Calling to Russia
Making Calls while in Russia
Making Calls while in Russia
Click here to go back to Russia calling cards
Information About Russia Telephone System
In the 1990s, the Russian telecommunications systems went through extensive modernization. In rural areas, services are still outdated, but regional centers have modern digital infrastructures.
There are currently over 25 million land lines and 100 million cell phones in use in Russia.
Important Phone Numbers To Know if Traveling to Russia
All embassies are located in Moscow. Here is the contact info for just a few: The U.S. Embassy is located at 19/23 Novinsky Bulvar (tel. 095/256-4261). The British Embassy is at 10 Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya (tel. 095/956-7301). The Canadian Embassy is at 23 Starokonyushenniy Pereulok (tel. 095/956-6666). Australia and Ireland have embassies at, respectively, 13 Kropotkinskiy Pereulok (tel. 095/956-6070) and 5 Grokholsky Pereulok (tel. 095/288-4101).
The following consulates are in St. Petersburg: United States at 15 Furshtadskaya Ulitsa (tel. 812/275-1701), Britain at 5 Ploshchad Proletarskoi Diktatury (tel. 812/320-3200), and Canada at 32 Malodetskoselsky Prospekt (tel. 812/325-8448).
Other Important Information to Know About Russia
Time Zone:
GMT + 2.00 – 12:00 hours (GMT +3:00 – 13:00 during Daylight Saving Time). Current time in Moscow.
Currency:
One U.S. dollar is currently equivalent to 25.7 Russian rubles. One British pound is equal to 51.4 rubles. Current exchange rate.
Population:
142,754,000 (79.8% ethnically Russian, 3.8% Tatar, 2% Ukrainian)
Holidays:
The most elaborately celebrated holiday in Russia is New Year’s. During the Communist period, the government channeled public enthusiasm for Christmas into this secular holiday. Prices may be higher for travelers around this time, but fabulous parties abound. Other important holidays include Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23rd), International Women’s Day (March 8th), Spring and Labor Day (May 1st), Victory Day (May 9th), Independence/Russia Day (June 12h), and Unity Day (November 4th). Businesses and government agencies slow down considerably because of vacations the first 2 weeks of January, the first 2 weeks of May, and much of August.
Language:
Russian is the official language, but many of the republics have made their native languages co-official.
Climate:
Russia is snowy for most of the year. Summer features pleasant temperatures, but occasionally brutal heat or chilly rains may an appearance. Autumn is lovely but short, and spring is rather slushy.
Fun Facts About Russia
- Russians of both genders usually greet acquaintances with kisses on both cheeks. For first meetings, handshakes or nods are appropriate.
- New Year’s Eve celebrations culminate with a grand fireworks display over Red Square in Moscow.
- Rail travel is a wonderful way to see Russia. Comfortable quarters are fairly affordable.
- Russian products such as caviar, buckwheat and rye flour have been integrated into cuisines worldwide.
- Among Russia’s esteemed authors are Nikolai Gogol, Leo Tolstoy, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
- Russia has the world’s 8th largest population, but its population density is low because of its vast size.
- For hundreds of years, Russia has maintained a ballet tradition with global influence. Try to check out at least one performance on your visit!
- Russians typically dress up rather than down. Save the sneakers and sweatpants for the gym.
- Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day for Russians. It usually includes an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert.
- Russia is home to several major rivers. Take a cruises on the Volga, Lena, or Yenisei.
- Vodka means “little water” in Russian. It is readily available throughout the country. Remember that Russians drink it in one gulp, but don’t start until someone proposes a toast!
- The coast of the Black and Caspian seas are popular resort areas during the warmer summer months.
- Service charges are usually included on restaurant checks, but you can add to it if warranted.
- Russian athletes are among the world’s finest. Traditional sports include soccer and hockey, but the Russians enjoy—and excel at—many.
- Vodka is not the only popular drink in Russia; most Russians drink large quantities of tea, usually served from a samovar.