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Official Languages: Russian

English is spoken in some hotels, tourist sites, and newer restaurants in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but it is much less common outside main tourist areas. In regional cities and for transport, administration, and everyday services, travelers should expect limited English and benefit from having addresses, tickets, and key phrases prepared in Russian transliteration where possible.

Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally good in major cities and along main transport corridors, with 4G widely available. Service quality can drop in remote areas, on long rail routes, and in parts of Siberia, the Far East, and mountainous regions. International roaming availability and compatibility depend heavily on your home operator and current sanctions-related arrangements.

Roaming/SIM/eSIM: Roaming is the easiest option if your home carrier still supports service in Russia, but it can be expensive and may have limited data. A local SIM usually gives the best value for longer stays if you can complete registration requirements and your phone is unlocked. eSIM can be convenient, but availability for Russia is more limited than in many other destinations and support varies by provider, so confirm compatibility before arrival. For most travelers, roaming works best for short visits and immediate arrival needs, while a local SIM is typically the most practical for heavier data use.

Card acceptance is common in major cities, chain hotels, supermarkets, and many restaurants, but foreign bank cards are often not accepted due to sanctions and payment network restrictions. Travelers commonly need cash in rubles or a locally issued payment method for daily spending. Smaller towns, local transport, markets, and independent businesses may rely more on cash.

Tipping is common but not automatic. In restaurants, around 10 percent is typical for good service if a service charge is not already included. Smaller tips are common for cafes, taxis, hotel staff, and guides, usually rounded in cash when service is helpful. Because card payment conditions can be unpredictable, cash tips are often the simplest option.

Plug Type: Type C, Type F

Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz

Adapter: If your devices use Type C or Type F plugs, usually no adapter is needed. Travelers from countries using other plug types will typically need an adapter. Check that your chargers support 230 V input.