Russia

Russia: currency, shopping and souvenirs

Shopping and souvenirs

Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs

If you want to go shopping in Russia, bring plenty of time with you. Shopping often takes place in three steps: first you queue up to take a look at what you want and ask about the price, then to pay at the checkout, and finally to pick up the goods with the receipt.

If you don't speak Russian, always have a pen and paper with you when you go shopping. On the one hand, the seller can note the price, on the other hand, in case of doubt, you can record what you would like to purchase.

Please note that when you buy antiques, old books and icons, you are only allowed to do so with the approval of the Ministry of Culture. Unfortunately, this permission is not given for private use.

As a souvenir from Russia, handicrafts are particularly recommended: a wide variety of ceramic vessels (faience), the finest colorful porcelain painting, framed in silver or nickel silver (Rostov enamel), wood-carved plates, figurines and jewelry boxes as well as hand-embroidered or hand-printed cloths, tablecloths, runners, doilies and blouses. Not to be forgotten are the numerous reproductions of small old icons and modern pictures and sculptures, which are relatively affordable for the western wallet. When buying a work of art, please note that you will be issued a receipt that you must show to the customs authorities when you leave the country.

Shop opening times

• Department stores in the Russian Federation are usually open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Grocery stores are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and also on Sundays and public holidays. As in many former communist countries, there is also the so-called late sale in Russia, mainly grocery stores that are open 24 hours.
• Restaurants are usually open between 12 p.m. and midnight and take a lunch break in the afternoon (around 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Cafes and snack bars have different opening times depending on the road location.

Currency

The national currency in the Russian Federation is the ruble (Rbl, RUB as ISO code).

1 ruble = 100 kopecks

The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:

• 5 rub
• 10 rubles
• 50 rub
• 100 rub
• 500 rub

There are coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 rubles and kopecks in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50.

Russia: Samovar © goruma (V. Koppenwallner)

Bank opening hours

• Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: closed

Russia: entry and exit regulations

Formalities, visas

The following visa requirements apply to German, Austrian and Swiss citizens.

Entry into the Russian Federation is possible with the following visas: tourist, business, private, multiple and permanent visas. A transit visa is generally required to pass through. An exception are transit travelers who do not leave the transit area and continue their journey within 24 hours and who are in possession of confirmed return or onward flight tickets and valid entry documents for the destination country. If you need to change airports for onward travel, you will need a transit visa. Please note that visas are not issued at the border, but must be applied for at the responsible consular mission in good time before the start of the journey. In general, leaving the Russian Federation without a valid visa is not possible (e.g. expired tourist visa or if you lose your passport). In the event of a visa or passport loss during the trip, both a passport replacement and a new Russian visa must be applied for from the local Russian passport and visa services. Visa extensions are usually not possible.

The visa fees for German, Austrian and Swiss citizens vary in amount:

• German citizens: The different visa fees (for all visa types) depend on the exchange rate and the processing time. The Russian Embassy in Berlin no longer accepts visa applications by post.
  • One-time tourist visa: 45 € (7-14 days processing time)
  • Double tourist visa: € 75 (7-14 days processing time)
  • One-time business/personal/transit visa: 65 € (7-14 days processing time)
  • Double business/transit visa: 110 € (7-14 days processing time)
  • Entry visa: 70 € (7-14 days processing time).
• Austrians: There is an equal visa fee for all visa types, which is staggered according to the processing time and the frequency of entry.
  • Single entry: 170 € (on the same day), 130 € (up to 3 calendar days processing time), 110 € (4-6 calendar days processing time), 90 € (7-13 calendar days processing time), 68 € (from 14 calendar days processing time).
  • Double entry: € 240 (on the same day), € 200 (up to 3 calendar days processing time), 190 € (4-6 calendar days processing time), 160 € (7-13 calendar days processing time), 125 € (from 14 calendar days processing time).
• Swiss: There is an equally high visa fee for all visa types, which is staggered according to the processing time and the frequency of entry.
  • Standard rate (at least 14 days): 105 CHF (single entry), 200 CHF (double entry), 550 CHF (multiple entry).
  • Express tariff (less than 14 days): 140 CHF (single entry), 210 CHF (double entry), 560 CHF (multiple entry).
  • Express tariff (2 working days or on the next working day): 210 CHF (single entry), 230 CHF (double entry), 570 CHF (multiple entry).
  • Express tariff (on the same day): 240 CHF (single entry), 250 CHF (double entry), 600 CHF (multiple entry).

