Travel information
Find out more about the city, hotels, transport and get some useful travel advice
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best currency to take to Russia?
All prices in Russia are given in roubles, and it is prohibited by law for any outfit to accept any other currency except the national one. It would be worth exchanging your cash into roubles upon your arrival in Russia. British pounds are very hard to exchange - only in Moscow, St Petersburg and some other host cities - and the rate may not be good, so it is better to bring USD or Euro. It's also not recommended to bring traveller's cheques to Russia. Try not to run out of cash, although major credit and debit cards are accepted in Russia.
2. Where is the best place to exchange money?
Changing money is rarely a problem in Russia. Almost every place, even a smallest town, has a bank or a currency exchange office. This is not always the case in the tiniest remote Siberian or mountain villages, but, generally, if the town has more than 1000 inhabitants, a legal money exchange will not cause a problem.
3. What is the weather like in Russia?
Be aware that the weather in August is rather unpredictable with flurries showing. Take along with you waterproof shoes and a jacket.
4. Which means of transport is better to use in Moscow?
The Moscow Metro is a great alternative to using local taxi services. You'll travel fast, cheap and easy, skip most of the traffic, and save lots of time. This means of transport may not be very comfortable, but nothing beats it as the traffic gets worse by the year. Also, taxis cost a lot these days.
5. Who should I ask if I get lost in Russia? Do people speak English?
If you haven't learned to speak Russian yet and find yourself in a difficult situation, you can ask hotel receptionists, guides, translators or any English-speaking people to help you get around and find your way back to the hotel or train station.
In Russia's big cities, you can buy a map or travel-guide in English with sightseeings. Russian transcription is found in most subways. If you get lost, you can turn to any policeman or passer-by for help. More and more people speak English in Russia with each passing year.
6. Do I need to carry my original passport with me at any time during my vacation trip to Russia?
Police have the authority to stop people and request their documents at any time without cause. Due to the possibility of random document checks by police, foreign citizens should carry their original passports, registered migration cards, and visas with them at all times. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention and/or heavy fines. It is not necessary for travellers to have either entry or itinerary points in the Russian Federation printed on their visas.
MOSCOW
In the course of its history Moscow has been the center of the National Russian culture. Here the most precious historical memorials and landmarks are amassed: the Kremlin, the Novodevichy Convent, the Church of the Intercession at Fili, the Moscow State University, the New Triumphal Arch, the Victory Park on Poklonnaya Gora (hill), the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church, Christ the Savoir Cathedral etc.
Nowadays Moscow is the largest economical, political and scientific center of Russia. The basis of Moscow economy forms the richest scientific, technical and industrial potential of the city.
Moscow is the cultural and scientific center of international importance. The Russian Academy of Sciences and 90 scientific institutions are located in Moscow.
The world-famous Moscow theatres are the Bolshoi Theatre, the Maly Theatre, the Moscow Art Theater, the Theatre named after Y. Vakhtangov, the Theatre in Taganka Street. Painting, graphic and sculpture collections of the Tretyakov Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts named after A. Pushkin form the treasure of the Russian culture. On the whole, there are 72 theatres, 109 cinemas, 31 concert halls, 78 museums and 142 exhibition complexes in Moscow.
Moscow is also the largest educational center of the country with such institutions as: the well-known Moscow State University named after M. Lomonosov, the Russian University of Peoples' Friendship, the Moscow State Technical University named after N. Bauman, the Russian State Medical University and many others.
For the period of Symposium the weather in Moscow is expected to be rather changeable. It is advised to bring an umbrella, as there are occasional rains in Moscow in August.
Airports
In order to get to a hotel from an airport you can order a taxi (we do not recommend to use services of private drivers as it may be dangerous and quite expensive) or take Aeroexpress. Here is some information about Moscow airports and Aeroexpress:
Moscow Domodedovo Airport is an international airport located in Domodedovo, a small town near Moscow. It is the largest airport of Russia and Eastern Europe in terms of passenger traffic.
You can get to Domodedovo airport from Moscow by public transport: from Domodedovskaya underground station (by bus or mini-bus) and from Paveletsky railway station (by train, the nearest underground station is Paveletskaya).
The most convenient and quick way to get there is by Aeroexpress train (goes non-stop from Moscow, Paveletsky railway station, to Domodedovo airport and from the airport to Moscow, Paveletsky railway station). Time of journey: 40-50 minutes.
