We recommend taking the following clothes for your Russia visit.
Cold season (winter, late autumn and early spring).
Warm clothes including woollen sweaters, warm pants, hats, gloves, scarfs and warm boots are definitely needed during these seasons. While in Russia, one can purchase Valenki felt boots which are especially warm and useful when travelling in Siberia and northern Russia.
Warm season (summer, early autumn and late spring).
It is advisable to take light clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, etc. Though it may be cool in the evening and at night, so long-sleeved clothes as well as a jacket are needed.
If you travel to the northern part of the country, in particular to the shores of the White Sea, Barents Sea etc. you are recommended to take some warm clothes with you even in the summer time. The packing list can include sweaters, light hats, wind and water proof jackets, umbrella.
Hotels and trains in Russia are often overheated in winter. Please, take some light trousers, shirts or tee shirts, sneakers or slippers.
Please, be sure to have mosquito repellents when travelling to the forest areas from May till September.
Before travelling it is very useful to check on the essential things you may need during the trip.
The recommendations on the basic things to take may be as follows:
- camera gear;
- daypack or waist-pack;
- spare eyeglasses/contact lens (if you need any);
- sunglasses (summer time or for outdoor activities in winter);
- money bag;
- toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, cotton ear swab;
- hairdryer (not available at all hotels);
- prescription medicine.
Dress code in Orthodox churches.
While visiting Orthodox churches, men are required to have their heads uncovered. Shorts are not allowed.
Women are required to have head covering. Skirts should be below the knees. Trousers are not allowed. One can put a skirt over the trousers. They may provide skirts at the entrance.
These are the general rules. In some churches they do not care.
