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FAQ's
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Travel
Q: Do I need a
Visa to Go to Russia , Ukraine and other CIS Countries?
A: Yes. All citizens of U.S. and Canada as well as most other countries
require a visa . Contact our agency for information you need in order
to obtain a visa . We are an accredited company with most consulates In
New York and will assist you with the process of getting your visa
Q: Do I need to
Register my visa in Russia ?
A: Visas must be registered within 3 days upon arrival in Russia. If
you stay in a hotel, you visa will be registered at the check-in free
of charge . If you stay at private home, you will need to register your
visa yourself. We will provide you with the address where you can register.
Registration fee is $20
Q: What is the
best way to make reservations in hotels in Russia and other CIS countries?
A. Most cities , even small ones do have hotels available. If there
are no hotels, our agency will find another lodging option, like an apartment.
You should book hotels through an official agency, not through the internet.
Q: Is there an
English Speaking staff at the hotels ?
A: Yes, All hotels have an English-speaking staff.
Q: What time can
I check-in & check-out the hotel?
A. Check-in time is usually from 2 : 00 p.m.
Check-out time is usually before 12.00 p.m.
Notes: The check-in and check-out time are subject to the management
of the specific hotel. It is advisable to contact the hotel if you need
earlier check-in or later check-out. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out
sometimes result in an extra charge.
Q: Are the hotel
rates per person, or per room?
A:. The hotel rates we offered are per room, not per person.
Q: Can I confirm
a non-smoking hotel room?
A. Yes, you can. We will book a room for you based on your requirements.
Q: Is Internet
access available in hotels ?
A:. Yes, most major 4* hotels provide convenient Internet service at
reasonable rates.
Q: How difficult
is it to find hotels in smaller cities in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS
countries?
A: Most cities , even small ones do have hotels available. If there are
no hotels, our agency will find another lodging option, like an apartment.
You should book hotels through an official agency, not through the internet.
Q: Can we arrange
train tickets and plane within Russia, Ukraine and other CIS through a
travel agency in U.S.?
A: We will assist our clients with booking flights and railway tickets
within Russia , Ukraine and other CIS countries.
Currency
Q: Where can I change
dollars for other currency?
A: You can change the currency in the country you are visiting. You can
exchange money at the airport for higher exchange rates. Your best bet
would be the ATM machines and many "Exchange booths" that are
available in most cities. If you are traveling to a smaller city you should
exchange the currency prior to arrival. It may be difficult to find exchange
booths at more rural locations.
Q: How much money
can I bring to Russia?
A: Legally you can bring any amount of cash , however you are required
to declare a sum over $1500.
Q: Are there ATM
machines available in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries?
A: ATM machines are widely available in large cities. ATMs are not as
popular in smaller towns, so it is better to have some cash available
upon arrival. You should certainly inquire with your bank about fees associated
with international transactions.
Q: Can I pay with
a credit or debit card in Russia and CIS countries?
A: Large stores and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, however
credit cards are not as popular as they are in U.S. Most places still
accept cash only, especially in smaller cities.
vendors.
Dining
Q: What are the
restaurants like in Russia?
A: Both Russian and Western cuisines are available throughout the major
cities. There is a variety of small cozy Russian style restaurants to
upscale , chic hot spots. New restaurants , cafes and lounges are being
open every couple of months.
Guides
Q: How are the
tour guides in Russia? If we travel by ourselves, is it a good idea to
book tour guides for some excursions?
A: All guides must be certificated by the national tourism administration.
Most guides have Bachelors degrees form Universities of Culture and are
highly educated in History , Languages and Art. They are professionals
in their field and have exceptional English skills. Some tours are recommended
to take with a guide. You can take individual tours with a guide who will
share with you the history and vast knowledge of a specific place or that
special painting.
Also, it is recommended to have a guide to most touristy spots. During
white nights season in St. Petersburg , for example, lines to Hermitage
and most palaces are hours and hours in the waiting. If you book a guide
you do not have to stand in line , which can save you hours of your precious
time.
Weather
Q: What is the
weather like in Russia ?
A: Russia has a continental climate where the winters are viciously
cold and the summers can get scorching. The swings are most extreme in
southern and central Siberia, but even in Moscow temperatures can range
from -20 to 100 Fahrenheit. Late spring, early summer and the fall are
good times to visit.
Language
Q:I do not speak
any CIS languages. What to do?
A: Traveling to a country without the knowledge of the language could
be a scary thought. Take a deep breath. Even with the vocabulary of "Da"
and "Net", you should be able to get around town without any
difficulties . Hotels, tourist agencies, museums and most of the younger
Russian population speak English and most of the time will gladly assist
you . In smaller, more isolated cities English speakers are much harder
to find so learning a couple of Cyrillic words is a good idea
It's worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic
alphabet , regardless. Being able to read signs on the street and in the
metro will make your trip much more enjoyable.
Travel Insurance
Q: Is travel insurance
necessary?
A: Yes. We highly recommend our clients purchase travel insurance to
guard against unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
Most travel insurance companies offer Trip Cost Cancellation and Interruption
Insurance, emergency medical transport and medical expenses insurance.
These pay for loss due to any unforeseen circumstances such as death,
injury and illness. Travel policies also cover you for a variety of other
risks, such as cancellation charges, loss of money, loss of baggage, and
liability to third parties to name but a few. Although we do everything
possible to ensure the safety of our clients, if any of the above do happen
it can be very costly to you. Purchasing travel insurance is an easy way
to ease the mind and to know that you will be able to deal with problems
that may arise. Besides, an annual travel policy will save you money if
you propose to go abroad more than once in any twelve month period.
Common questions.
Q: What is a Transfer?
A. A transfer is a transportation vehicle that is provided to deliver
a client from one destination to the next. Usually transfers are arranged
to take a client from the airport to hotel or vice versa
Q: Is electrical
current in Russia different from U.S.?
A: The electrical current on European Continent is 220 volts. If you
plan to bring any electrical appliances , you should purchase an adaptor
that switches from 110 to 220 volts.
Q: We adopted
a child in Russia and now we want to go back there together.
Do we have to get Russian visa for our child?
A: No. Children adopted in Russia remain Russian citizens until 18 years
of age and must travel to Russia with their Russian passports.
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