Travelling to and within Central Siberia involves unique challenges. Here is some helpful travel information for making your trip safe and enjoyable.
GETTING THERE
By air
Overseas visitors can arrive to Central Siberia by air. The major airports are in Krasnoyarsk (Yemelyanovo Airport), Abakan, Barnaul and Kyzyl connected by direct flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. There are also a number of local flights within Central Siberia providing links with the most remote areas. For example, you can use a direct Krasnoyarsk – Bor flight if visiting Central Siberian Zapovednik, or a Krasnoyarsk – Vanavara flight if visiting Tungussky Zapovednik.
By rail
Central Siberia is well-served by the famous Trans-Siberian Railway (the longest railway line on Earth) stopping at Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. All trains from Moscow to Siberia leave from Yaroslavskiy Vokzal (Railway station). There is also a wide railway network within Central Siberia itself, so you can easily get closer to the Siberian outback.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Visas and passports
All foreigners must have a passport with a valid visa. Tourism visas are issued for no more than 30 days. Extensions are only given for an additional few days to help in emergency situations. As a new rule, you need to apply for visa in the country of your citizenship. Consult the nearest Russian embassy or relevant travel agents for updated information.
Migration cards and registration
Foreigners must present for registration a migration card, filled in at the point of entry to Russia. Keep it with your visa and present these documents for registration. Upon departure from Russia, return this card to the immigration control officers. Within 3 days of arriving, you must register your arrival in Russia. A hosting tourist firm or hotels can register you.
Money matters
The unit of currency throughout Russia is 100 kopek to one ruble. Changing foreign currencies is possible in all major cities of Siberia in either banks or exchange offices (in Russian ‘Obmen valut’). The commission is rarely taken, but exchange rates can vary greatly. The most easily convertable currencies are US dollar and Euro. Cash machines are usually attached to banks, either outside or inside. You can use your credit card and PIN code to withdraw cash at most cash machines 24 hours a day. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost in all of them. Usually 1% or 1.5 % commission for cash operations is charged. Do not forget that there are no bank services outside major cities in Siberia.
GETTING ACQUAINTED
Time zone
Central Siberia is located in Krasnoyarsk Time Zone ( 7 hours UTC/GMT).
Climate
The climatic conditions vary dramatically, ranging from northerly polar conditions through sub-arctic and humid continental to sub-tropical and semi-arid conditions in the south. The summers can be quite warm with the temperature reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius, but it can drop to -35 degrees Celsius in winter.
When to go
July and August are the warmest months and the main holiday season in Central Siberia. If you want to avoid the crowds, try June or September-early-October. In early autumn the leaves are turning colourful and you can pick mushrooms and berries.
Equipment rental
It is possible to rent camping equipment from several outdoor clothing and sports equipment stores in major cities (Krasnoyarsk, Abakan) and from tourist companies. Car rental is generally not available. Many tourist companies as well as some protected areas featured on this website will be happy though to arrange a car with a local driver for you.
Safety issues
Central Siberia belongs to the safest places in the world. That said, be aware that pickpockets could occur in larger cities. When in public transport, keep your bags zipped shut and carry them in front of you, not on your back or over your shoulder. Use the same caution and common sense as any responsible tourist would use when traveling anywhere in the world.
Emergency services
Fire 01
Police 02
Ambulance 03
COMMUNICATIONS
Very good telephone communication and post services are available in all cities and villages across Central Siberia. Oversea calls are also possible from any public phone and mobile phone providers. Alongside internet cafes in all major Siberian cities, Internet is available in some more remote areas as well. However, such a connection can be limited or unreliable. Outside populated areas there is no phone or Internet connection.
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