Essential info for Russia
Time: In 2010, Russia cut the number of time zones within its borders from 11 to nine, and in 2011 Russia abolished its age-old practice of switching the clocks for daylight savings time. Time zones in Russia now range from UTC +3 to UTC +12 (omitting UTC +5) moving from West to East, respectively. Moscow and St Petersburg are GMT +4.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round, two-pin plugs are used in Russia.
Language: Russian is the official language, and only an estimated one fifth of the population speaks an additional second language. English, French and German are sometimes spoken, but are far less common than in other European destinations. In total there are over 140 languages and dialects spoken in Russia; the most common minority language is Tatar.
Safety Information: Crime continues to be a problem in Russia, though, crimes against foreigners are generally related to theft or extortion. Pickpocketing and street crime are especially common in large cities, and expats should be especially vigilante in pedestrian areas and on public transportation. Assaults, namely verbal harassment or spitting, directed at expats of an ethnic minority are also increasing in number, black people, Asians and Arabs, in particular.
Scams of all types – the Russians are known for their creativity – are also common. Never remove your wallet or hand over your passport unless an individual has accreditation that warrants this procedure. Expats should ask to see official ID from police officers, and should avoid all political protests and demonstrations.
Expats should not go to Chechnya, Dagestan or Ingushetia, due to the compromised security situation in the North Caucasus. North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachai-Cherkessia are also not particularly safe. Domestic terrorism and hostage-taking are serious threats throughout Russia, especially in the North Caucasus region.
Local Customs: It is illegal to photograph anything related to the military, strategic sites or airports. Expats should be aware that the Russian people consider it rude to refuse alcohol, food and gifts. It is advisable for women to wear skirts and a headscarf when entering a Russian Orthodox church. Foreigners are legally required to carry passports for identification; copies are not adequate.
Business: For the most part, the business etiquette in Russia is similar to that of most Western countries. It is important for expats to dress formally, and to use a firm handshake and direct eye contact when meeting people, and when developing a good network of resident associates. Business cards are exchanged, and expats should have these printed with English and Russian on alternate sides. The usual business hours are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Russia is +7, and the 0 on the relevant area code must be included. For calls out of Russia, dial 8 (wait for a changed tone), followed by 10, and then the relevant country code (e.g. 8-10-44 for the United Kingdom). There are city and area codes in use (e.g. 495 for Moscow; 812 for St. Petersburg). Public phones and phone cards (available at newsagents and post offices) can be used for both local and international calls. Mobile phones work in most areas, and local operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Internet cafés and personal broadband are available in larger towns and cities throughout Russia.
Emergencies: The number for emergency assistance is 112 (this single sytem number was only rolled out in 2011, and will only be completed nationwide in 2012).
Climate: Russia has a predominantly continental climate, although this becomes Arctic in the north. The weather gets more severe the further East you go, with eastern Siberia experiencing the worst winters. There is snowfall in northern Russia for much of the year, but the south has warm summers with high rainfall and colder, snowy winters. The weather in spring and autumn is generally mild and fairly dry.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round, two-pin plugs are used in Russia.
Language: Russian is the official language, and only an estimated one fifth of the population speaks an additional second language. English, French and German are sometimes spoken, but are far less common than in other European destinations. In total there are over 140 languages and dialects spoken in Russia; the most common minority language is Tatar.
Safety Information: Crime continues to be a problem in Russia, though, crimes against foreigners are generally related to theft or extortion. Pickpocketing and street crime are especially common in large cities, and expats should be especially vigilante in pedestrian areas and on public transportation. Assaults, namely verbal harassment or spitting, directed at expats of an ethnic minority are also increasing in number, black people, Asians and Arabs, in particular.
Scams of all types – the Russians are known for their creativity – are also common. Never remove your wallet or hand over your passport unless an individual has accreditation that warrants this procedure. Expats should ask to see official ID from police officers, and should avoid all political protests and demonstrations.
Expats should not go to Chechnya, Dagestan or Ingushetia, due to the compromised security situation in the North Caucasus. North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachai-Cherkessia are also not particularly safe. Domestic terrorism and hostage-taking are serious threats throughout Russia, especially in the North Caucasus region.
Local Customs: It is illegal to photograph anything related to the military, strategic sites or airports. Expats should be aware that the Russian people consider it rude to refuse alcohol, food and gifts. It is advisable for women to wear skirts and a headscarf when entering a Russian Orthodox church. Foreigners are legally required to carry passports for identification; copies are not adequate.
Business: For the most part, the business etiquette in Russia is similar to that of most Western countries. It is important for expats to dress formally, and to use a firm handshake and direct eye contact when meeting people, and when developing a good network of resident associates. Business cards are exchanged, and expats should have these printed with English and Russian on alternate sides. The usual business hours are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Russia is +7, and the 0 on the relevant area code must be included. For calls out of Russia, dial 8 (wait for a changed tone), followed by 10, and then the relevant country code (e.g. 8-10-44 for the United Kingdom). There are city and area codes in use (e.g. 495 for Moscow; 812 for St. Petersburg). Public phones and phone cards (available at newsagents and post offices) can be used for both local and international calls. Mobile phones work in most areas, and local operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Internet cafés and personal broadband are available in larger towns and cities throughout Russia.
Emergencies: The number for emergency assistance is 112 (this single sytem number was only rolled out in 2011, and will only be completed nationwide in 2012).
Climate: Russia has a predominantly continental climate, although this becomes Arctic in the north. The weather gets more severe the further East you go, with eastern Siberia experiencing the worst winters. There is snowfall in northern Russia for much of the year, but the south has warm summers with high rainfall and colder, snowy winters. The weather in spring and autumn is generally mild and fairly dry.
