Summer Visitor's Guide

Christy Neifert forwarded these tips:

1. Visa Requirements

* Visas are required for all visitors from the United States. These visas must be obtained from the Russian Embassy or consulate before your visit. We recommend using a company that helps through this process. Two choices are gotorussia.com and Travel Document Services.

Note: It can take as much as one month to process a visa application.

2. Passports

* Please bring your passport as well as a photocopy of your passport. The photocopy should be kept in a separate place from your original. You will need this if your passport is lost or stolen. It is also recommended to leave a photocopy of your passport and Russian visa at home.

3. Vaccinations/Inoculations

* Please consult with your physician or travel clinic as to what vaccinations and inoculations are recommended for both Moscow and rural areas in the Moscow region.

4. Medical Insurance

* Make sure you have insurance coverage overseas and bring your valid insurance information with you. If you are not covered outside the United States with your regular insurance provider, traveler’s insurance may be purchased for your trip.

5. Migration Card

* On the airplane in transit to Russia you will be asked to fill out a migration card for non-citizens of Russia. You will be asked your name, visa number, passport number, the name of the person you are staying with as well as the length of your stay. You will write this information twice on the same page, but do not tear the sheet in half along the perforation. This will be done by the passport control.

6. Security Considerations

The last twenty years have been very turbulent in Russia. The negative effects of this can be seen in many areas of society.

* Alcoholism is a great problem within Russia. It is very common to see people who are intoxicated walking down the street, riding public transportation, etc. It is very important to always be aware of your environment and avoid any interaction with them if possible.

* Pick-pocketing is prevalent. Make sure that your money and documents are in a safe place. For women, always make sure you are holding tightly to your purse or using a purse that has a strap that crosses over your body.

* Nationalism and as well as “skinhead” groups are becoming more prevalent among the male youth. It is important not to advertise that you are a foreigner by speaking English loudly in public places outside of tourist areas or drawing attention to yourself unnecessarily.

Note: Russia is filled with wonderful people who are kind and hospitable. Just always remember to be aware of your surroundings and keep security in mind.

7. Weather

* The weather in the summer months often fluctuates. It can get as high as the upper 90s, but can also be in the 60s on a rainy day.

* The average temperatures are as follows:

June- 79°

July- 81°

August- 83°

8. Clothing

* We ask all of our visitors to be sensible in their dress. It is common to see both men and women dressed in revealing or tight clothing, but in order to set an example and respect the more religious, we ask that you dress modestly.

* Shorts can be worn, but we discourage “short” shorts.

Note: You can not enter religious buildings if you are wearing shorts.

* Casual, breathable clothing is best for most activities; however, Russians do dress up for the theater, going out to eat at restaurants, religious services, etc.

* Make sure you bring good walking shoes and a rain coat or umbrella.

9. General Conduct

* You will need to be flexible and have patience. Things work differently in Russia, and because of this activities will inevitably not work out as planned. So, if you plan on anything, plan on the unexpected and you will be fine.

* NWYM has a policy of no drinking or smoking on the field.

* Russians are very hospitable and they will bend over backwards to entertain and feed you. If you are in a Russian’s home, graciously accept what is offered to you and thank them for their hospitality. It is also cultural to give them a small gift.

* Technically, it is not illegal to openly share your faith or to be a missionary in Russia. However, any religion that is not a part of the Russian Orthodox Church is considered to be a sect by the authorities and most of the population. If you are questioned at the airport or by police on the street as to why you are visiting Russia, simply say that you are a tourist. Also, do not mention the word “missionary” if they ask who you are staying with.

10. Drinking Water

* Do not drink the water from the tap while in Russia. Bottled water can be found almost anywhere so always have a good supply and drink a lot of it! It is easy to get dehydrated during your stay.

11. Currency, Banks, ATMs and Credit Cards

* The currency used in Russia is the ruble. It is illegal in Russia to use any other kind of currency although in some places such as tourist markets it is still done.

* You can change your cash into rubles at exchange houses and banks located throughout Elektrostal and Moscow, however, you must have clean, new bills or they will not be accepted. We suggest getting new bills from your local bank before coming.

* ATMs are very common and can be used to take out either dollars or rubles. There may be a service charge of 3-5 dollars for each transaction. Also, many ATMs have a $250 limit (or the ruble equivalent) per transaction. You should let your bank know you will be using your card in Russia so it will not be blocked.

* Credit Cards are not that common in Russia, but they are growing in popularity. They are accepted at many restaurants, hotels and major stores.

* Traveler’s cheques are difficult to change and we recommend that you do not bring them.

12. What to Bring (a checklist)

* Bible
* Passport, visa and copy of important pages of passport
* Airline ticket
* Clothing- casual, cool clothes (in summer), light raincoat or umbrella, good walking shoes, one nice outfit for special occasions
* Hat or cap for sun protection
* Toiletry items
* First-Aid- band-aids, anti-biotic cream, etc
* Personal medicine- Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, prescription medication, etc
* Insect repellant
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Toilet tissue- It is not common to have tissue in public bathrooms. Always have something with you at all times.
* Towel/Washcloth-
* Camera
* Snack Foods- Inevitably, you will be offered food that is not appetizing at the time or we will not eat on time. Have a little something to snack on such as trail mix, energy bars, etc.