Russian currency is the Rouble (Rbl). There are 100 kopeks in 1 rouble. Notes are in denominations of Rbl 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rbl 5, 2 and 1.

Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaus and authorized banks, and all transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form which is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain all exchange receipts. Bureau de change are numerous and easy to locate. Large shops and hotels offer their own exchange facilities. US Dollars in pristine condition are the easiest currency to exchange. It is illegal to settle accounts in hard currency and to change money unofficially. Do not accept any notes printed before 1998.

Monday – Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm.

Major European and international credit and debit cards, including Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted in the larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants, but cash (in Roubles) is preferred. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that might be available.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers cheques in US Dollars are recommended.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited but sums greater than US$3000 (or equivalent) must be declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 Hz. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.

Do not drink tap water - not even for cleaning your teeth.

Consult with your doctor to make sure that you are up to date with all vaccines, and consider including vaccinations for diptheria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. A flu shot is also useful if you plan to travel to Russia in spring or autumn when viruses are common.

Foreigners usually prefer to be treated at private clinics, which are very costly. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Remember to bring any medications you may need.

Russian is the country’s official language, although there are over 100 regional dialects. Some locals speak English, French, or German but learning a few words of Russian would really enhance your experience.

With the demise of the Soviet Union, crime has been rising throughout Russia, but is mostly related to rival mafia gangs. Taking normal precautions that you would in many of the world’s cities should be sufficient; i.e. not flaunting valuables or not walking alone at night through city streets or parks.

Pick-pocketing and bag filching may occur on crowded public transport and hotel rooms are not thief-proof. Lock everything into your bags before leaving the room and use a safe deposit if there is one.

Take care with taxis. Do not use unmarked taxis or accept rides in taxis that already have a rider.

Travel to Chechnya and the north Caucasus is not recommended; check the Foreign Office site or tour operators for up-to-date warnings. Otherwise stay on the regular tourist routes.

It is strongly advised not to travel to Chechyna, Ingushetia, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai, particularly where it borders Chechnya and North Ossetia. It is advised that potential travellers monitor this situation. There is a high threat from domestic terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places.

Despite the recent rapid improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure, telephoning in Russia can be difficult and expensive. Best bet is to use the phone at your hotel or use AT&T, Sprint or MCI's USA direct services. Tokens are required for street pay phones, which can be purchased at newsstands, in some stores, and many kiosks.

There are many reasonably-priced internet cafés in the bigger cities.

Time is GMT +3 for both Moscow & St Petersburg. The territory of Russia spans through seven times zones: GMT +2, GMT +3, GMT +4, GMT +5, GMT +8, GMT +10, GMT +12.

Hotels in Moscow and other large cities include a 10-15% service charge. Otherwise 10-15% per cent is a customary tip in restaurants, depending on the service.

There is no sales tax. However, in most cases, VAT (Value Added Tax) is 18%. There are reduced rates of VAT of 10% that refers mainly to children's products and food products.

VAT is charged on assets and services in Russia as well as on imports into Russia. Medications and medical products and technological products are exempt from VAT on being imported.

VAT returns are made once a month, if the VAT payable is over Rbl 3,000; the payment is made up until the 20th day after the current month.

When the VAT payable is less than Rbl 3000, the return is made quarterly, and not monthly.

All foreigners are required to have entry visas to travel to the Russia. A hotel reservation is required in order to obtain a visa. Russian entry visas can be obtained at your local Russian Embassy or Consulate. Visit http://www.russianembassy.net/ for more information.