Post in Russia

Letters sent from Russia via airmail reach their addressees abroad in about 10 -14 days. Those posted in smaller towns take even longer. Stamps are sold at post offices (russ.: "почта") or in the hotels. Outgoing mail can be posted in numerous blue post boxes. For important correspondence it is better using international delivery services.

Internet in Russia

For greeting cards email is probably the best choice. Email and Internet access is available at some post offices and numerous Internet cafes throughout the major towns and cities.

The number of Wi-Fi hotspots is growing not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also in smaller Russian towns. Among the locations offering Wireless High Speed Internet Access are not only cafes, clubs and restaurants but also cosmetic salons, clinics, shopping centres and cinemas. Many of the Wi-Fi Spots are free. Soon it should also be possible to access the internet even from the underground. First trials started in summer 2006. If they are successful, some central stations of the Moscow Metro might be equipped with Wi-Fi Internet access.

Cheap and easy: International Calls over the Internet

The internet might be a better and cheaper way for making international calls or calls within Russia. Very popular, for example, is the international service for the internet communication Skype. To make a phone call with Skype, it is necessary to download and install free software which runs on most computers. Calls among Skype users are free. One only has to pay for the internet access. There's no setup or subscription fee.

SkypeOut is a cheap way to call friends and relatives who hasn't singed up for Skype yet. With SkypeOur it is also possible to call
mobile/cell phones.

It is prohibited to use Skype for emergency calls.