Russia
A South African passport holder needs a visa to visit Russia. The Russian currency is rubles. Currently R1 = 4.39 rubles. The US dollar and Euro is preferable to exchange when there. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so it is better to have some cash in your pocket. It is best to change money at a bank rather than in the streets. Did you know that Russia is the largest country in the world? It has a varied climate and the coldest month is January, the wettest months are October & November? The best time to visit Russia is in late spring which is in early June. This is the season when the weather is the most convenient for long hours of sightseeing. Take the appropriate clothing, shoes and an umbrella. It is better to take some warm clothes, as it can be cool even in the summer.
Try to avoid fast food so that you can experience the Russian culture. I would recommend that you try Russian national dishes and drinks. Taste the Russian traditional salads (vinaigrette, seld pod shuboy), soups (borsch, okroshka), blini (Russian pancakes), pelmeni, kotlety. Don't drink the local tap water, rather drink water in bottles and you must try the Russian vodka?
The most popular way to see the country is on a river boat cruise between St Petersburg and Moscow, you get to see the highlights of these cities, the nature and the small villages along the way. Another great way to experience this vast country is on the Trans-Siberian railway that connects Moscow with the Russian Far East.
Things you need to do in Moscow include a visit to the GUM Shopping Mall, Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. Moscow has museums like the Museum of Vodka, the Museum of Russian Toys, Felt Boots Museum, Ice Sculpture Museum (open all year round), and many others. Be sure to experience the underground as the stations are absolutely beautiful!
St Petersburg must visits include the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace and the Church of the Saviour Blood, to mention just a few. It is a beautiful city full of Russian woman walking on the cobble stone in stiletto heels like you can’t believe!
If you are looking for a different type of holiday and seeing this stunning country with its rich history be sure to book a trip to Russia with me.