The period of validity of the visa varies depending on the type of visa. The general rule:

• Tourist visa: 1 month maximum.
• Visitor/business visa: 3 months maximum.
• Transit Visa: Maximum 72 hours. (Transit visas can only be used once.)
• Visa extensions are usually not possible.

Checklist for a visa application (tourist, business, transit and also entry visas for a stay of more than three months) for the Russian Federation:

• An application form
• A current passport photo
• A passport with at least one blank page that is valid for at least three months after the planned arrival; For children under 16 years of age, the child's photo ID or children's passport (from 01/01/2006) or an entry in their parents' passport (from 4 years of age with a photo) applies.
• The same visa requirements apply to children as to their parents. The children entered in the parental passport must also be noted accordingly in the parental visa.
• A travel confirmation from the Russian tour operator
• A booking receipt from the hotel along with the hotel's accreditation number or proof of private accommodation
• Health insurance valid for the Russian Federation (private foreign health insurance with repatriation)
• A return ticket (photocopy)
• Visa fee (stamped original of the payment receipt for bank transfer)

Additions:

• Supplement for tourist visa: When entering the country by bus, car or motorcycle, a corresponding note (number plate, model and color) is required on the visa
• Business visa supplement: An official company letter stating the purpose of the trip, route, length of stay, exact entry and exit dates and the address of the local company with the signature of the business partner is required. Inquire whether the Russian business partner has to apply to the Foreign Ministry in Moscow for a formal, original invitation.
• Supplementary transit visa: Confirmed return or onward flight tickets and valid entry documents for the destination country are required. Transit travelers can only leave the airport with a transit visa.
• Supplementary entry visa for a stay of more than three months: An invitation from the Ministry of the Interior or Foreign Ministry and a negative HIV test are required.

Important information when entering and leaving the Russian Federation:

• Tourists staying in the Russian Federation for more than three days must register their visas with the local police through their hotel or host families or business partners. Private travelers should report to the local police immediately after entering the country. Police registration can also be carried out by the Russian partner of the German, Austrian or Swiss travel company through whom a visa was obtained.
• Since February 10, 2003, you have been given a free migration card upon entry, on which personal data, the type, duration and purpose of your stay as well as your accommodation must be noted. This card must be presented when registering the visa with the police (no later than three days after entry!) And handed over to the border protection authorities upon departure.

The following is responsible for issuing visas in Germany:

Embassy of the Russian Federation Unter den Linden 63-65 10117 Berlin Tel: 0049- (0) 30-2291129/10 Fax: 0049- (0) 30-2299397

Consular section of the embassy

Behrenstrasse 66

10117 Berlin

Tel: 0049- (0) 30-22651184 (Visa questions)

Fax: 0190-773313 (€ 0.78/min.)

Visa section of the Russian Federation

Reichensteiner Weg 34-36

14195 Berlin

Tel: 0049- (0) 30-8327004

Fax: 0049- (0) 30-8325049

Embassy of the Russian Federation, Berlin © goruma

Import and export of foreign currency

• Local currency

  The tax exemption for importing and exporting local currency is 50,000 rubles. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited, but there is an obligation to declare from an amount equivalent to US $ 1,500. Due to the stricter foreign exchange regulations, you should urgently declare any amount of cash upon entry. Foreign currencies can be exported up to a maximum of the declared imported amount minus the exchanged amounts (entry of the exchange in the foreign exchange form). When exporting larger amounts, the origin must be documented.

