First time in Ufa and Bashkiria? This info will give you some tips and hints.
1. MONEY. If you are going to capital of Bashkiria - Ufa, there won’t be problems to change money (mainly) US dollars and Euros or to use your Credit card. But if you go to other places, especially to small towns of Bashkortostan, it is better to get some Russian rubles in the airport or in Ufa’s banks. Sometimes banks of smaller then Ufa towns take only cash, so it may be difficult to change currency or find ATM for withdrawal. Remember, that you will have to pay cash in Russian rubles in Ufa. VISA and MasterCard are preferred to be accepted in Ufa.
2. DOCUMENTS: Once you arrive in Ufa, always keep your documents with you but remember to keep them in a safe place. It is also a good idea to make photocopies of your documents just in case. Sometimes Ufa police make spot checks on the street and they can ask to see your documents (passport and visa). By Russian law, the police officer is obligated to tell you his name, to show you his badge number, to show you his documents and allow you to record all of these. Always be polite and do not have confrontation with them.
3. TRANSPORTATION. When you ask locals to do any services for you, do not forget, that the majority of population looks at the foreigners as at the money sacks and they will try to charge you twice or more from the normal price - taxi drivers, waitress and so on. Be careful.
4. BUSINESS HOURS: are typically from 9:00 till 18:00 for government offices and 10:00 till 19:00 for most shops and companies. Supermarkets are opened from 10:00 till 23:00. You will also find plenty of stores that are open 24 hours (mostly convenience stores with alcohol, cigarettes and some real food, but there are also some large supermarkets open all night). You will find these stores in the centre of Ufa.