(Last updated: 19 July 2012)
Visiting
Business hours
Official hours of business are from 9.00am-5.00pm.
Government hours are from 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Bank hours are from 9.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks are open later in the evening and may be open on Saturdays and even Sundays, although this should be confirmed in advance.
Retail hours often extend late into the evening, with 10.00pm a typical closing time.
Most business is conducted in the office, however, some business is conducted in social environments such as restaurants, bars and clubs – or even perhaps a ‘banya’ (sauna).
Drinking during the day is less common nowadays, although dinners usually involve an exchange of toasts and, of course, vodka.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
March 8 – International Women's Day
May 1 – May Day
May 9 – Victory Day
June 12 – Independence Day
November 7 – Revolution Day
December 12 – Constitution Day
Climate
The regions of Russia have varying climates. In the most northerly regions of Russia, the weather is quite harsh with an average January temperature of -34ºC. A milder climate is experienced in the south-eastern region of Russia, with an average temperature in July of 7ºC. Summer temperatures regularly reach 30ºC in western regions around Moscow and St Petersburg.
For weather details in Russia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
The official currency is the Russian rouble.
Oanda currency converter
On 1 July 2006, the Russian Government introduced full rouble convertibility and previous restrictions on currency inflows and outflows were abolished.
If you are carrying US$3,000 or more in any currencies, however, you are required to fill in a declaration form on arrival at the airport. You should exercise due care if carrying substantial amounts of cash, which is generally to be avoided.
The Russian banking system operates in a manner similar to western practice. It is no longer necessary (nor advisable) to carry large amounts of cash. Most transaction are conducted through the banking system, and not in cash – and ATM machines are widely available.
Exchange points and banks are widely available throughout sizeable Russian cities and most CIS countries (special rules apply in Turkmenistan). Most exchange points display their rates out the front, but check to ensure that the advertised rate is not only a special rate applicable from US$1000 upwards.
Use normal precautions when choosing an exchange point, with well lit locations best. Ideally use an exchange point that only admits customers one at a time. Always count your change in front of the clerk before leaving the window.
US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. It is not always possible to exchange Australian dollars and rates are usually not favourable.
International credit cards are generally acceptable, particularly in the main metropolitan centres of Moscow and St Petersburg. If you are travelling in other parts of Russia, it is recommended to check on the availability of ATMs and whether the hotel where you are staying accepts international credit cards. Many hotels offer basic banking facilities such as currency exchange and cash advances on your credit card.
Traveller’s cheques are not widely used in Russia/CIS.
Time zones and time differences
There are nine time zones across Russia. In summer (April-October), one hour is added to the clocks for daylight saving.
Moscow is six to eight hours behind Australian east coast time zones depending on the time of year.
Vladivostok is in the same time zone as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but is generally one hour behind or one hour in front owing to daylight saving.
To find out the current time in Russia, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Russia’s country code is 7.
For calls to Russia from Australia dial: 0011 + 7 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Russia to Australia dial: 8 + 10 + 61 + area code + telephone number. From your mobile phone, you can dial +61 + area code + telephone.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Russia’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin European plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Federal Agency for Tourism of Russian Federation – www.russiatourism.ru/eng/default.asp
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.