Russia Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Moscow
- Currency
- Russian Ruble (RUB ₽)
- Best time to visit
- May to September for city exploration and the White Nights of St. Petersburg (June). December to February for the theatrical snow-covered landscapes of Red Square and ice festivals.
Visa requirements
Most Western nationals require a tourist visa obtained from a Russian embassy. The e-Visa system (available to some nationalities) has been suspended for many countries. Check current entry requirements carefully as they change frequently.
Getting around
Russia's vast distances are bridged by an extensive rail network—including overnight trains and the Trans-Siberian—plus high-speed Sapsan trains between Moscow and St Petersburg and domestic flights for the longest routes. Major cities have grand, efficient metros, and the ride-hailing app Yandex Go is the dominant way to get a taxi.
Safety
Check your government's current travel advisories before planning travel. Western nations have issued various advisories since 2022. For those who travel: Moscow and St. Petersburg tourist zones are generally safe with normal urban precautions. Most Western payment cards don't function in Russia. Consular access for some nationalities may be limited.
Tipping customs
Tipping is customary in restaurants, where around 10% is normal (check for an added service charge). Taxi fares booked by app are usually paid as quoted without extra tipping, while small change for hotel porters and housekeeping is appreciated.
Travel tips
Russian is essential in smaller cities — learn Cyrillic at minimum for navigating transport. The Trans-Siberian Railway (Moscow to Vladivostok, 9,289km) is one of the world's great journeys but requires substantial planning. The Bolshoi Ballet and Mariinsky Theatre offer world-class performance.