Complete Guide to Traveling in Russia

Complete Guide to Traveling in Russia: From the Northern Lights to the Ballet's Ice and Snow Romance 1. Preparation Before the Trip ✅【Visa】 Apply for a tourist visa 1-2 months in advance (single stay up to 30 days) Note: Hotels must provide a confirmation letter (it is recommended to book hotels with free cancellation) ✅【Currency and Payment】 Currency: Ruble (₽) Payment advice: Cash (small amounts) + credit cards (Visa/Mastercard accepted) Currency exchange tips: Airport rates are less favorable; prioritize city banks ✅【Seasonal Guide】 ❄️ Winter Exclusive (December to February): Lake Baikal's blue ice spectacle Murmansk Northern Lights feast (Teriberka is the best viewing spot) ☀️ Summer Highlights (June to August): St. Petersburg White Nights Festival (around June 21) Moscow Red Square open-air concerts 2. Transportation Overview 🚇 City Transport: Moscow Metro (underground art palace, single ticket 60₽) Yandex.Taxi (safer than street taxis) 🚂 Intercity Transport: High-speed train: Moscow → St. Petersburg (4 hours, Sapsan train) Legendary experience: Trans-Siberian Railway (recommended to buy tickets in segments) 3. Recommended Unique Accommodations 🏨 Moscow: Luxury choice: Four Seasons Hotel (open the window to Red Square) For artsy youth: Design Hotel StandArt (next to the Tretyakov Gallery) 🏡 St. Petersburg: Nevsky Prospect century-old apartment (experience the life of Russian nobility) Soul Kitchen Hostel (ranked TOP 10 global hostels) 4. Taste of Russia 🍽️ Must-try trio: Borscht (with sour cream is the soul way to eat) Russian dumplings (surprising fillings: mashed potatoes/cherries) Tatar kebab (Caucasus flavor) ☕ Drink secrets: Kvass (more refreshing than cola) Mulled wine (a must at Christmas markets) 5. In-depth Activity Guide Moscow Cultural Tour: Kremlin Armory (requires separate reservation) GUM Department Store rooftop viewing platform (free panoramic view of Red Square) 🎭 St. Petersburg Art Tour: Hermitage hidden feature: open Thursday nights Mariinsky Theatre ticket tips: lock in student tickets 2 months in advance on the official website 6. Shopping Pitfall Avoidance Guide 🛍️ Authenticity verification: Matryoshka dolls: only valuable if the bottom has the craftsman's signature Amber: fluoresces under UV light 7. Safety Tips ⚠️ Special attention: Stand on the right side of the metro escalator (left side is the fast lane) Beware of "helpful strangers" (common at train stations) 8. Technology Empowering Travel 📱 Life-saving Apps: Yandex.Metro (one-click planning for complex metro lines) 2GIS (precise navigation in Siberia) 💡 Fun fact: Russian sockets are compatible with European standards, but some old buildings require a two-round-pin adapter Google Translate may fail in the Lake Baikal area; it is recommended to download the Russian offline package