Russia Basic Guide For Business Travel

Time: Russia is divided into 11 time zones ranging from GMT +2 in the east to GMT +12 in the west. In summer the time is +1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September. The local time in Moscow and St Petersburg is GMT +3 (GMT +4 in summer).

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

Language: Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German.

Health: Travellers to Russia are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A, tuberculosis and typhoid fever (long-term travellers), as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. An influenza vaccine is recommended for travel between November and April. There is also a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in rural and wooded areas, particularly in the Ural and Siberian regions. HIV/AIDS is on the increase. Measles outbreaks occur. Drinking water should be treated; bottled water is readily available. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK entitling citizens to free health treatment in hospital. Local state medical facilities are of a low standard, however, and visitors are strongly advised to have full insurance for medical treatment and accidents should they require private care. Blood transfusions should not be performed in Russia, due to uncertainties concerning the blood supply. Essential medications and supplies may be limited. There have been outbreaks of bird flu in a number of regions of Russia, including around Moscow, but there have been no reports of human infection. Travellers are advised to avoid contact with domestic, caged and wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked.

Tipping: A 10% tip is expected at restaurants, if a service charge hasn't been added. Hotel bills in the large cities include a 10 to 15% service charge; otherwise 10% is usual. Tipping in bars and nightclubs is common.

Safety: The areas in North Caucasus of Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai are highly volatile at present and visitors are strongly advised against travel in those regions. Only essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) should be undertaken. There is a high risk of domestic terrorism throughout Russia, particularly in Moscow and North Caucasus, with suicide bombings and explosions in public areas and on public transport, and hostage-taking are serious threats. The Russian authorities are also concerned about a possible threat to Western interests in Moscow and the threat of terrorist attacks in major cities. Visitors are advised to be vigilant, particularly in tourist areas, and also to watch out for pickpockets and street crime, especially in large cities. There has been an increase in crime, specifically targeting tourists, in St Petersburg and visitors are advised to be cautious on the metro and buses, and should insist on seeing official ID from police officers. Political protests often end in violence and detention, and visitors are advised to avoid all demonstrations.

Customs: Photography of anything to do with the military, strategic sites, or the airport, is prohibited. It is impolite to refuse alcohol, food and gifts. In Russian Orthodox churches, women are advised to wear skirts and cover their heads with a scarf.

Business: Russian business is structured and conducted in a fashion similar to Western countries with elements of the Russian character, or stereotype, instigating subtle differences. A formal dress sense is important as Russians enjoy and appreciate style. A good firm handshake and eye contact indicates strength. Business cards are exchanged and it is advisable to have, in Russian, a translation of details on the alternate side. The giving of gifts is common and should be localised or display the company logo. Although meetings may occur over lunches, decisions are often only finalised in the office. Regular business hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with one hour taken at lunch.

Communications: The international access code for Russia is +7. When calling Russia from abroad, the initial zero on the area code must not be omitted. The outgoing code is 8 followed by 10 (a second tone should sound after 8), followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 81044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 495 for Moscow and 812 for St. Petersburg. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and post offices. Phone booths in airports and major hotels usually take Amex or Visa cards but are generally much more expensive than street phones. Mobile phones work in most large towns and cities. There are numerous local operators using GSM 900/1800 networks, each covering relatively small areas. Visitors are required to declare mobile phones at customs when entering Russia. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes throughout the major towns and cities.

Duty Free: Customs inspections on entering Russia are stringent. Visitors have to declare on a form items such as currency and valuables, which they are bringing in for their own use. Duty free allowances change often and at short notice, but in general travellers can bring 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 cigarillos 0r 500g tobacco products; 2 litres of alcohol (for those over 21 years of age); perfume for personal use; 250g caviar (provided this is factory packed) and gifts to the value of 65,000 rubles.