• Foreign currencies

  It is advisable to only exchange foreign currencies in official exchange offices and banks and to note every change on the declaration form, as well as to keep all receipts until departure. You can exchange money outside of banking hours in international hotels, exchange offices and airports. Most of the big hotels and department stores also have ATMs where you can withdraw cash with a credit or debit card. All international credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard and Visa) and cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted worldwide. Contact the issuer of the credit card in question for details. When using travelers checks, please ensure that they are made out in US dollars. Euro checks are not accepted in Russia.

Departure fee

As far as the current status of the entry and exit conditions of the Russian Federation is known, no exit fees will be charged.

Import and export of goods

The import and export of weapons, ammunition, explosives, pornography, drugs / narcotics (and anything that can be considered as accessories for drug use) and third party items are strictly prohibited. In addition, the import and export of protected plants, animals, certain types of fruit and vegetables, as well as photographs and printed media directed against the Russian Federation are prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties. The import of all things required for the stay and the trip is permitted. Valuables must be declared upon entry so that they can be exported again without any problems. Antiques, works of art, typewriters, cameras, manuscripts, weapons and ammunition for hunting purposes, Currencies and valuable metals and gemstones are subject to certain import and export regulations. Contact the Embassy of the Russian Federation for details. There is an export ban for objects with historical, scientific, artistic or cultural value.

The following articles can be imported into the Russian Federation duty-free (only for people over 17 years of age):

• 400 cigarettes or 200 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 500 g tobacco
• 2 l alcoholic beverages
• Perfume for personal use
• Merchandise, gifts and other merchandise up to a value of US $ 10,000

Please note that a customs declaration must be completed upon entry, which you must present to the customs officer upon departure. All private items imported, including currencies and valuables, must be recorded on this form. It is advisable to inquire about the current customs regulations when entering the country in order to avoid lengthy customs formalities.

Entry with pets

For the owners of dogs and other animals, when traveling abroad, the question arises whether they can even take their animals with them to the chosen travel destination, and if that is possible, then of course the question of the respective applicable conditions arises. Here with us you will find all the important information on this topic, seriously researched at the embassies or the Foreign Office.

A health certificate is required for the importation of pets into Russia, which confirms that the animal is healthy and free from infectious diseases. This health certificate must not be older than ten days at the time of entry.

In addition, every animal must be vaccinated against rabies upon entry. The rabies vaccination must have been given at least 30 days before arrival in Russia, but must not be more than twelve months ago.

Pets in the airplane

When transporting pets in airplanes there is the possibility that the animal flies together with an accompanying person (owner) or without such a person.

Transporting animals with an accompanying person (keeper)

In this case, proceed as follows: At the airport, the animal is locked in a transport box provided by the keeper beforehand. It must be ensured that the container is large enough for the animal to stand in it and turn around, and that no liquids can run out (urine). This is done using suitable absorbent material, in the simplest case using a sufficient amount of newspaper.

There should also be a water bowl and, depending on the length of the flight, enough food. The transport container is handed over to the staff at the check-in counter. The transport fee depends on the weight of the animal. It is essential to ensure that there is space for the animal on the flight booked, as the number of animals that can be transported is limited.

The animal is located in the machine in an air-conditioned area between the passenger deck and the cargo area. As a rule, no member of the crew takes care of the animal during the flight, not even to give water or food.

However, experience has shown that the stress of checking in and the take-off phase is so stressful for most animals that they sleep for most of the flight. The administration of sedatives prior to check-in is not only not recommended, as their effects cannot be foreseen under these conditions, but is even prohibited for reasons of security (smuggling). Many airlines also exclude a number of dogs (attack dogs) from transport.

Animal transport without an accompanying person

In this case, a specialist company must be commissioned with the transport, which then takes care of everything else. However, it should be ensured that the animal is picked up at the arrival airport by someone who is familiar to the dog. And of course all import regulations for pets for the country have to be explored beforehand and strictly adhered to.