The platform, from which Aeroexpress (http://aeroexpress.ru/en/domodedovo.html) trains depart, is opposite the exit from the domestic flights arrival hall. Follow the signs at the AirRail complex to reach the platform from the international flights arrival hall.
Sheremetyevo International Airport located 29 km from Moscow.
The terminals E, D, and F at the airport and Aeroexpress (https://aeroexpress.ru/en/sheremetyevo.html) terminal are interconnected by pedestrian galleries. Please, follow the signs.
Public transport operates between Terminal B and Terminal E (the shuttle-bus from terminal B arrives at terminal E. Please use pedestrian galleries to get to Terminals F and D). Also from Terminal C and Terminal F: free shuttle buses (for air passengers only) operate between Terminal C and Aeroexpress Terminal. Travel time is about 20 minutes.
The journey on Aeroexpress from the airport to Moscow (Belorussky Rail Terminal) takes 35 minutes. Aeroexpress arrives at Belorussky railway station (Belorusskaya underground station).
Vnukovo International Airport is one of the largest air transportation hubs in Russia ranking third in terms of passenger numbers among the nation's leading aerial gateways. The ground entrance to the Aeroexpress (https://aeroexpress.ru/en/vnukovo.html) station is within walking distance from Terminals A, B, and D. Passengers travelling from international Terminal A need to go down to floor zero by lift or escalator to enter the Aeroexpress station. Please, follow the signs.
The journey to Moscow (Kievsky railway station) from the airport on Aeroexpress takes 35 minutes.
Aeroexpress arrives at Kievsky ail way station (Kievskaya underground station).
To get tickets please use Aeroexpress ticket vending machines located at the Terminals. The machines dispense change and accept bank card payments. The price for one way ticket is 450 RUB.
Event's venue: P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The Symposium will be held in the main building of the P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Address of the venue: 53, Leninskiy avenue, 119991, Moscow, Russia (map)
The LPI is located at a short distance from the center of Moscow and the Kremlin (within 20 minutes by public transportation) on one of the main radial avenues which starts from the center of Moscow and leads to the south of the city.
Cultural Program
Must visit places
Red Square remains, as it has been for centuries, the heart and soul of Russia. Few places in the world bear the weight of history to the extent that Moscow's central square does. From the 16th Century St. Basil's Cathedral - one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world - to the constructivist pyramid of Lenin's Mausoleum, Red Square is rich in symbols of Russia's turbulent and intriguing past.
The Kremlin Armoury Museum - Moscow's oldest and most prestigious museum, which boasts a staggering collection of Tsarist artefacts, Russian and foreign jewellery, armour, and a collection of over fifty Faberge eggs
The State Tretyakov Gallery is the national treasury of Russian fine art and contains more than 150,000 works of painting, sculpture and graphics created by generations of Russian artists.
Novodevichy Convent also known as Bogoroditse-Smolensky Monastery is probably the best-known cloister of Moscow. Its name, sometimes translated as the New Maidens' Monastery, was devised to differ from an ancient maidens' convent within the Moscow Kremlin. Unlike other Moscow cloisters, it has remained virtually intact since the 17th century. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Russian Souvenirs
Russian souvenirs reflect the national character and soul of Russian people so vividly that you can enjoy looking at and studying them endlessly. Lively, carved and painted figurines, nesting dolls, birch boxes and accessories, Gzhel and Majolica Ceramics, Mstera, Kholuy, Palekh and Fedoskino wooden boxes, tin soldiers, clocks, wooden figures are to everyone's liking. These examples of great Russian culture will decorate your house and bring you back memories of Russia.
Looking for something unusual and yet beautiful? Our Russian Souvenirs Store offers you highly artistic articles handcrafted by gifted masters. In every piece you will find reflections of millennium long traditions of Russian folk and decorative art. Every item will make a great addition to any collection or a perfect gift for any occasion.
Security
As in most other big cities in the world, please, avoid traveling alone at night, and do not get into any discussion with drunks. If traveling at night, it is recommended to stay on the main sidewalks and avoid any dark alleys or yards.
While walking around the city, please, try to use pedestrian subways wherever it is possible, and be careful while crossing streets.
