The white nights (Russian "belije nochi") are a mystical time of year from late May through June where in northern cities such as Saint Petersburg, Russia, the nights are never completely dark, the sky kept dimly aglow by the bending light of the sun even as it dips below the horizon. Nighttime strolling is popular during the white nights in Saint Petersburg - especially romantic is the opening of drawbridges over the Neva River during the wee hours.
About the travel firm "White Nights":Founded in 1994 by an American and a Russian, both ex-military engineers who found themselves displaced after the ending of the Cold War. Now the founders, once working against each other as they aided their respective countries' destructive military build-up, find it much more satisfying serving the needs of budget travellers to the ex-USSR.
VISAS:Information for obtaining Russian, Mongolian, and Kyrgystan visas is provided, for which White Nights provides visa support.
CUSTOMS: IMPORTANT: Upon arriving in Russia, be sure that you fill out a customs declaration form and have it stamped by a customs official. List all currency, travelers checks, and jewelry, watches, antiques, icons, etc., enabling you to later export these items when you leave Russia. WITHOUT A CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM, YOU MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM BRINGING MORE THAN $50 OUT OF THE COUNTRY! Upon leaving Russia you will be asked to fill out a second customs declaration form, which should not list more money, precious materials, etc., than you brought into the country. A certificate issued by the Russian Ministry of Culture is required for the export of icons and antiques bought in Russia, for which a 100% customs duty is levied. Immigration officials who control your Russian visa are not the same as customs officials. Especially on trains entering Russia, customs officials may not present themselves directly to you or may only cry out in Russian offering declaration forms. A LOST CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORM CANNOT BE REPLACED! Be sure to safeguard your customs declaration, along with your Russian visa and passport.
MONEY:The foreign currency of preference in ex-Soviet countries is the US dollar (German DM are also widely accepted). However, torn, worn, very old, or written-upon dollars will probably not be accepted, as they cannot be verified by counterfeit detectors. If possible, it is recommended to take the new $100 notes instead of the old ones. Change for large denomination bills (such as $100) may not always be available. Traveller checks are redeemable in some of the major cities (Moscow, St Petersburg), but often for a commission (around 3%). The best travellers checks are American Express and Thomas Cook, preferably in US dollars. Off-brand travellers checks, or checks in currency less widely-circulated (such as Swiss Franks) may be impossible to cash. Cash advances from major credit cards may be available in major cities, but as much as 5% commission may be charged.
HEALTH:Bring with you all prescription drugs. Tap water is not to be drunk without first boiling. A good mosquito repellant is recommended for summer.
SAFETY:Follow common-sense approaches to personal safety as you would as a foreign visitor in other countries of the world. When sleeping on trains lock your compartment whenever possible. In crowded marketplaces, metros, or buses be especially vigilant of loose personal items you may be carrying. Spread your cash, traveler's cheques, credit cards, passport, visas, tickets and other important documents around your person and luggage. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from your passport. Under no circumstances exchange money from strangers on streets. Avoid walking alone late at light in secluded areas of cities. Follow the above tips, and you should find the reports on crime in the ex-Soviet Union as reported by the Western press to be exaggerated.
SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SPECIFIC COUNTRIES YOU MAY BE VISITING (i.e., Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan)