# Travel to Russia **URL:** https://forum.russiable.com/c/travel-to-russia/5.md [Latest](https://forum.russiable.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.russiable.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.russiable.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Travel to Russia category](https://forum.russiable.com/t/about-the-travel-to-russia-category/7)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.russiable.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 8:10am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/about-the-travel-to-russia-category/7 "2026-11-07T08:10:43Z")
Get help from the community to organize your next trip to Russia or tell us how your trip was and answer other travelers’ questions --- ## [Roaming and eSIM in Russia: does your foreign SIM work?](https://forum.russiable.com/t/roaming-and-esim-in-russia-does-your-foreign-sim-work/297)
**Author:** [@crg\_root](https://forum.russiable.com/u/crg_root)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 3:05pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/roaming-and-esim-in-russia-does-your-foreign-sim-work/297 "2026-11-07T15:05:33Z")
Hello, I was planning to go to Russia (Moscow / St Petersburg) for Christmas / New Year’s eve, and I’ve read recently about the 24hr period when your sim card is kind of blocked from the internet the moment you enter Ru… --- ## [6 weeks travelling in Russia](https://forum.russiable.com/t/6-weeks-travelling-in-russia/370)
**Author:** [@PL\_MUC](https://forum.russiable.com/u/PL_MUC)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2026, 12:27pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/6-weeks-travelling-in-russia/370 "2026-11-07T12:27:20Z")
I recently travelled for 6 weeks through the Russian Caucasus region and would like to share some information about how to set yourself up for such a journey and how to organise things on the way. For those of you intere… --- ## [Yoomoney / TBank / Zolotaya Korona](https://forum.russiable.com/t/yoomoney-tbank-zolotaya-korona/366)
**Author:** [@littleruss](https://forum.russiable.com/u/littleruss)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2026, 10:21am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/yoomoney-tbank-zolotaya-korona/366 "2026-11-05T10:21:58Z")
Newbie to Russia post-2022. I have visited Russia before but that is before everything change, so bear with me as I learn the new normal. I am thinking of making a quick hop to Russia to sort out money matters while at … --- ## [Russian eVisa reform: it would become 45 days (draft)](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russian-evisa-reform-it-would-become-45-days-draft/367)
**Author:** [@Irena](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Irena)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2026, 11:42am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russian-evisa-reform-it-would-become-45-days-draft/367 "2026-11-04T11:42:00Z")
Hello, Russia has published a draft reform of the eVisa. The main changes: 45 days’ validity, and you could stay in Russia for that whole period (today it’s 30 days from entry). Note that the 45 days would start when … --- ## [Bus trip from Minsk to Moscow](https://forum.russiable.com/t/bus-trip-from-minsk-to-moscow/365)
**Author:** [@marceloeditapelomundo](https://forum.russiable.com/u/marceloeditapelomundo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 8:52am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/bus-trip-from-minsk-to-moscow/365 "2026-10-06T08:52:28Z")
I bought a bus ticket from Minsk to Moscow. I am a foreigner and am exempt from visa requirements for both Belarus and Russia. I would like to know if any foreigners have made this bus trip since the Union Agreement came… --- ## [Foreign SIM in Russia: how to remove the 24-hour internet and SMS lock](https://forum.russiable.com/t/foreign-sim-in-russia-how-to-remove-the-24-hour-internet-and-sms-lock/320)
**Author:** [@antoniob](https://forum.russiable.com/u/antoniob)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2026, 8:30am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/foreign-sim-in-russia-how-to-remove-the-24-hour-internet-and-sms-lock/320 "2026-10-04T08:30:45Z")
SMS received after crossing the border. Internet will be off on the foreign SIM but for accessing the activation page. in screenshots (1st SMS was end March when I was in Murmansk, but I overlooked it, saw it afterwards… --- ## [VPN and email](https://forum.russiable.com/t/vpn-and-email/359)
**Author:** [@BW20](https://forum.russiable.com/u/BW20)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/vpn-and-email/359 "2026-10-02T20:30:45Z")
Hi there we are travelling the first time tomorrow and i was wondering of there are any updates regarding VPNs? Are the ones on the website here still the best? Just worried as I read a couple of news articles that there… --- ## [Koidula - Kunichina Gora](https://forum.russiable.com/t/koidula-kunichina-gora/360)
**Author:** [@Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Cal)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/koidula-kunichina-gora/360 "2026-09-30T23:31:03Z")
How long of a walk is it from the Estonian side to the Russian side? --- ## [Weather conditions in mid-September](https://forum.russiable.com/t/weather-conditions-in-mid-september/353)
**Author:** [@nilanko](https://forum.russiable.com/u/nilanko)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/weather-conditions-in-mid-september/353 "2026-09-30T23:28:07Z")
Can anybody from Russia or someone who has traveled to Russia in mid September tell me about the weather in Moscow and St. Petersburg? My travel dates are 11 September to 17 September. Does it usually rain during this p… --- ## [FSB Took My Unlocked Phone — What Security Checks Should I Run?](https://forum.russiable.com/t/fsb-took-my-unlocked-phone-what-security-checks-should-i-run/363)
