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Navigating Russia: A Travel Review During Sanctions
Planning a trip to Russia right now? Here's a rundown of what to expect, offering a relaxed take on the current travel landscape.
The Upsides
- Effortless E-Visa: Applying for a Russian e-visa is surprisingly simple. Just fill out the online form, and you should receive your visa in about four days.
- Surprisingly Empty: The lack of crowds is a major perk.
- Pulkovo International Airport (LED) in Saint Petersburg is quiet, making immigration a breeze.
- Due to the sanctions, the usual tourist hordes have vanished. Iconic spots like the Winter Palace, the Kremlin, and Red Square are wonderfully spacious, meaning less queuing and more exploring.
The Hurdles
- Limited International Payment Options: Visa and Mastercard aren't widely accepted in Russia.
- Solution: Bring cash (USD or EUR), or exchange VND beforehand. You can exchange currency at the airport or banks.
- App Challenges: Some familiar apps might not work as expected.
- Google Maps, Uber, Booking.com, and Airbnb may be less effective or even blocked.
- Alternatives:
- Use Yandex Maps instead of Google Maps.
- Try Yandex Go instead of Uber (but you'll need a local SIM card).
- Explore OneTwoTrip as an alternative to Booking.com.
- Install VPN Planet to access Facebook, Gmail, and Google.
- SIM Card Registration: New regulations require biometric registration when purchasing a SIM card in Russia.
- Recommendation: Activate international roaming before you go and install a VPN ahead of time.
On the Ground: Safety First
Despite international tensions, Moscow and Saint Petersburg feel surprisingly safe for tourists. Security personnel are visible in most public areas, particularly around train stations, major squares, and shopping centers.
Real-World Itinerary: 7 Days, 6 Nights
- Days 1-3: Saint Petersburg
- Day 4: Travel from Saint Petersburg to Moscow (high-speed train)
- Days 5-7: Moscow
- Day 8: Flight back to Vietnam (transit in Chengdu)
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1 �C Arrival in Saint Petersburg
- Flight to Pulkovo Airport (4-hour transit in Chengdu, China)
- Immigration procedures
- Check-in at a hotel near Nevsky Prospekt (central location, great for walking)
Day 2 �C Exploring the City Center
- Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace) �C one of the world's largest museums
- Saint Isaac's Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral
- Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
- Getting around by taxi
Day 3 �C Summer Palace Splendor
- Peterhof Palace (the "Russian Versailles") �C travel by taxi
Day 4 �C Journey to Moscow
- Sapsan high-speed train: approximately 4 hours
- Check-in at a hotel in the Arbat pedestrian street area
Day 5 �C The Heart of Russia
- Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral
- Lucky enough to see a parade rehearsal on the Square!
Day 6 �C Art & Modernity
- Izmailovo Kremlin complex & Vernisazh souvenir market
- Moscow Dinner Cruise on the river �C a memorable evening experience
Day 7 �C Relaxation & Departure Prep
- GUM Mall �C classic shopping center, sample the famous ice cream
- Zaryadye Park �C Moscow River views + elevated glass bridge
- Explore the Moscow Metro system �C one of the most beautiful in the world
- Evening departure from Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to Vietnam
Day 8 �C Transit in Chengdu (China)
- At the airport, follow signs for "Arrival" → Temporary Visa counter for a free transit visa (passport & onward ticket required)
- Take the metro to Jinli Ancient Street: Line 18 → South Railway Station (~1.5 hours), then take a Didi taxi to Jinli (~20 minutes)
- Explore & eat in the ancient street area
- Return to the airport via the same route, make sure you install Alipay to pay for the metro and taxi
Key Considerations
- Language: Russian is the primary language; Latin script is rare. Use Google Translate
- Currency Exchange: Bring USD or EUR from your country.
- Small Change: Russians rarely use cash, so it is hard to get smaller denominations. Request small bills.
- VPN: Use VPN Planet to access Gmail, Facebook, and Google.
- Yandex Go: Doesn't work without a Russian SIM. Ask restaurants/cafés or hotels to call a taxi for you.
- Prepared Information: Have Russian names and addresses (written down) for directions or taxis.
- Metro Navigation: Be aware of branch lines like 4A that share tracks �C check the destination carefully.
- China Transit (Chengdu): Install Alipay for transport and payments.
Detailed Trip Costs (7 Days �C 6 Nights)
1. Round-Trip Airfare: Vietnam �C Russia
- Airline: Sichuan Airlines
- Price: 18 million VND per person (booked via Trip.com)
- Transit: 4 hours in Chengdu (outbound), 9 hours (return)
2. Russian Visa
- E-visa
- Fee: Approximately 1,400,000 VND
3. Accommodation (6 nights, double room for 2 people)
In Saint Petersburg (3 nights):
- Best Western Plus Centre Hotel - directly opposite the Moscow train station
- 22,500 RUB / 3 nights / 2 people
- Booked via OneTwoTrip, paid in cash on site
- Immigration Card registration at the front desk: 250 RUB per person
In Moscow (3 nights):
- Mercure Arbat Moscow
- 25,500 RUB / 3 nights / 2 people
- Booked via OneTwoTrip, paid in cash on site
Total Hotel Cost: ~7,500,000 VND per person
4. Intercity Travel
- Sapsan high-speed train (Saint Petersburg → Moscow)
- Price: 4,800 RUB (~1,700,000 VND)
- Booked online in advance (with help from a friend in Russia)
5. Food & Drink (7 days)
- Average: 1000 RUB per meal x 3 meals per day
- Total Food Cost: ~7,000,000 VND per person
6. Tickets & Experiences
- Hermitage Museum 500
- Peterhof (summer) 1,200
- Kremlin + Museum 1,800
- Saint Isaac's Cathedral 500
- Dinner Cruise 2,900 (paid for by a friend in Russia via the website: riversticket.ru
Total Tickets + Tours: ~3,000,000 VND per person
7. Local Transportation
- 7-day Roaming: ~350,000 VND
- Taxi/Yandex in Saint Petersburg: ~1,700,000 VND
- Metro in Moscow (3 days): 700 RUB
Total Local Transportation: ~2,500,000 VND per person
