Travel advice for Russia.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Russia.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

  • For ATM cash withdrawals

  • For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

  • For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

Russian ruble RUB

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Payment by credit card is relatively common. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

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Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 1 h (Kaliningrad); + 3 h (Moscow, St. Petersburg); + 3-12 h (extreme east of the country)

National language

Official language

Russian

Language capabilities

English and German

Capital

Moscow (Moskwa)

Country code for calling Switzerland

8 (wait for dialing tone) 10 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay with visa.
The tourists cards given with the entry are essential to leave the country.
Find out in advance about the documents necessary to obtain a visa.
Travellers who want to visit one or several CEI States must request a visa for everyone of them (transit passengers also).
Tourists must register with police upon arrival. These formalities are settled by the hotel for package travel.
Exit permit required. In general, the permit is issued together with the entry visa (if not, it has to be obtained at least 2 days before departure at one of the Intourist agencies on site).
Health insurance protection valid in Russia strongly recommended.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Moskau, Serpov Pereulok 6
Tel. +7 495 258 38 30

Opening hours

Banks

9.30 - 19.00/21.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

8.00/9.00 - 19.00/20.00 h (Mon - Sat)

Driving
  • Swiss driver's licence (possibly with Russian translation) in principle accepted. International driver's licence recommended, because it is more easily understandable for car rental services and authorities.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 23 to 25 (varies by company).

  • CH sticker, first-aid kit, bright signal jacket, fire extinguisher and breakdown triangle mandatory.

  • Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Travelers are advised to carry with them their passport or a photocopy thereof (must include page with visa).

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Malgrado l'aumento delle misure di sicurezza esiste sempre il rischio di attacchi terroristici.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

  • Beware of purse snatching, pick pocketing and auto break-ins.

  • Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

  • Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.

  • Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

Find out more about Travel

Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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