Tips for Business Travellers - Russia

Entry and Exit Requirements

Canadian citizens must possess a valid Canadian passport and appropriate visas while visiting Russia. Due to the possibility of random document checks by police, Canadian citizens should carry their original passports and registered visas with them at all times. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines.

Canadian citizens require a visa and an official invitation or support from a Russian organization to enter Russia. Visas can be obtained directly through the Russian Embassy in Ottawa or Russian Consulates in Montreal and Toronto. You can find contact information and information about visa requirements and forms at www.rusembcanada.mid.ru; www.toronto.mid.ru; www.montreal.mid.ru. Invitations to obtain a visa can be provided by accredited Russian companies and travel agencies such as Travelmart (www.travelmart.ru) and Unifest (www.unifest.ru/). Most hotels also provide invitations for tourist visas.

All visitors must be registered with the authorities within the first three days of their visit. Hotels collect passports on check-in and automatically register their guests. Visitors staying with friends or outside hotels must arrange to be registered at UVIR, the Visa Office and Registration for Foreigners, 42 Pokrovka Street, Moscow, tel: +7 (495) 200-8427 or +7 (495) 208-2091. Foreigners who fail to register properly and on time may risk being fined and detained at the airport upon departure. People staying in Russia for three working days only do not need to be registered.

Travelers to Russia need to fill out a migration card before arriving at the passport control area at airports. The migration card is normally provided during the incoming flight by airlines. The migration card has two identical parts. Both parts need to be filled out. The officer at the passport control desk will keep one part upon your arrival. The traveller must give the other part to the passport control officer when leaving Russia.

Customs Regulations

Travelers should obtain receipts for all high-value items (including caviar) purchased in Russia. Any article that could appear old or as having cultural value to the customs service, including artwork, icons, samovars, rugs and antiques, must have a certificate indicating that it has no historical or cultural value. It is illegal to remove such items from Russia without this certificate. These certificates may be obtained from the Russian Ministry of Culture. Certificates will not be granted for the export of articles that are more than 100 years old, no matter the value.

Currency & Currency exchange

The national Russian currency is the Rouble (RUR). One rouble is equal to 100 kopecks. In Russia, payment for all goods and services is to be made in the national currency or by credit card (where available). You may find that in some of the local markets USD is accepted. The following denominations are in circulation: coins - 1, 5, 10, 50 kopecks, and 1, 2, 5, Roubles; notes - 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 Roubles.

There are many currency exchange offices in Russia. They often operate 24 hours and their exchange rates are usually posted outside. Exchange offices deal in roubles, US Dollars and Euros. Some may not accept small US bills. Many currency exchange outlets will refuse notes with ink or water stains, and American notes issued before 1990 will not be accepted. You should count your bills before leaving the exchange booth. Large hotels provide currency exchange services often at disadvantageous rates. Currency exchange transactions with private individuals are against the law and may leave you with useless counterfeit bills.

Credit cards are becoming more common in Russia where they can be used in most hotels and restaurants, as well as in many stores.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are common, but not 100% reliable or safe. Over the last several years, there have been incidents reported of ATM numbers being stolen from stand-alone machines. ATM’s located in-doors are generally considered reliable.

Traveller’s cheques are generally not accepted, except in a few large hotels, and only in US Dollars or Euros and after extensive paperwork. Due to the large commission levied on their purchase and difficulties in cashing traveller’s cheques, we typically recommend against their use.

Accommodation

There is a choice of hotels in different price categories. Hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to be expensive. There are a number of hotels in Moscow run by Western chains, including Marriott, Sheraton, Kempinski, Radisson, Meridien, and Novotel. Most hotels in other regions are medium class and less expensive, but rather old-fashioned in style. Information about a number of hotels can be found at: www.infoexport.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=78035. Russian travel agents can assist with bookings.

Transportation

Many major international airlines fly to Moscow and St. Petersburg, and some regional cities. The domestic airline industry is quite competitive, and there are a large number of companies which fly internally and to international destinations. The best-known are Aeroflot (www.aeroflot.ru/eng/), Siberia (www.s7.ru/), Transaero (www.transaero.ru/en/index.html), and Rossiya Airlines (www.pulkovo.ru/). There are also smaller regional airlines which serve specific areas.

Travellers are advised to request that their hotel send a driver to meet them. A list of taxi companies can be found on our List of Local Service Providers. While native Russians will flag down any passing car as a taxi, foreigners should avoid such practice, use only registered taxis and refuse that strangers share the taxi. The price should be negotiated before getting in the taxi.