**Author:** [@NomadicHedgie](https://forum.russiable.com/u/NomadicHedgie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2026, 10:55am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/fsb-took-my-unlocked-phone-what-security-checks-should-i-run/363 "2026-09-27T10:55:42Z")
Yesterday, when I was leaving Russia through Pulkovo, I was questioned by both the border police and FSB. They asked me to unlock my Android phone and took it out of my sight for a while. I don’t know exactly what they d… --- ## [Buying Aetoflot ticket.](https://forum.russiable.com/t/buying-aetoflot-ticket/355)
**Author:** [@oliver1](https://forum.russiable.com/u/oliver1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/buying-aetoflot-ticket/355 "2026-09-23T17:26:53Z")
I was recently trying to buy a domestic Aeroflot flight using Chinese website WeChat. I could find a flight and enter all my details, but when it came to pay a message said something like “only available for Russian cit… --- ## [Decree 377](https://forum.russiable.com/t/decree-377/330)
**Author:** [@NorseVictory](https://forum.russiable.com/u/NorseVictory)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/decree-377/330 "2026-09-20T23:42:55Z")
https://en-bbpartners.ru/newsletter/newsletter-new-restrictions-on-bank-deposits-of-foreign-creditors Essentially it seems foreigners from unfriendly countries are going to have a hard time with savings and deposit acco… --- ## [Having problems booking flight with American card](https://forum.russiable.com/t/having-problems-booking-flight-with-american-card/361)
**Author:** [@marcelapa10](https://forum.russiable.com/u/marcelapa10)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/having-problems-booking-flight-with-american-card/361 "2026-09-17T18:37:41Z")
Using Aviasales.com, I find the flight I’m looking for from Moscow to Vladivostok, but when it comes time to pay on Wingie, it doesn’t process properly. I tried 2 different flights, 2 different times. I see the base eco… --- ## [Russia Is Fantastic!](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russia-is-fantastic/362)
**Author:** [@rufuswiena](https://forum.russiable.com/u/rufuswiena)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russia-is-fantastic/362 "2026-09-11T18:11:39Z")
I want to thank Irena Domingo at Russiable for this incredible work and website. This has been gold to me and still is. I’m soon going back to Russia because it is great! And I recommend everybody to use this platform as… --- ## [How important is it to clean your phone before entry?](https://forum.russiable.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-clean-your-phone-before-entry/334)
**Author:** [@traveladdict](https://forum.russiable.com/u/traveladdict)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2026, 4:13am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-clean-your-phone-before-entry/334 "2026-08-27T04:13:32Z")
What are some best practices for cleaning your phone before entry to Russia? I heard taking in a burner phone isn’t a good idea because they will question why it’s empty/new. Plus my phone has a great camera and it would… --- ## [Sutochno doesn't work unless you can log in](https://forum.russiable.com/t/sutochno-doesnt-work-unless-you-can-log-in/343)
**Author:** [@orlovividry](https://forum.russiable.com/u/orlovividry)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/sutochno-doesnt-work-unless-you-can-log-in/343 "2026-08-23T14:21:41Z")
Anybody trying to book accommodation with “Sutochno” per this article: https://russiable.com/rent-apartments-russia/ ? It doesn’t mention anything about the fact that you need to have an account with the website. Foreig… --- ## [Question on SNILS and also translation of passport](https://forum.russiable.com/t/question-on-snils-and-also-translation-of-passport/352)
**Author:** [@Cal](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Cal)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2026, 6:47pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/question-on-snils-and-also-translation-of-passport/352 "2026-08-22T18:47:31Z")
When I go to MFC to get my biometrics so I can get my phone unlocked, does it have to be the original SNILS certificate - or can it be a copy of my SNILS certificate? Also, is there an expiration date for the translati… --- ## [Irkutsk-Ulan Bator train booking by rw.by](https://forum.russiable.com/t/irkutsk-ulan-bator-train-booking-by-rw-by/347)
**Author:** [@Ram](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Ram)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 4:43pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/irkutsk-ulan-bator-train-booking-by-rw-by/347 "2026-08-18T16:43:28Z")
Hello. Has anyone booked Irkutsk to Ulan Bator train tickets using rw.by? On the rw.by website the button to make the booking does not appear. Am I making a mistake? Any other inputs or tips on how to book train ticket… --- ## [Train to Mongolia and customs declaration](https://forum.russiable.com/t/train-to-mongolia-and-customs-declaration/356)
**Author:** [@traveladdict](https://forum.russiable.com/u/traveladdict)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 4:38pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/train-to-mongolia-and-customs-declaration/356 "2026-08-18T16:38:22Z")
I have successfully entered Russia and declared my medications with all the appropriate documentation. The process was straightforward and simple. I am planning to exit Russia in a couple of weeks by train to Mongolia. S… --- ## [Ticket booking for travelers](https://forum.russiable.com/t/ticket-booking-for-travelers/339)
