Weak ruble aids budget travel to Russia
The ruble’s weak. The warnings about a complicated visa process turned out to be wrong, at least after a travel agency’s help. And current geopolitical tensions make this a good time to temper headlines about Russia with experiences involving everyday Russians and places.
It’s useful to download free apps like SpeakEasy Russian and iTranslate, add a Russian-language keyboard to your smartphone, and even get a Russian SIM card to stay online and benefit from Google Translate. Most locals appreciate the effort.
The website of The Man in Seat 61 offers a useful beginners’ guide to Russian train travel. Find him at www.seat61.com.
— AP
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