26.11.2007
Packing List
for those going to Russia a semester or longer
A semester or year stay in Russia requires considerable planning. If you will be spending winter months in Russia, luggage can quite easily become unwieldy. Keep two important points in mind: a) airline restrictions, and b) you will probably bring souvenirs back. 1. Weight restrictions in Russia (back to top) At this time international flights are restricted to two checked bags (not to exceed 70lb in total), one carry on bag, and one "personal item." These restrictions are usually strictly enforced. Charges for overages vary by airline, but outrageous generally describes them. "Personal items" can be anything small and light from a purse to a laptop in its case. This should be obvious, but do not pack your laptop in your check-in luggage! For those on domestic Russian flights, the limit is 20kg of checked baggage and 10kg of carry on. They will charge per kilogram over this limit. For those who will be switching planes in Moscow (say, to Irkutsk or Valdivostok), you should buy your domestic and international tickets together - preferably from the same airline. If the tickets are unrelated you may be charged for baggage overage (20kg is less than half of the 70lb limit mentioned above!) The train has a theoretical limit of 35 kg, but it is more a question of whether it fits in the compartment. Remember that in 2nd class trains, there are three other people with considerable luggage. If your trip will be only a few hours, you may not have much problem, but Russia is a big country with train trips that sometimes take a week or more. You may want to make a quick list of things you use each day and decide which you can live without. Most things are now available in Russia, but if you are brand-conscious, you may want to bring a good stock with you. It's also good to have enough necessities that you won’t have to spend for your first week shopping. 2. Electrical Appliances (back to top)
You will need a voltage converter for appliances (e.g., hair dryers, razors, curling irons). The plugs are different, as is the amperage meaning that appliances should be approved for international use to avoid damage/injury. This information is usually available on the package containing the appliance or on the company website for its manufacturer. 3. Laptops, etc. (back to top)
See "Electronics and Internet" for more info on packing your laptop and other electronics. 4. Personal Care Items (back to top)
Toothbrush and toothpaste, floss
Soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, feminine products
Comb/brush, razor, nail clippers
Hair dryer and/or curling iron (220 Volt European adapter required – you can find travel dryers in most pharmacies)
Bath towels (dormitory issue bath towels resemble the placemats in truck stops) and washcloths*
Insect repellent (such as OFF!)
Contact lens solution and cleansers
Vitamins – These really help during the long, wet and often dark winter.
First Aid/Medicine (Include a full supply of any needed prescriptions; Stomach medication is recommended as it will take a few days to acclimate to Russia food, altitude, and get over the dehydration that comes with international travel.) Note: We recommend bringing the above products not because they are impossible to get in Russia, but because after the flight they are simply nice to have with you, hassle free. Many medications are now available in Russia, but often in brands you don't know and are called by different names. Don't risk it. Note: We recommend you carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, and anything else you must have on a daily basis, in your carry on. Bags are often delayed on international flights (sometimes by a few days) due to the complex logistics of international travel. 5. Clothing (back to top)
Fall and winter weather in all but the south of Russia can range from Boston-like coastal damp cold to northern Minnesota-like deep-freeze cold, depending on the year. While Siberia is more extreme in temperature, it is a dry cold, making it quite tolerable with proper clothing. Weather is very unpredictable anywhere, and for your comfort you should be prepared. The numbers of each item are only suggestions; use your own discretion in deciding what and how many of an item to bring. For some internships, you may need to shift towards slightly more formal attire. 3 sweaters or sweatshirts
2 or 3 pairs of jeans or other casual slacks. Dark colors as streets get very dirty with snow/mud/salt/oil mixture in winter.
1 nicer outfit—need not be suit or dress, unless you are interviewing
4+ short sleeve tops (T-shirts are very acceptable)
Underwear to suit your personal needs for the length of your stay
Long underwear (can also be used as pajamas)**
At least one pair thermal or wool socks**
Rain poncho and/or umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes (You will be doing a lot or walking, so make sure your shoes are broken in and comfortable.)
Winter boots** (with good traction – insulated hiking boots are great even for city use)
Winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf**
Additional winter wear**
Pajamas / Bathrobe
Shower shoes/sandals* - these are especially recommended if you are staying in the dorms. 6. Other items (back to top)
Notebooks, pens, pencils
Small Russian/English dictionary
Paperbacks for your own enjoyment (crossword puzzle books, etc., whatever you enjoy)
Small calculator; Travel alarm; Stereo/CD player
Extra eyeglasses (especially if you wear contact lenses, knowing your prescription will be handy too)
2 or 3 photocopies of the photo page of your passport
Strong stain remover (for that muddy mixture described above)
Waterproofer for leather boots***
*More important for those staying in dormitories
**We generally recommend Columbia or Timberland layered parkas. These allow you to remove or add layers to accommodate changing conditions in Russia. Internship students will likely want a longer, heavy wool dress coat. Also, you will want a coat that covers you lower than the waist-line.
***Do not check aerosol or glass bottles in your luggage. Carry on. Note: This list is made up of suggestions provided by people on previous trips. Use your own discretion in deciding what to bring. Many things are now available in Russia, particularly in Moscow, but usually at higher prices for similar quality. If you think of something, and are not sure, contact us for advice. 7. Gifts (back to top)
Many students ask, "When is it appropriate to give gifts?" In general, wait until you have an established relationship with someone. When you give gifts early, you are both in an awkward position. Over the course of a semester you will have ample opportunity, from birthdays to Russian holidays to use up those gifts. If you would like to present a gift right away, bring small regional perishables (see below), as these can make great conversation starters. In choosing gifts, we recommend the following: Keep the price low, or at least well hidden. You don't want to put your Russian friends in the position of feeling the need to reciprocate at a level out of their budget. Do not bring things like trinkets, bubble gum, candy bars, etc., which will only insult the recipient at this point in history. Think of yourself as representing America. Many Russians believe that the quality of goods made in America or Europe is far better. Don't let them down. Regional goods are recommended. For example, maple syrup from New England, wine from California, wild rice from Minnesota, some of the exotic potato products from Idaho, photobooks from your area, postcards, regional art or jewelry from the SW (again, tasteful but inexpensive), sports team stuff for young men and boys. You can always get flowers in Russia (always an odd number of stems!!!) or chocolates of course, but if you know you will be in Russia for a holiday, you might want to get a few interesting items. Acknowledging Russian holidays is a big way to score points!
Tips: Gift giving in Russia can feel like a solemn event. Many Russians are not apt to fawn over gifts, so don't be surprised if yours is accepted with a simple "thank you," briefly inspected, and set to the side. Never preface your gift with the words "I don't need this anymore." Your host may take this as an insult, like you are giving them garbage - always give a gift saying that it is something you thought they might like, or something you thought to give them as a show of thanks. This is usually better in any culture.
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