You will be absolutely safe if you follow the obvious precautions: do not carry more cash than necessary and try not to display large sums in public places, keep large sums in a money belt or sealable inner pocket, keep credit cards separately, and don't carry valuables in a backpack or easily opened bag.
Russian policemen have the right to check your passport, visa and migration card at anytime. Please, carry them with you at all times.
Public Transport
The network of public transport in Moscow is quite extensive. The underground (metro) is a very reliable and cost-effective way of medium and long-distance transportation. It is also good for journeys within the downtown area. For the shorter trips you are more likely to use trams, buses and trolleybuses, or taxis.
The Moscow Metro is a rapid transit system serving Moscow and the neighboring Moscow Region towns of Krasnogorsk and Reutov. Opened in 1935 with one 11-kilometre line and 13 stations, it was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union. As of 2013, the Moscow Metro has 188 stations and its route length is 312.9 km. The system is mostly underground, with the deepest section 84 meters at the Park Pobedy station. The Moscow Metro is the world's fourth most heavily used rapid transit system after Tokyo subway, Seoul Metropolitan Subway and Beijing Metro.
Note the changes in the metro opening times: the Moscow Metro is open from about 5:30 am and until 1:00 am. The precise opening time varies at different stations according to the arrival of the first train, but all stations simultaneously close their entrances at 01:00 for maintenance. The minimum interval between trains is 90 seconds during the morning and evening rush hours.
The entrance to the metro is marked with "M" sign. To enter the metro you should buy a ticket or a smart card in the ticket office. It can be purchased at special counters or booths located at every station. These booths also sell monthly metro passes and passes which allow you to use all forms of public transport.
There are smart cards to be used: 1-day smart card, Ediny card - a universal card for all city-owned public transport operated by Mosgortrans and Moscow Metro, 90 minutes card - an unlimited 90-minute card and TAT card for the city public transport operated by Mosgortrans.
To enter the metro do the following: To go through the turnstile, put the ticket or a smart card to the card reader and pass when the green light is on. To pass through the turnstile with the same card again, you'll need to wait 7 minutes. If a ticket or a smart card fails, try it again with the same turnstile. If it fails again, use a card reader in the station vestibule to check the card. If the card is valid, address anyone in the metro ticket office.
Tram - tram stops are marked with signs above the tracks (with the letter "T").
Bus - bus stops are marked by signs with the letter "A".
Trolleybus - trolleybus stops are marked with the letter "T".
Marshrutka - a «marshrutka» or «marshrutnoe taksi» is a privately owned minivan or small bus that follows a fixed route. It is a form of public transportation such as a share taxi. Marshrutkas do allow standing capacity. In Russia, in Moscow GAZelle, Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans are usually used as route taxis.
Route numbers, usually prefixed with the letter 'K', are displayed on the front and side of the bus, often alongside the most important stops on the route.
To stop a «marshrutka» for boarding just wave down with your hand. Boarding it, please, say the name of your stop to the driver.
Taxi - Moscow does not have as many taxis as New York or London, but still there is a lot of taxis in the street (yellow).
Mobile calls, method of payments, language
Sim-cards
You can buy a local sim-card in an airport or in the city, in Evroset (ЕВРОСЕТЬ), Svyaznoy (СВЯЗНОЙ), Megafon (МЕГАФОН) and etc. To call to your country you should dial: 8 10, a code of the country, a city code and a telephone number or +, a code of the country, a city code and a telephone number.
Method of payments
The currency in Russia is Rouble. You can use all major credit and debit cards in ATMs, in shops, restaurants and hotels. Travellers cheques are possible to exchange in banks. Please, exchange Euro or US dollar cash in banks.
Language
Russian is a Slavic language spoken in Russia, Belarus, etc.
Russian people are in friendly and hospitable and are glad to help if assistance is needed!
Here is essential every–day vocabulary:
Hello - Здравствуйте - ZdrAvstvuyte
Thank you - Спасибо - SpasIbo
Excuse me - Извините - IzvinIte
It is fine - Хорошо - KharashO
See you later - Пока - PakA
I don't understand - Я не понимаю - Ya ne ponimAyu
Please - Пожалуйста - PozhAluysta
How much is it? - Сколько стоит - SkOl'ko stOit
I need assistance - Помогите мне - PomogIte mne
Good bye - До свидания - Do svidAniya