Tips

Summer is an excellent time to travel but be prepared for more tourists in the major cities. Museums may be a little crowded but it is nothing in comparison with the crowds in Venice or London for example.

Water isn't of the same standard as water in Western Europe and the USA.

Russians use roubles. Cash is still widely used in Russia, although in the big cities you won’t face difficulties using card.

The crime rate is definitely lower than in New York or London or Paris, but it is always advisable to being cautions and be aware of the crooks and people offering accommodation or selling things.

It is customary to tip in restaurants and cafes.

Who is eligible for Tax Free Shopping?

There are a lot of handicrafts that can be purchased that are intimately related to Russia: nesting dolls, lacquered boxes, traditional Russian outfits - sarafans and head-dresses kokoshniks, wood carving and painted figurines, khokhloma wood crockery and many other nice souvenirs.