Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You should be up-to-date on routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and polio. Hepatitis A is recommended due to potential contaminated food or water. Consider Hepatitis B if you might have intimate contact or need medical care. Rabies is suggested if you’ll be around wildlife or stray animals, especially in rural areas. Typhoid is advisable if you’re planning to eat street food or visit smaller cities. Check with a healthcare provider for the most current recommendations.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Russia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for RussiaCulture & Customs
Avoid talking politics; it’s a sensitive topic. Offer a firm handshake with eye contact when meeting someone, but be aware it’s less common for women. Dress modestly, especially in churches. If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift like chocolates or flowers (avoid yellow flowers). Public displays of affection are frowned upon; this is crucial for LGBTQ+ travelers due to conservative views. Women may face traditional gender expectations; be prepared for chivalrous gestures like men opening doors. Always remove shoes when entering a home. Be punctual, as tardiness is considered disrespectful.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Russia.
- Borscht: A vibrant beet soup often served with a dollop of sour cream. It’s not just a winter warmer but a staple that showcases the heartiness of Russian ingredients. Traditionally, it’s a symbol of home cooking and hospitality.
- Pelmeni: Dumplings filled with minced meat, usually beef or pork, and sometimes mushrooms. These are comfort food at its finest, reflecting the practicality of Russian cuisine, perfect for harsh winters.
- Blini: Thin pancakes that can be savory or sweet, typically filled with caviar, jam, or sour cream. They’re integral to Maslenitsa, a festival marking the end of winter, symbolizing the sun and warmth.
- Shchi: A traditional cabbage soup that’s been around for centuries. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a staple, often served with rye bread, representing the essence of Russian rustic cooking.
- Olivier Salad: Known elsewhere as Russian salad, it’s a mix of potatoes, peas, carrots, and mayonnaise, often with chicken or ham. A festive dish, particularly during New Year celebrations, it’s a nod to Russian communal gatherings.
Locals often boil tap water before drinking, but it’s generally not recommended for tourists to drink it straight from the tap. For peace of mind, stick to bottled or filtered water. You can easily find bottled water in stores, and using a portable filter can be a handy option for longer stays.
The main language in Russia is
Russian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Russian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Russia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Russia,
English proficiency varies significantly by region, age, and occupation. In major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, you will find a higher number of English speakers, particularly among younger people, professionals, and those in the tourism industry. Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions in these urban areas often have staff who can communicate in English.
However, outside of these metropolitan centers, English is less commonly spoken. In rural areas and smaller towns, you may encounter people who have limited or no English skills. Older generations tend to have less proficiency, as English was not widely taught during the Soviet era.
Travelers are encouraged to learn a few basic Russian phrases, as this can enhance communication and show respect for the local culture. Additionally, using translation apps can be helpful in bridging the language gap. Overall, while you can get by with English in major cities, being prepared for limited English in less touristy areas will improve your travel experience in Russia.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Russia is RUB (₽).
When backpacking in Russia, it’s a good idea to keep a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in cities but can be scarce in rural areas. Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions before you go.
Cash: It’s smart to carry some rubles for small purchases, as not everyone accepts cards, especially in smaller towns. Try to break large bills as soon as you can, as small change is often preferred.
Currency: Stick to rubles. While some places might accept dollars or euros, the exchange rate won’t be in your favor. Exchanging money at banks usually offers better rates than airport kiosks. Look for banks like Sberbank or VTB for reliable services.
Card Acceptance: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but don’t count on them in remote regions. Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than American Express.
Exchanging Money: Avoid street exchangers due to the risk of scams. Use official bank branches or ATMs for currency exchanges. If you need quick cash, ATMs are your friends, but be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your home bank.
In Russia, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. Leaving around 10% in cash is common in restaurants, as service charges are rarely included in the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a small amount is generally sufficient.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.