expect to hear much English.
