University of Minnesota International Adoption Clinic

International Adoption doctors with Russian experience

Travel

Time Zone Converter

Currency Converter

Lonely Planet guide to Russia

Weather in Russia

Voltage adapters/converters

An adapter is a plug that goes between your U.S. style plug and the European outlet. In Russia, it looks like two small rods that plug into the outlet.

A converter actually steps up (or down) the electrical current that flows from the outlet.  The U.S. has 110V appliances and Europe uses 240V.  Many household items already have the converter built in. If you look at some appliances, it will say something like this "Input: AC 110V-240V".  If you see that (or something similar) you don't need a converter.

Phone options:

• Nobelcom.com phone card
• Discall phone card 
• Walgreen's phone card (US to Russia)
• Calling Superstore: compare prices for phone cards.
• Cell phone rental from Peace Travel
• Purchase an international cell phone: GSM world phones You keep the phone & phone number for life, only pay for the minutes you use (can be quite pricey)-this is best if you travel a lot internationally and like having it with you at all times in case of emergency. 

Phone card tips & ideas:

• Check to see if there is an expiration date (some cards are only good for 30 days from the first call made)
• Have your family in the US call you with a phone card at your hotel in Russia (e-mail them to let them know when you anticipate being in your hotel room)
• Offer to give your International Adoption Clinic your calling card information in case you need them to call you back while you are in Russia (they may decline if they already have an inexpensive plan for calling overseas).
• Fodors: Tips for calling home while you're away 

For tips from parents who have previously adopted from Russia, click here.

If you have any additions, suggestions or corrections to this page, please click here.