Essential Russia Travel Tech Guide

• Moderate internet speeds
• Largest country by landmass
• First Nation to visit Outer Space
• Visa Online and Official Tourism Website
• Internet Filtering: Selective Political & Social

• Pick up a Yotaphone
• Shop in Gorbushka

As of 2014, there are four major carriers that offer mobile connectivity for tourists, though Megafon and MTS have the widest coverage. The tricky part is to subscribe to the appropriate plan based on the region you happen to be in. A copy of your passport is required to purchase a SIM card.

Top Prepaid SIM options

1. Megafon
Cost: Sims are 200 RUB ($5 USD), 1.9 RUB ($.05 USD) for 1 mb, or   2.5 RUB ($.06 USD) for 1 mb for internet everywhere. Link
2.  MTS
Cost: Sims are 100 – 150 RUB ($2.50 to $4 USD), 50 RUB ($1.25 USD) for unlimited data per day, or 350 RUB ($6 USD) for 3 gb data lasting one month. Link
3. Beeline
Cost: Sims are 150 RUB ($4 USD), 19 RUB ($.50 USD) for 100 mb lasting one day, or 350 RUB ($9 USD) for 3 gb lasting one month. Link

Where to Buy: Recommended to purchase from an authorized outlet
Call for Information: 09 (free) or 009 (paid)
Call for Emergency: 101 or 112

• Yandex Metro – Metro Journey Planner
  Google Play | Apple Appstore
• Learn Russian – Learn your Russian Language
  Google Play | Apple Appstore
• Tripadvisor City Guide for Moscow – All of Tripadvisor for Moscow offline
• Google Play | Apple Appstore
• Tripadvisor City Guide for St Petersburg – All of Tripadvisor for St Petersburg offline
  Google Play | Apple Appstore
• Altergeo – Points of interest
  Google Play | Apple Appstore (removed due to excessive permissions)

Type: C, F
Surge Protector Recommended: Yes
Expect Power outages: Yes