Note

It has proven to be very helpful if you have accustomed the animal to such a transport container at home a few weeks before the intended flight.

Russia: Travel Medicine, Vaccinations and Warnings

Infectious Diseases

In Russia, the following infectious diseases are to be expected, which are not or less common in Germany or Central and Northern Europe:

• Malaria There is no risk of malaria anywhere in the Russian Confederation.
• Amoebic dysentery
• Bacterial agitation
• Lyme disease - as a result of tick bites
• Cholera - but there is only a risk of infection for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
• Intestinal infections caused by contaminated food or water, including amoebas, lamblia, salmonella, shigella, worm infestation and all kinds of viruses and bacteria
• Typhus
• Early summer meningo encephalitis (TBE) - mainly as a result of tick bites
• Fox tapeworm
• Hepatitis A and B
• Japan encephalitis - occurs in the rural areas of south-east Siberia and in the coastal areas south of Khabarovsk.
• Polio, polio
• Pest isolated
• rabies
• Trichinella infections - from eating the meat of certain animals such as brown bears, polar bears, raccoons, and walruses.
• tetanus
• tuberculosis
• Typhoid - however, there is only a risk of infection for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.

Recommended vaccinations

when traveling to Russia are recommended vaccinations against the following diseases:

• Cholera - but only among travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
• Diphtheria - a vaccination against diphtheria should always exist, also in the home country.
• Hepatitis A and B - vaccination against hepatitis B is only necessary for people who may come into contact with blood or for those who are looking for sexual contact.
• Japan encephalitis - only for travelers to the infected areas
• Polio, polio - vaccination against polio should always exist, also in the home country.
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Tetanus - a vaccination against tetanus should always exist, also in the home country.
• Rabies - but only for high-risk travelers who can come into contact with the vector animals.
• Typhoid - but only for travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.

Compulsory vaccination

There are no vaccination requirements when entering or staying in the country.

Who pays for vaccinations in Germany?

Most children in Germany are vaccinated against a number of infectious diseases at an early age. However, the vaccination protection only lasts up to 10 years, in some cases even shorter. Therefore, before traveling abroad, you should carefully consider against which infectious diseases a vaccination is necessary or useful in the country concerned and whether the vaccination protection, if applicable, was not too long ago.

Most statutory health insurances have been reimbursing the costs for the following vaccinations since June 2007.

There is even no 10 € practice fee - but the insured usually have to pay the statutory co-payment, which is 10% of the vaccine price - that is at least 5 € and a maximum of 10 €. Under these conditions, the following vaccinations are free of charge:

• cholera
• diphtheria
• Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)
• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A and B
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Pneumococci
• Polyo (polio)
• Tetanus (tetanus)
• rabies
• typhus

Some health insurance companies also reimburse the cost of malaria prophylaxis.

As a rule, private health insurance companies (inquire beforehand) also cover the costs mentioned.

Warning notices

Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens' Service

Phone: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 2000

Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 5000 - 51000

www.auswaertiges-amt.de

Russia: Transportation

How do you get to Russia?

Airplane

The major international airlines fly to Russia regularly.

There are direct connections from all German airports, and there are also daily or several weekly flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg from Zurich, Geneva and Vienna.

Moscow can be reached via Düsseldorf with the German Lufthansa (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays) or via Baden-Baden and Frankfurt-Hahn.

St. Petersburg is served by the airline Aero Flight from Berlin-Tegel, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

The Austrian airline offers scheduled flights from Vienna to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Rostov, Krasnodar and Minsk. So-called cheap flights can be booked with Germanwings from Cologne-Bonn to Moscow and from Berlin-Schönefeld to Moscow-Vnukovo.

