Arrive at the Russian airport at least 40 minutes before departure to keep your seat.
Carry as much as possible in your carry-on bag.
Carry small tissue packages to use as toilet paper in public buildings. Know that bath tissue is provided in hotels.
Bring warm clothing regardless of the season you visit St. Petersburg or Moscow.
Provide a photocopy and original of your visa for the passport control officer to reduce wait time.
Write on the customs form the exact amount of currency and travelers checks. Realize that there is no limit on how much money you can bring into the county, but you must leave with no more money. List any jewelry items on the form, especially gold, silver and amber. List electronic items also.
Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid intestinal parasites. Know that bottled, imported water is easy to find. Be aware that symptoms of the common water-borne parasite Giardia lamblia arise two to three weeks after ingestion. Know that the symptoms of the illness include nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Make purchases in rubles even if prices are listed in dollars.
Carry a copy of your visa and your passport at all times to avoid paying "fines" to crooked police officers.
Travel on trains to get the most efficient and safest way to get around Russia. Know that train travel is relatively comfortable and that overnight trains are plentiful between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