Russia has one of the longest rail transportation routes in the world, connecting larger cities with small towns and villages within the country. Although rail service is reliable, it tends to be quite slow. While travelling by train, it is preferable to store valuables in a safe place and not leaving the compartment unattended. The door should be secured from the inside. Intercity buses are also available and are not expensive. Russian language capability is advisable if travelling by rail or road. Caution should be exercised when travelling by bus or train, especially overnight.

Urban transit in Russia is well developed. In the largest cities, the underground Metropolitan ("metro") is an easy and reliable way to get around. Inexpensive multiple-fare cards can be bought at the cash windows located in station entrances. The metro operates from 6:00 am to 1:00 am daily. Signs at the entrance to the platform (all in Cyrillic) indicate the names of the next stops. Always carry a metro map. As for any public transport, those using the metro should exercise normal caution.

Licensed taxis are available in major cities and fares are relatively low. Most hotels can also provide a driver service. It is common for Russians to flag down private cars and negotiate fares, but this is not advisable for Canadian travellers.

In Russia, the pedestrians never have the right of way. Drivers go fast – not infrequently on sidewalks and in the wrong direction -- and consider it the responsibility of the pedestrian to get out of the way. Busy streets often have underpasses where pedestrians can cross safely.

Language

The official language is Russian and the most widely spoken foreign language in business is English. Outside major hotels and restaurants, it can be difficult to communicate in foreign languages. Many business people have some command of foreign languages, and also have staff who can act as interpreters. Translators are available for hire from a wide range of translation bureaus. Some translators and interpreters can be found on our List of Local Services Providers. Correspondence should be in Russian unless it is known that the recipient is familiar with another language.

Communications

To dial Russia from abroad, the country code is 7. For inter-city calls within Russia, dial 8 and then the area code followed by the number. For international calls, dial 810 then the country code (for Canada is 1), area code and number. Calling cards are a popular and inexpensive option and are widely available.

The mobile telephone network is well-developed and spans the country, running on the European GSM standard. It is difficult to rent mobile telephones in Russia, but SIM cards and fixed-amount subscription cards are cheap and widely available. We advise to contact your mobile service providers in Canada prior to traveling to Russia and ask if your mobile phone can be used in Russia.

Some Russian organizations still have manually operated fax machines, and it is necessary to call first and ask the person who answers to turn on the fax.

Use of the internet is common in business circles and is getting more widespread among the general population. There are still, however, a number of government officials and business representatives who use organisational e-mails and/or do not openly share their direct work e-mail addresses. Internet facilities are available at hotels run by Western chains and there is limited but growing wireless internet access. Blackberries and other similar wireless technologies work only by roaming to the home-country server through the mobile telephone system.

Time Difference

Moscow time is 8 hours ahead of Ottawa time (EST in Canada) and 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Health

It is recommended that foreign visitors have medical insurance covering Russia. There are a number of international medical clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Rates are high for such care. Here are recommended clinics in Moscow (accept credit cards or rubles):

• European Medical Centre (E.M.C) : www.emcmos.ru/en
• International S.O.S. Clinic : www.internationalsos.com/en/ourresources_clinics_russia_3832.htm
• The American Medical Clinic: www.americanclinic.ru/eng

Health care standards in major cities are generally good but inferior to Canadian standards. Water quality varies widely (tap water is considered potable in Moscow, but is not in St. Petersburg), and it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water.

It is recommended that long-term visitors have vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and tetanus. For the latest health advisories, please look at: www.travelhealth.gc.ca .

Restaurants

Russia's major cities, especially Moscow and St. Petersburg, have many restaurants. International food restaurants are available in many cities. Due to the country's multiethnic population, the cuisine may vary from European to Middle Eastern or Asian, depending on the region.

Advice on doing business

Business culture is more hierarchical than in Canada. Correspondence, particularly at the initial stages, is responded to more readily if it is between senior executives. A response to correspondence can often take longer than expected. During certain times of year, particularly early January, early May, and July-August, many people in Russian organizations take extended holidays.

Business is generally negotiated in person with frequent follow-up telephone calls and visits. Proposals demonstrating equivalent concessions by both parties are often better received than very aggressive marketing. In general, a personal relationship is important for a successful business relationship. Although Russians tend to be very formal and serious with new acquaintances, they can also be very hospitable. Meeting over a meal and drinks is common as a business relationship progresses.

It is customary to exchange business cards during any business meeting; it is worth having some cards printed in Russian. Speaking a few words of Russian at the beginning of a meeting is received appreciatively. Even if your contact speaks English or French, it is advisable to bring product details and price lists already translated into Russian.