Ferries

• Shipping company: Finnlines
• Offer: Ferry trips from Lübeck to St. Petersburg
• Shipping company: Silja Line
• Offer: Ferry connection from Rostock via Tallin to St. Petersburg

Railway

connections:

• Several connections from Berlin via Warsaw and Brest
• A connection via Warsaw and Brest (Belarus)
• Night train D-Nacht Moskva-Express between Berlin and Moscow
• Two night trains daily from Berlin via Frankfurt/Oder and Poland to Kaliningrad; Driving time approx. 12 hours
• From spring 2006 tourist trains are planned between Berlin and St. Petersburg
• Direct trains or through coaches from other western and eastern European cities as well as from Turkey, Iran, Mongolia and China
• The Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to the Siberian Pacific coast (daily train service) and further by ferry from Nakhodka to Yokohama, Japan (usually only once a week); Travel time 10 days, longest uninterrupted train route in the world (7 time zones and 9745 km from Europe to the Pacific, 91 stops between Vladivostok and Moscow)
• The Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow via Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar to Beijing; Bed linen and towels only in first class; Passengers should bring their own alcoholic beverages
• The Trans-Mongolian Railway from Moscow to Irkutsk (Siberia), past Lake Baikal and into Mongolia. The trip to the Mongolian capital Ulan Batur is particularly attractive because of its landscape. The trip ends in Beijing. The Tsar Gold special train runs from Moscow to Beijing between May and September; Journey time 16 days

Bus and car

When entering the Russian Federation by rental car or your own car, you should note the following:

• Opening times of the border crossings: Summer between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., in winter only until 6 p.m.
• When entering the country by car, the visa should be registered the first time you spend the night in a hotel, motel or campsite. Make sure that the license plate is entered on the visa.
• Passengers traveling by car should insure their car with the state insurance company Ingosstrach (there are branches at every border crossing and in every major city), as they (have to!) Undertake in writing to export the vehicle upon arrival.
• Note that the international green insurance card is not valid in the Russian Federation. A special certificate must be filled out and a short comprehensive insurance taken out, since the letters of protection of the automobile clubs are only valid in the European part (usually only a reimbursement of costs and no practical help).
• Travelers can only use the routes that have been approved by their tour operator.
• A maximum of one tank full of canisters can be imported into the Russian Federation duty-free. Otherwise, the supply of petrol stations and service facilities on the European roads in the Russian Federation is very well guaranteed. Two of the most important European routes are the main routes:
  • Brest - Minsk/Belarus - Smolensk - Moscow - Tver - Skant Petersburg - Vyberg
  • Shegini - Lwow - Rowno - Kiev - Odessa/all Ukraine - Leusheny/ Moldova

Distance between the largest cities in the CIS:

• Moscow - St. Petersburg: 692 km
• Moscow - Rostov: 1198 km
• Moscow - Minsk/Belarus: 690 km
• Moscow - Kiev/Ukraine: 858 km
• Moscow - Odessa/Ukraine: 1347 km

Travel in the country

Flight connections

In the Russian Federation, the plane is the most important means of domestic transport. With its four airports, Moscow is the hub of the national flight network:

• Airport name: Sheremetyevo (SVO)
  • Location: located 29 km northwest of the city of Moscow
  • Approach: international, national
  • Service: duty-free shops, tourist information, bank, rental car counter, post office, exchange office and restaurants
  • Mobility:

    Taxis to Moscow are available around the clock at the arrivals level of Terminal 2 and in front of Terminal 1; Regular taxis and Airbus connections on fixed routes (departure every 20 minutes).

    Express buses leave the bus stops in front of Terminal 1 and the bus station at the arrivals level from Terminal 2 to Moscow continuously.

    Metro connection with bus lines 851 (to Metro station Rechnoi Vokzal) and 817 (to Metro station Planernaya); Travel time: 45 minutes by bus, then 30 minutes by underground to the city center.

    Bus connections also between the airport and the air terminal of Moscow Central Station; Travel time: 50 min.

  • Internet: www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru
• Airport name: Domodedovo (DME)
  • Location: 40 km outside Moscow
  • Approach: international, national
  • Mobility:

    Airport buses run from the central air terminal to the airport; Travel time 80 min.