**Author:** [@nilanko](https://forum.russiable.com/u/nilanko)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 9:19pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/ticket-booking-for-travelers/339 "2026-08-16T21:19:30Z")
How can I book tickets online for various activities and places in russia as a tourist? Is there any single one stop place to get all the tickets pre-booked or can I just book it on the spot? --- ## [Currency exchange](https://forum.russiable.com/t/currency-exchange/354)
**Author:** [@oliver1](https://forum.russiable.com/u/oliver1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/currency-exchange/354 "2026-08-16T13:57:54Z")
Hello, I’m travelling to Russia soon, I’m English and was wanting to exchange UK Pounds at a Russian bank. Are there any problems, or are Euros, USD better? Also, I’m arriving from China to Vladivostok, so could have yu… --- ## [russia flights purchase options](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russia-flights-purchase-options/350)
**Author:** [@KO11](https://forum.russiable.com/u/KO11)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 11:39pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/russia-flights-purchase-options/350 "2026-08-11T23:39:45Z")
I just attempted to purchase a flight into Russia on Trip, which I used last year with no issues. Suddenly it wont allow for Visa payments on any of my USA cards (and Europe.) Anyone having this issue and/or recommend a … --- ## [What does целое купе mean while booking on rw.by?](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-does-mean-while-booking-on-rw-by/351)
**Author:** [@Ram](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Ram)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 3:48am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/what-does-mean-while-booking-on-rw-by/351 "2026-08-11T03:48:17Z")
Hello. I plan to travel to Russia in end-Sept 2026. I was making my train booking from Vladivostok to Irkutsk on www.rw.by It gave me an option of “целое купе” in SV (1st class). What does this mean? Do I have to pay … --- ## [St Petersburg Cossak Dance Show No More](https://forum.russiable.com/t/st-petersburg-cossak-dance-show-no-more/348)
**Author:** [@marcelapa10](https://forum.russiable.com/u/marcelapa10)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/st-petersburg-cossak-dance-show-no-more/348 "2026-08-03T20:39:57Z")
While in St Petersburg in mid June, we tried to get tickets to see the Cossak dance show recommended here on Russiable, however it seems the show is no longer running. Our hotel front desk staff tried numerous times to g… --- ## [Planning a trip to Moscow, how to pay with Pir??](https://forum.russiable.com/t/planning-a-trip-to-moscow-how-to-pay-with-pir/333)
**Author:** [@Learned\_Capibara](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Learned_Capibara)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/planning-a-trip-to-moscow-how-to-pay-with-pir/333 "2026-08-01T15:24:14Z")
Hi all, im planning a trip to Moscow and Saints Petersburg and i was wondering about the payments… i thought about bringing cash and then find a good currency exchanger to change euros in rubles, possibly with a good exc… --- ## [Couple of questions around Russia first time travel in August](https://forum.russiable.com/t/couple-of-questions-around-russia-first-time-travel-in-august/341)
**Author:** [@nilanko](https://forum.russiable.com/u/nilanko)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/couple-of-questions-around-russia-first-time-travel-in-august/341 "2026-07-31T15:38:24Z")
Do most places in Russia have QR code system for payment that I can scan and pay using PIR? Where do you book tickets for museums, activities, experiences and day tour packages (like getyourguide.com, klook.com, etc)? I… --- ## [3 yr Visa for US citizen question](https://forum.russiable.com/t/3-yr-visa-for-us-citizen-question/349)
**Author:** [@marcelapa10](https://forum.russiable.com/u/marcelapa10)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 3:28am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/3-yr-visa-for-us-citizen-question/349 "2026-07-21T03:28:52Z")
I already have a 3 yr Russian visa and have been to Russia once. To visit again during the valid 3 yr period, do I need another invitation letter from a Russian hotel for the period of my next visit to Russia? Probably n… --- ## [Registration rules](https://forum.russiable.com/t/registration-rules/346)
**Author:** [@Dunkred](https://forum.russiable.com/u/Dunkred)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/registration-rules/346 "2026-07-19T00:53:54Z")
Hello, I’m going back to Russia in September to visit my partner. However, I’m a bit confused about the registration rules because, for certain reasons, her landlord can’t register me. From what I understand, you have … --- ## [Crypto with Bestchange](https://forum.russiable.com/t/crypto-with-bestchange/342)
**Author:** [@traveladdict](https://forum.russiable.com/u/traveladdict)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2026, 5:10am UTC](https://forum.russiable.com/t/crypto-with-bestchange/342 "2026-07-17T05:10:39Z")
I’m looking at ways to have backup funds while I am in Russia. I plan on bringing cash. Pay In Russia won’t verify Americans so I would be limited to 15k Rubles with a bad FX. I can’t get Yoomoney to verify me either, bu… [Next page](https://forum.russiable.com/c/travel-to-russia/5.md?page=1)