Business attire is appropriate for all meetings. In general, Russians tend to dress more formally than Canadians. When greeting, handshakes among men are the norm. Men may wait for women to offer their hand before greeting with a shake. It is considered bad luck to shake hands or otherwise greet someone across the threshold of a doorway.

Appropriate legal counsel is considered essential for any binding agreements. Careful due diligence and preparation will reassure both sides of a business relationship. A number of law firms can be found on our list of Local Service Providers.

Etiquette

Toasts with vodka, champagne or wine are common and may be offered almost anytime during the day. In polite society the abstainer may safely ask for a substitute drink, though a less disruptive solution is simply to raise the glass to one=s lips without drinking. Proper etiquette calls for the host to stand and make the first toast before the guests take their first drink. The guest of honour would respond with a toast after a short break to allow other guests to have a bite to eat.

Give only an uneven number of flowers, except for a funeral. Do not reveal the soles of your shoes when sitting. Never light a cigarette from a candle. Never pour wine back-handed. Do not whistle indoors. Avoid pointing at people and do not use American hand signals like thumbs up or the OK sign.

Personal Safety

As a visitor to Russia, be alert to your surroundings. Take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large city in the world. People carrying valuables in backpacks, in back pockets of pants and in coat pockets are especially vulnerable to pickpockets. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms and residences (even when locked or occupied).

Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. While attending nightclubs, travelers should be particularly cognizant of their drinks to protect against surreptitious additions. Be wary of persons representing themselves as police or other local officials. It is not uncommon for Canadians to become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials.

There have been sporadic attacks on foreigners by "skinhead" groups in some Russian urban centres. Many of these attacks target university students, particularly those of Asian and African origin, but other tourists have also been targeted. Travelers are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by "skinhead" groups and wherever large groups have gathered.

Organized criminal groups remain active throughout Russia, especially in main cities. Credit card fraud is one type of fraud. Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment, including foreign businesses. Protection money may be demanded under threat of serious violence. Extortion attempts should be reported to Russian authorities and officials at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow.

Fraud has been reported over the Internet by victims developing friendships or romantic relationships and becoming entangled in financial issues. Canadians should remain vigilant and be aware that neither the Embassy of Canada nor Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is in a position to help recover lost funds or property in such cases.

In addition to the information above, we strongly recommend that you also review the Travel Report for Russia, provided by the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada at: www.voyage.gc.ca. You should also consider registering at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/registration_canadians_abroad.shtml when travelling to or living in Russia or any other country in the world.

Consular assistance

Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports: www.voyage.gc.ca In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

The Embassy of Canada in Moscow offers consular services to Canadians requiring assistance abroad. Daytime telephone number is +7 (495) 925-6049 or fax 925-6004. 24-hour Emergency Assistance is provided through the Operations Centre in Canada. You may contact the Operations Centre by phoning the Embassy after hours and following the recorded instructions, or by calling collect at +1 (613) 996-8885. Personnel in the Watch Office are trained to handle emergency situations and can contact Embassy officers if necessary. From inside Canada, the Watch Office can be reached at 1-800-387-3124.

Business associations

Canada-Eurasia-Russia Business Association www.cerbanet.org
American Chamber of Commerce in Russia www.amcham.ru
The Association of European Businesses: www.aebrus.ru/
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation: www.eng.tpprf.ru
The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs: www.rspp.ru/Default.aspx?CatalogId=2879

Local media

Moscow Times www.themoscowtimes.ru
Moscow News www.mnweekly.ru/
St. Petersburg Timeswww.sptimes.ru
Le Courrier de Russie www.lecourrierderussie.ru
Russia Journal www.russiajournal.com

Other sources of information

Travel Report for Russia, provided by the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada: www.voyage.gc.ca

Weather information for Russia: www.worldweather.org

General reference material on Russia:
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.htmlen.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Russiaresearch.rencap.com/eng/government/frontpage.asp



Tourism in Russia/restaurants/entertainment/hotels:

www.russia.com
www.geographia.com/russia
www.traveltorussia.com
www.russia-travel.co
www.visatorussia.com
www.go-magazine.ru
www.passportmagazine.ru
www.expat.ru
www.timeout.com/travel/moscow

Some famous museums:

www.moscow-hotels-russia.com/museums.html
www.saint-petersburg-hotels.com/museums.html
www.kreml.ru/main_en.asp
www.museum.ru/gmii/defengl.html
www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/index.html

Suggestions of travel agencies in Moscow:

Unifest - www.unifest.ru/eng/index.html
Travelmart - www.travelmart.ru/english.html

Tour services:

Capital Tours - www.capitaltours.ru
Patriarchy Dom Tours - www.toursinrussia.com

Emergency numbers:

Fire: 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03

March 2009