  • Internet: www.eastline.ru
• Airport name: Vnukowo Airport (VKO)
  • Location: 11 km southwest of Moscow
  • Approach: international, national
  • Service: duty-free shops
  • Mobility:

    Taxis are available.

    Airport buses run from the central air terminal to the airport; Travel time 75 min.

  • Internet: www.vnukovo.ru
• Airport name: Bykowo (BKA)
  • Location: 40 km southeast of Moscow
  • Approach: national
  • Mobility:

    Taxis are available.

    Airport buses run from the central air terminal to the airport; Driving time 1 hour

  • Internet: www.vladalex.ru/

Average flight times between the largest cities in the CIS:

Moscow - Almaty/Kazakhstan: 4 hours 15,

Moscow - Baku/Azerbaijan: 3 hours,

Moscow - Bratsk/Russ. Föd: 6 hours 45,

Moscow - Bukhara/Uzbekistan: 3 hours 45,

Moscow - Jambul/Kazakhstan: 3 hours 45,

Moscow - Donetsk/Ukraine: 1 hour 30,

Moscow - Yerevan/Armenia: 4 hours 30,

Moscow - Irkutsk/Russ. Föd: 7 hours,

Moscow - Khabarovsk/Russ. Föd: 7 hours 30,

Moscow - Charkow/Ukraine: 1 hour 15,

Moscow - Kiev/Ukraine: 1 hour 30,

Moscow - St. Petersburg/Soot. Föd: 1 hour,

Moscow - Lvov/Ukraine: 2 hours 15,

Moscow - Minsk/Belarus: 1 hour 30,

Moscow - Odessa/Ukraine: 2 hours,

Moscow - Samarkand/Uzbekistan: 3 hours 45,

Moscow - Simferopol/Ukraine: 2 hours 30,

Moscow - Tbilisi/Georgia: 2 hours 30,

Moscow - Tsaritsyn/Russ. Föd: 1 hour 30,

Moscow - Yalta/Ukraine: 2 hours 15

Long-distance buses Normally, long- distance buses are not allowed to be used by visitors to the Russian Federation. Vacation trips by car or mobile home are possible. The itinerary must be approved by a tour operator and it must not be left or changed during the stay. The places to stay, the type of accommodation and the number of overnight stays must also be planned and specified prior to departure.

Railway

In general, visitors to the Russian Federation are only allowed to use a few long-distance trains. These can only be booked in advance and not spontaneously.

The following branches are recommended for booking international and national trains:

• Moscow Railway Agency
• Getting to know the Trans-Siberian Railway inland

  It takes around nine days to cover the entire 9,290 km route from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Sea of Japan. Of course, you can also drive partial routes.

• Orient-Express runs from Moscow to Beijing

Rental car

A rental car should be booked in advance with a tour operator or directly with the branches of international car rental companies in Moscow. The rental price includes insurance, the international green insurance card is not valid in the Russian Federation. If you wish, you can pick up the vehicle at the border crossing, but in larger cities you can rent a car with a chauffeur.

You should always have the following papers with you when driving:

• valid passport with valid visa
• international or national driving license with translation
• Documents with the approved travel route, overnight stays and rental car papers
• Map with approved travel routes and tourist papers.

Ferry connections

The Russian Federation has access to the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Pacific and the Atlantic.

Important port cities in the east are:

• Vladivostok
• Magadan
• Nachodka
• Petropavlovsk

In the West:

• St. Petersburg
• Kaliningrad

The only connection to the Atlantic: The year-round ice-free port of Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula.Offered

river cruises and excursions: On the rivers Volga, Lena, Irtysh, Ob, Don and Amur.Offered

cruises: For example from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, to Rostov, via the Ladoga and Onega lakes and across the Karelian lakes

