Location
Europe

Capital
Moscow

Language
Russian, many local languages

Electricity
220V AC 50Hz

Int. direct dialling code
7

Driving
National license with authorized translation or International Driving Permit required. Self drive car hire is very limited and not recommended for westerners

Currency
Rouble (RUR)

Notes
RUR: 10, 50, 100, 500

Coins
RUR: 1, 2, 5

Banks
0930-1730 Mon-Fri

Offices
0900-1800 Mon-Fri

Shops
0900-1900 Mon-Sat (Sun mostly food shops)

Emergency services
Police: 02. Fire: 01. Ambulance: 03

Climate
Winter is cold with heavy snowfall. Snow thaws Mar/Apr and this period can be quite wet. Summer is very similar to British summer in northern regions and more like the Med in southern regions. Autumn is much shorter than in Britain as winter/snows start in late Oct/Nov. Southern regions are generally warmer

Clothing
During winter a hat is essential with scarf, gloves & thick soled waterproof footwear. Lightweight clothing for summer especially in southern regions