All about Russia

system of government

Federation. Governed by an executive president and a two-house legislature or parliament

currency

GBP 1=Roubles 46       USD 1=Roubles 23      Euro 1=Roubles 37   (subject to fluctuation)

Notes come in the following denominations: 10, 50,100, 500. Coins are also in circulation and come in the following values: 1, 2 and 5 Roubles and 1, 10 and 50 Kopeks. The Rouble is exchangeable only in Russia. US Dollar and Euro are the best currency for exchange. Bureau de Change and ATM machines exist in Moscow and St Petersburg (to a lesser extent in the provinces). Changing travellers cheques is not easy, so avoid bringing them if possible. Credit cards are becoming more accepted in Moscow and St Petersburg but cash is still the best bet.      

religion

TIME

Russia (European Russia west of the Urals) is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, summertime is in force in the UK and time reverts to 4 hours ahead of GMT.

trading hours

9.30am to 7pm or later. Shops are generally closed on Sunday. Banks are generally open weekdays from 9am to 5pm in Moscow and St Petersburg, with a break for lunch. Restaurants, cafes and bars trade ‘til late. In Moscow and St Petersburg, many grocers trade 24/7.