Traffic regulations

• Top speed:
  • built-up areas: 60 km/h
  • Country roads: 90 km/h
  • Motorways: 100 km/h
  • Driving license not older than 2 years: 70 km/h
• Forbidden:
  • Night driving (should be avoided.)
  • Picking up hitchhikers
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (0 per thousand)
• Vehicle equipment:
  • Seat belts
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Emergency horn/red warning light
• Accident:
  • Horns are only allowed to avoid accidents.
  • In the event of an accident, the nearest traffic watch or travel agency must be notified.
  • All involved must make a written statement, which must be confirmed by a militia officer.
  • The visitor bears all repair costs.
  • Important numbers:

    Accident rescue: 03

    Police emergency number (militia): 02

    Fire: 01

city traffic

Public transport is good and cheap. Subway trains, trams and trolley buses are available in almost all cities. The cities of Saint Petersburg and Moscow have an extensive subway network (Internet: www.metro.ru). The metro network is divided into different traffic zones in which standard fares apply.

Taxis can be stopped on the street in the Russian Federation, ordered by phone or found at taxi stands. You can also pay in foreign currency. You should stay away from unregistered taxis, as attacks on travelers can occur. It is better to order a car with a chauffeur.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Russia is:

Russia: Embassies and Consulates

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Russia embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Russia in Germany

The beginnings of the embassy go back to the 1830s, when Tsar Nicholas I bought a palace on the site of today's embassy, which he had converted into an embassy and a church. During the war in February 1944, the embassy and church were destroyed by bombs. Before that - after Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union in 1941 - all Soviet diplomats had been expelled and the building was then used by the Reich Ministry for the occupied eastern territories.

Today's embassy was built in 1951 as the embassy of the Soviet Union in the GDR according to plans by the architect Anatoli Strischewski with the help of the Berlin architect Fritz Bornemann in the style of "socialist classicism" with stylistic elements of the Berlin classicism of the early 19th century on November 7, 1952.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Berlin

Unter den Linden 63-65

10117 Berlin

Tel: 0049 - (0) 30 - 22 91 11 029

Fax: 0049 - (0) 30 - 22 99 397

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Am Feenteich 20

22085 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 - (0) 40 - 22 95 201

Fax: 0049 - (0) 40 - 22 97 727

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Kickerlingsberg 18

04105 Leipzig

Tel: 0049 - (0) 341 - 58 51 876

Fax: 0049 - (0) 341 - 56 49 589

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Maria-Theresia-Straße 17

81675 Munich

Tel: 0049 - (0) 89 - 59 25 03

Fax: 0049 - (0) 89 - 55 03 828

Email: [email protected]

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Waldstrasse 42

53177 Bonn

Tel: 0049 - (0) 228 - 38 67 930

Fax: 0049 - (0) 228 - 31 21 64

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ruskonsulatbonn.de

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Eschenheimer Anlage 33 - 34

60318 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 - (0) 69 - 59 67 45 03

Fax: 0049 - (0) 69 - 59 67 45 05

You can find other honorary consulates in: Düsseldorf, Nuremberg and Stuttgart.

German representations in Russia

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Moscow

Mosfilmowskaja 56

119285 Moscow

Tel: 007 - (0) 495 - 93 79 500

Fax: 007 - (0) 495 - 93 82 354

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.moskau.diplo.de

Consulates

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

World Trade Center, Office No. 503/504, ul. Kuibyshewa 44

620026 Ekaterinburg

Tel: 007 - (0) 343 - 359 63 99

Fax: 007 - (0) 343 - 359 63 98

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.jekaterinburg.diplo.de

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

Ulitsa Leningradskaja 4

236008 Kaliningrad

Tel: 007 - (0) 4112 - 92 02 30

Fax: 007 - (0) 4112 - 92 02 28

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.kaliningrad.diplo. de

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

Krasnij Prospekt 28

630099 Novosibirsk

Tel: 007 - (0) 383 - 231 00 20

Fax: 007 - (0) 383 - 231 00 56

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.nowosibirsk.diplo. de

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany

Uliza Furschtadtskaja 39

191123 St. Petersburg

Tel: 007 - (0) 812 - 320 24 00

Fax: 007 - (0) 812 - 327 31 17

Email: [email protected]

Web: www. sankt-petersburg.diplo.de

Further honorary consulates can be found in Omsk and Saratov.

