Is it safe to travel to Russia?
Travelling in Russia is no more dangerous than travelling in any other European country if you use common sense and obey the regulations.
- Looking after your belongings: To avoid attracting the attention of thieves, don’t flaunt your valuables and keep an eye on your stuff in crowded areas. Keep your valuables with you when riding the night train because you might have trouble sleeping.
- Getting around safely: Because not every driver follows the rules, always remember to buckle your seatbelt and look both ways before crossing any streets. For a safe ride, use public transport or apps/official taxi services to order cabs.
- Safe and unsafe areas: We do not provide excursions to certain locations in Russia, although they are deemed hazardous. We advise you to return to the tourist areas if you find yourself in a city area that makes you feel uneasy.
- For travellers who don’t speak Russian: Knowing a few key phrases will help, but tourists shouldn’t encounter any major problems in busy cities or popular tourist destinations. A guidebook or map can be useful for figuring out your surroundings and asking for directions.
- Having a smooth trip through customs: Before packing your suitcase for Russia, check whether any of your belongings are restricted. For example, cultural items or food might not be allowed through customs. You should also research whether your medication is legal in the country.
- Solo female travellers: Russia is no more unsafe for female solo travellers than any other country. You will see many women exploring cities by themselves, but use the same precautions you would in any other nation.
Looking after your belongings
Keep an eye on your belongings when you are in a public place, and don’t ostentatiously display valuables or large sums of money. It’s a good idea to split up your cards into different bags and leave more valuable items at your hotel. Watch your bags carefully on public transportation, as pickpockets often operate there.
Road safety
Keep in mind that you should look both ways before crossing the street, as motor vehicles frequently do not stop at zebra crossings or red lights in more populous areas. While it is not required by law to wear a seatbelt while driving, it is always recommended.
Travelling in Russia
Unlicensed taxis are not only more expensive but also less dependable. If you’re looking for a safe ride, it’s best to order your cab from an airport kiosk or have your hotel call one for you. There are also plenty of apps, such as Yandex Taxi or Uber, which let you pay in advance and track/share your journey–not to mention they’re cheaper.
Public transportation in Russian towns is always available and usually Safe. If you know some Cyrillic, it is beneficial. However, in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, maps and intercoms will have English translations. If you’re unsure about anything, ask a local resident or check out our instructions for using the Moscow metro or the St. Petersburg metro. If you’re traveling overnight on a train, be sure to keep an eye on your stuff; if you’re staying in a compartment with others, make sure to bring your passport and other valuables with you while sleeping.. You should store your passport and other valuables in a tiny travel-bag when sleeping; knowing your fellow passengers can also assist securen
Safe and unsafe areas
Although some areas of Russia are considered off-limits by both Russian and foreign governments, Express to Russia still offers tours of these places. Just like any other city in the world, there exist dangerous regions in many ofRussia’s cities. However, if you use caution and follow your gut instinct as you would at home, you should be just fine. If at any point during your travels you begin to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, simply head back towards a more populated area where tourists frequently visit.
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Is it necessary to know Russian?
If you’re traveling to a Russian-speaking country, it can be enormously beneficial to learn some key phrases in the language. Even if you don’t know any Russian, though, you’ll probably be just fine in larger cities and tourist areas. Still, it’s always useful to have a map or guidebook with you so that you can orient yourself and ask for directions when needed.
Do they speak English in Russia?
Only 11% of the population of Russia speaks English, which is less than other European countries. However, in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and bars, it’s likely that some personnel speak English. In major cities, there are also special English-speaking tourist police. On maps and intercoms in larger cities, English translations are available frequently on public transport services; nevertheless , it’s unlikely that transportation personnel will speak English.Keep in mind that there is a generation gap: younger folks have had more opportunity to hear spoken English, but it’s typical for the older generation, even in the major cities, to speak no English at all.
Alcohol
Drinks can be tricky, especially if you’re getting them from a sketchy kiosk and it’s hard alcohol. We recommend avoiding the cheap stuff in these cases and go for brands that you recognize–ones with respectable labels and information. It’s not uncommon for fake alcohol to end up being sold at certain stores, which more often than not leads to dangerous consequences. So next time you plan on pre-gaming,think quality over quantity!
Don’t be excessively loud and inebriated on the streets, since this may attract unwanted attention and put you in a hazardous position. It’s also illegal to consume alcohol on the streets of Russia. Be patient, polite, and cooperative; show your passport, migration card, and registration card if requested. If you’re asked to pay a fine for allegedly incorrect documentation despite your efforts at negotiation, ask to view the officer’s ID; inform a friend; and request an interpreter.
Staying safe in all seasons
Make sure you check a thorough weather forecast before you pack since the Russian climate is well known for its volatility and unpredictability. Autumn and winter are generally mild in other European countries, but they may bring unpleasant surprises in Russia. Even in October and April, snows, lows, and storms aren’t uncommon. Winter is especially important to be aware of. Temperatures below -20 degrees Fahrenheit are unusual for most people and require them to dress appropriately. It’s vital to bring a hat, scarf, gloves, sensible shoes, and, above all else, an umbrella when visiting St Petersburg!
Having a smooth trip through customs
Before packing your suitcases with items from your travels, make sure to check the customs regulations for what you can and cannot bring back home. In addition to the typical duty-free restrictions, there are some other items that may not be allowed through Russian customs. For example, you will need official permission to transport works of art or items of Russian cultural value out of the country. If you visit markets or antiques stores during your trip, you might come across interesting Soviet memorabilia. However, problems can occur if you try to take home medals and awards without proper documentation.
The amount of food that tourists can take home is restricted when transporting Russian specialties such as sturgeon caviar. It’s crucial to check whether you’re taking any medications that are banned in Russia. Double-check the legality of ADHD medicines, painkillers, tranquilizers, and psychotropic drugs, for example.
Solo female travellers
Although single women are permitted to travel throughout Russia, caution should still be exercised as in any other city. In a foreign metropolis, walk around alone and people may not give you a second look, so ladies must be on the lookout and use common sense like at home. Avoid hitchhiking and try not to attract undue attention to yourself.
Speaking to Russian people
Contrary to media images, Russian people are usually quite helpful and hospitable towards travelers. They will often go the extra mile to assist you or provide guidance if they can. Even though smiling is not as customary in Russia as it is in other places, that doesn’t signal that you’re unwanted. Just be respectful and patient with any language difficulties. Overall, you are less likely to find yourself in an unsafe situation while visiting Russia. If you use your judgment and follow the rules, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring this lovely nation.
