TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
International
Driving Permit in Russian is required used in conjuction with
National Driving Permit |
| Currency |
(RUR)
Russian Ruble |
| Electrical |
220 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 7, Moscow 095+7D, Kaliningrad Region 011+7D |
Money
NOTE:
Currency regulations and exchange rates will vary depending on
the nature and size of the transaction: the details given in this
section generally apply only for small transactions by individuals,
with the exchange rate an average of the buying and the selling
prices. For more detailed information consult your bank.
Currency:
Rouble (Rub) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of Rub 1000,
500, 100, 50 10 and 5.
Currency
exchange: Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official
bureaux and all transactions must be recorded on the currency
declaration form which is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain
all exchange receipts. Bureaux de change are numerous and easy
to locate. Large shops offer their own exchange facilities.
Credit
cards: Major European and international credit cards, including
American Express, Visa and Diners Club, are accepted in the larger
hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants.
Eurocheques
up to Rub300 can be cashed in banks.
Travellers
cheques are preferable to cash, but visitors to Moscow would
be wise to take some hard currency for purchases.
Currency
restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited.
All remaining local currency must be reconverted at the point
of departure. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject
to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the
amount declared on arrival.
Banking
hours: 0930-1730 Monday to Friday.
Duty
Free
Duty-free
regulations within the CIS are liable to change at short notice.
The following should be used as a guide only, and travellers are
advised to contact the Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information.
Goods that may be imported into the Russian Federation by persons
over 16 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200
cigarettes or 100 cigars or cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre
of spirits; 2 litres of still wine and 2 litres of sparkling wine;
a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; gifts up to
a value of Rub1000.
Note:
On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration
form which must be retained until departure. This allows the import
of articles intended for personal use, including currency and
valuables which must be registered on the declaration form. Cameras,
jewellery, computers and musical instruments should all be declared.
Customs inspection can be long and detailed. It is advisable when
shopping to ask for a certificate from the shop which states that
goods have been paid for in hard currency. Presentation of such
certificates should speed up customs formalities.
Prohibited
imports: Military weapons and ammunition, narcotics and drug
paraphernalia, pornography, loose pearls, fruit and vegetables
and live animals. If you have any query regarding items that may
be imported, an information sheet is available on request from
Intourist.
Prohibited
exports: As prohibited imports, as well as annulled securities,
state loan certificates, lottery tickets, works of art and antiques
(unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture),
saiga horns, Siberian stag, punctuate and red deer antlers (unless
on organised hunting trip), and punctuate deer skins.
Public
Holidays
Jan
1 ’97 New Year. Jan 7 Russian Christmas. Mar
8 International Women’s Day. Apr 15 Russian Orthodox
Easter. May 1-2 Spring and Labour Day. May 9 Victory
in Europe Day. Jun 12 Russian Independence Day. Aug
22 National Flag Day. Nov 7 Constitution Day.