Austrian representations in Russia

Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Moscow

Starokonjuschennyi pereulok 1

119034 Moscow

Tel: 007 - (0) 495 - 780 60 66

Fax: 007 - (0) 495 - 41 33 98

Email: [email protected]

Web: www. aussenministerium.at/moskau

The Austrian embassy in Russia is still responsible for Belarus (Belarus)

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Austria in Ekaterinburg at the

corner of Ul. Turgeneva 16/ul. Pervomajskaja 13

620075 Ekaterinburg

Tel: 007 - (0) 343 - 350 0503

Fax: 007 - (0) 343 - 358 9901

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Austria in Nizhny Novgorod

ul. Piskunowa 29

60300 Nizhny Novgorod

Tel: 007 - (0) 831 - 434 24 84

007 - (0) 831 - 418 51 00

Fax: 007 - (0) 831 - 418 51 01

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.nnov-ohk.com

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Austria in St. Petersburg

ul. Furschtadtskaja 43, kw. 1, 191123 St. Petersburg

Tel: 007 - (0) 812 - 275 05 02

007 - (0) 812 - 275 04 96

Fax: 007 - (0) 812 - 275 11 70

Representations of Russia in Austria

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Vienna

Reisnerstrasse 45-47

1030 Vienna

Tel: 0043 - (0) 1 - 712 12 29

Fax: 0043 - (0) 1 - 712 33 88

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Salzburg

Bürglsteinstrasse 2

5020 Salzburg

Tel: 0043 - (0) 66 - 624 184

Fax: 0043 - (0) 66 - 621 74 34

Swiss representations in Russia

Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Moscow

Per. Ogorodnoi Slobody (Stopani) 2-5

101000 Moscow

Tel: 007 - (0) 495 - 258 38 30

007 - (0) 495 - 641 38 89

Fax: 007 - (0) 495 - 621 21 83

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/moscow

Consulate General of the Swiss Confederation

Tchernyshevskogo Pr. 17

191123 St. Petersburg

Tel: 007 - (0) 812 - 327 08 17

Fax: 007 - (0) 812 - 327 08 29

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.eda.admin.ch/stpetersburg

Representations of Russia in Switzerland

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bern

Brunnadernrain 37

3006 Bern

Tel: 0041 - (0) 31 - 352 05 66

0041 - (0) 31 - 352 05 68

Fax: 0041 - (0) 31 - 352 55 95

Email: rusbotschaft @ bluewin. ch

Web: www.switzerland.mid.ru/

Consulate General of the Russian Federation

Rue Schaub 24

1202 Geneva

Tel: 0041 - (0) 22 - 734 79 55

Fax: 0041 - (0) 22 - 740 34 70

Consulate of the Russian Federation

Avenue de Rhodanie 60

1007 Lausanne

Tel: 0041 - (0) 21 - 623 85 85

Fax: 0041 - (0) 21 - 623 85 8

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.vd-consulatrusse.ch

Consulate of the Russian Federation

Oberdorfstrasse 10

8001 Zurich

Tel: 0041 - (0) 43 - 268 80 00

Fax: 0041 - (0) 43 - 268 80 08

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.rusconsul.ch

Russia: animals

General brief overview

With an area of 17,098,200 km² - including the Crimea there are 17,125,044 - Russia is the largest state in the world, followed by Canada (9,970,610 km²), the USA (9,826,630 km²) and China (9,597,995 km²). Therefore there is a large number of animals that are distributed across the various landscape regions and federation districts. These include tigers, bears, polar bears and wolves. Russia is divided into the following eight - alphabetically ordered - federal districts:

- Far East

- North Caucasus

- Northwest Russia

- Siberia

- South Russia, which also includes the Crimea

- Urals

- Volga

- Central Russia

Africa

Asia

Europe

Oceania

Central America

South America

North America