Russia is not only utterly massive; the vast majority of its territory remains a mystery to travelers.
The largest country in the world used to be a relatively popular destination. However, most travelers would just stick to Moscow and Saint Petersburg, hence only scratching the tiny surface of a very tiny surface.
Russia has so much to offer and, after traveling throughout the country for 1 month even discovering 3 different Republics and one autonomous region as well as the cities of Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Astrakhan I still feel that I too have barely scratched the surface.
Thanks of the war in Ukraine, today, no other country in the world inspires so much rejection among travelers than Russia. But as a backpacker, I strongly recommend you leave politics aside, and you’ll find that the people here are particularly welcoming, like anywhere else in the world.
need to know for traveling in Russia
Quick facts
Capital: Moscow
Population: 143,000,000, excluding Crimea (9th)
Languages: Russian (official language). 35 other languages are recognized
Area: 17,098,246 km² (largest country in the world)
Visa
For visits of up to 15 days, you can now apply for an e-visa.
For longer stays, you can apply at your nearest embassy.
Getting in
Flights from the EU, USA, Canada and all Western countries are no longer operating.
However, you can still fly in from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Baku (Azerbaijan Airlines) or Yerevan (Flyone).
You can also fly from many cities across Central Asia, as well as Caracas (Venezuela).
Most land borders are open, with the exception of Ukraine and Finland.
Travel Insurance
With all the current sanctions, IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Russia.
Best time to visit
Everyone knows that winter can get extremely cold here, but intrepid travelers will find traveling across frozen Russian landscapes somehow poetic.
Summer can be a good time as well, especially for Altay, Caucasus, Baikal and the Arctic regions.
Money
The official currency is the Russian Ruble (RUR)
1 USD = 90 RUR
Because of the sanctions, foreign cards no longer work in Russia. You have to bring all your money in cash.
Budget: starting from $50 a day for budget backpackers.
Russia’s diversity
People tend to think of Russia as a single massive Slavic nation but, ethnically-speaking, Russians make up just over 70% of the total population.
From Chechens to Nenets, Tatars and Kumyks, there are tens of other minorities, many of them living in their own republics and autonomous regions, with their own languages and culture, offering travelers a entirely different experience.
Top experiences in Russia
Travel on a Soviet train
Epic multi-day journeys through Siberia or anywhere in Russia.
Discover the republics of the Caucasus
Chechenya, Dagestan, Ossetia or Ingushetia have not only mind-blowing mountains but are home to a warm and extremely welcoming culture.
Explore Arctic Russia
This might be one of the least visited regions in the world, but places like Yamal are home to very untouched and raw communities of nomads living across the tundra.
Fancy Moscow
Moscow is a true metropolis with so much to offer, from world-class museums to great nightlife.
tips for Russia
Accommodation
Booking.com is no longer working in Russia, but you can check and book accommodation through ostrovok.ru. The site accepts foreign cards.
Trains
Check schedules on tutu.travel. You can’t book your tickets online using foreign card, only at the train station itself.
Domestic flights
Check and book flights on avisales.com. It’s like the Russian Skyscanner. Foreign cards are accepted.