Buzz
Stretching from Asia to Europe, Russia is a marvelous crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures. A journey to this vibrant land is undoubtedly a dream come true for many.
Traveling to Russia for the World Cup: 10 Essential Tips
In particular, 2018 is the perfect time to visit Russia as it's summer, offering both the White Nights phenomenon and the opportunity to witness the FIFA World Cup.
1. Transportation
Currently, in Vietnam, there are airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, Thai Airways... flying to Russia. However, only Vietnam Airlines and Aeroflot fly directly to the capital Moscow, while others require layovers.
International travelers are permitted to send 30kg of checked baggage and carry 7kg of carry-on luggage. Vietnam Airlines allows multiple items to be sent but not exceeding 30kg in total. However, Aeroflot, the Russian airline, only allows 01 piece of luggage to be sent.
2. Language
The locals solely speak Russian, even in major cities, English proficiency is scarce. Traveling independently without knowledge of Russian is quite challenging due to directional signs and instructions also being in Russian. However, the locals are very friendly, so don't forget to learn simple phrases like “thank you, sorry, hello” to communicate with them.
3. Weather
The climate in Russia is quite cold, with the warmest period being the three summer months with temperatures just above 20°C. Snow starts falling from October, and the coldest temperatures can reach as low as -10°C. Moscow is 4 hours behind Hanoi; so, if it's noon in Vietnam, it's 8 am in Russia. Russia mainly experiences winter and summer; spring and autumn are very brief.
4. Attire
Prepare low-heeled sandals, sneakers to avoid foot pain due to considerable walking. Dress appropriately for the sightseeing time. In addition to personal items, bring a small umbrella, socks, hat, scarf, jacket, sweater, cold and flu medication, and pain relievers. Due to very low humidity and sudden weather changes, skin dryness, cracked lips... are common, so carry saline solution, moisturizer, and lip balm.
5. Currency
All shopping spots accept Rup currency, but you can also pay with Visa, Mastercard. 01 Russian Rup equals 720 - 800 VN dong. You can exchange money from Vietnam at currency exchange points, banks, airports... or exchange common foreign currencies like USD, EUR at market rates.
6. Dining
Russian food is relatively palatable for those accustomed to Western cuisine. The main dishes are various types of cereals. Fresh foods are usually fish, beef, pork, chicken... Soups made from vegetables and fruits are also common. Prominent dishes include bread, salmon and caviar, Russian salad, Leningrad pancakes, shashlyk, Kvass... Additionally, vodka – a distinctive drink of Russian cuisine must be mentioned.
7. Destinations
The two most famous destinations are the capital Moscow, the city of Saint Petersburg, and many beautiful suburban cities. The most remarkable is the Volga River cruise route passing through Moscow – Uglich – Yarolavl – Goristy – Kizhi Island – Mandrogui – St.Petersburg from May to October. The two best times to admire the scenery on the cruise are June with the White Nights phenomenon and September, October with the golden autumn.
8. Goods and Shopping
Stores, supermarkets operate from 9 am – 9 pm; some places open later from 10 am – 10 pm. Be careful with supermarket prices, while bargaining is necessary in markets. Recommended products: collagen for freckle treatment, skin whitening, wrinkle treatment, Siberian deer velvet, bear bile, black seaweed spirulina, chaga mushroom...
Famous specialties: goose wings/thighs/cheese/smoked ham hocks, vovla fish, sallamy, black caviar, salmon roe, various fruits... Souvenirs: Russian Mattrioska dolls, babushka dolls, woolen scarves, fur hats, President watches with gold-plated signatures of President Putin, Poljot watches...
9. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
When visiting palaces, where formality is required, dress in a dignified and modest manner. Avoid wandering late at night, beware of theft, pickpocketing, and it's advisable to travel in groups. Criminals may separate you from the group or pose as police to check your documents.
10. Additional Notes
Follow the instructions of the tour guide, do not wander off on your own. Important documents, money, or valuable personal belongings should be kept on oneself or deposited in the hotel's Safety Box. Avoid smoking and littering in public areas, on vehicles to avoid fines and preserve the image of Vietnamese tourists.
By Khánh Vân/Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel Handbook Mytour
MytourFebruary 2nd, 2018
