Tips & Tricks

Please download the PDF file "RUSSIA & SIBERIA. Introduction to folk art, cuisine and special souvenirs":

Myths about Siberia

Winter all year round. It may be believed that the Siberian winter is a "wide-spread threat" for tourists. However, the winter in Novosibirsk lasts from November till March only (see: the Novosibirsk Guide for a weather chart). In the past two decades, as a result of global warming, the winters have become far warmer. Moreover, the continental climate-air is drier and the low temperatures are easier to bear. It is said that -20C in Novosibirsk are equivalent to -10C in St. Petersburg. Furthermore, there are many more sunny days in Novosibirsk than in other cities of the same latitude, such as Moscow, Copenhagen and Hamburg!

Alcoholic Drinks. It is commonly believed that Russians drink vodka everyday, just like coffee or tea. It is true that vodka is a traditional Russian drink, and is served at all the big parties and banquets. However, it is not consumed like water! Indeed, few people drink vodka regularly; and if you do not wish to drink alcohol, russians will not insist that you do.

Cultural Hints

• Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact upon greeting someone.
• Clapping in unison by the audience is the equivalent of a standing ovation for performers.
• Toasting during meals is common.
• Tea drinking. It is common in Russia to drink tea. No meal can go without it. People often invite each other by saying "Come to me for a cup of tea". So do not be surprised to hear someone invite you in this way. Usually, cookies and cakes are served with the tea.

Traditional food includes:

• Pelmeni: small boiled dumplings with minced meat inside, served with butter or sour cream. Well prepared pelmeni are always a hit. Many visitors to Russia like them very much.
• Bliny: Russian pancakes. Try served with honey or caviar. Also very good when stuffed with meat or village-cheese (curd).
• Borshch': The famous Russian soup made of fresh meat and vegetables (carrots, beetroot, potatoes, cabbage and some other), served with sour cream.
• Pirozhki: Russian patties with different fillings (meat, mashed potatos, cabbage, or jam).
• Chebureki and Manty are very popular with Siberians, though they originally come from Kazahstan and Uzbekistan. Chebureki are fried meat patties, while Manty are the big dumplings prepared on steam and stuffed with mutton mince.

Survival Guide

Electricity and water supply. In Russia, electricity is supplied at: 220V and 50 Hz. If you have American appliances (110V and 60Hz) , then you will need a special power adapter. European appliances will need only a plug adapter.

Every summer in most places hot water is cut off for about two weeks for prophylactic works.

We recommend that you drink boiled water. You may also wish to use water-purifiers.

Russian money. In Russia we have rubles and kopeykas. 1 ruble = 100 kopeykas. One American Dollar is approximately equal to 28.0 rubles. Everyone may exchange American dollars and Euros into rubles and vice versa in exchange offices. Black market dealers offer better rate, but it is considered to be somewhat riskier. No establishment accepts foreign coins or small bank-notes (like 1 dollar bank-note). It is not recommended to bring any other currency because only few places can exchange these; for example, Japanese yens or Mexican pesetas.

Average Prices:

• Milk (one liter) - 17r.
• Bread (1 loaf) - 12r.
• Cheese (200 gr.) - 200r.
• Meet (1 kg.) - 160r.
• Beer (0.5 l.) - 30r.
• Wine (0.7 l.) - 150r.
• Theater visit - 150r.
• Dining at fast food - 150r.
• Dining at Restaurant - 600r.
• Taxi (within city limits) - 250r.

Transport fares:

• Subway - 14r.
• Bus, trolley-bus, tramway - 13r.
• Route-taxi, electro-train - 15-30r.
• Regular taxi - 200-400r.

Winter Clothing. Between the second half of November and the first part of March the following clothing is recommended:

• fur coat or any other type of thick coat to protect you from cold and wind;
• fur hat or any other type of thick hat that covers your ears to protect from winds;
• mittens or gloves made of wool (not leather);
• woolen scarf;
• boots that have thick soles and preferably fur- or wool-lining inside. However, there is no need to bring large Alaskan-type boots;
• woolen socks (2 pairs);
• trousers and pullovers. Besides the pantyhose, the woolen tights are required for women. A long-sleeve pullover or sweater is enough.

You can buy all these items in Novosibirsk. There is a rich assortment of winter clothing at low prices available.

You may also ask your Canadian or Scandinavian friends about winter-clothing.

Useful phrases: