Apply for your passport early ,if you do not already have one. If you do have one, make sure it does not expire anytime soon. As a general rule, it should be good for at least six months pastthe date of your planned return. Not only does it take a long time to receive a new passport, keep in mind that it can also take a long time to receive a Russian visa, and you must have a passport before you can apply for the visa.
Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. The U.S. State Department maintains a lits of currently required/recommended vaccinations for countries around the world.
If you are not a seasoned international traveler, travel with someone who has experience traveling in Russia.
Spend some time on the internet reading the stories of people who have been to Russia recently.
Plan your wardrobe very carefully. If you are traveling in winter, you need very warm clothing. Even in the summer, it can be chilly at times, depending upon which part of the country you are going to. In particular, make sure that you have sturdy, reliable footwear.
Expect accommodations to be expensive, especially if you are going to Moscow or St. Petersburg. These cities are currently among the most expensive places to live in the world. The more planning you do now, the better a deal you are likely to find.
Bring any medications that you might need. These should include medicine for diarrhea, constipation and indigestion, as well as any prescription medication you take. All medications should be carried in their original packaging.
Make copies of your passport, driver's license and any other important documents. Leave one set of copies at home. Take one set of copies with you, but packed separately form the originals.
Make a note of the phone numbers and addresses of the American embassy in Moscow, and of the American consulate closest to the location where you will be staying.
If you are taking electric or electronic items, make sure that they will work on 220 volts, or you will need a converter. Also bring a plug adapter. Russian outlets use European plugs, which have two cylindrical prongs.
If you are bringing cash, try to bring new, clean, unwrinkled bills. Make sure that they are the newest versions availalbe. You will get a worse exchange rate for older or heavily used bills.
Fill out your Russian customs declaration carefully before arrival. You must declare the amount of cash you are bringing into the country. Any items of value that you declare must be taken with you when you leave. Keep track of your receipts. If you leave with less cash than when you arrive, you must prove where you spent it.
Avoid arriving in the country by train if at all possible. When trains stop at the border, foreigners often fall victim to various scams. You can avoid this scenario entirely by flying into an airport in a major city.
Register your visa promptly after arriving. You must do this within two business days of your arrival. Make sure you know where you need to go to do this before you leave. If you travel to other cities, you may also need to register in each one, depending on the length of your stay. Learn the current laws before you leave.
Be aware that as a foreigner, you will stick out, no matter how hard you try to be inconspicuous. In some locations, this could make you the target of people who prey on foreigners.Try to travel in groups of people you know. If you are a man, keep your wallet in your front pocket rather than in the back. If you are a woman, keep your cash and valuables somewhere other than your purse.
Keep receipts for items you have bought and intend to take home with you. Also keep receipts from any money you exchange. Avoid shopping in antique stores or used bookstores. There are strict rules prohibiting the removal of antiques from the country.
Avoid speaking loudly in English if you are traveling in a group of Americans. It may draw unwanted attention. This is especially true when using public transportation.
If you are a woman, cover your head with a scarf or hat when visiting Russian churches. Men should remove their hats.
Avoid shaking hands through doorways. This is a bad omen in Russia.
