In the morning 9th of September 2019 we faced to challenging task to pack all of our things for journey around the world into 50L backpacks. With using a little bit of pure force we made it so we are ready for Moscow! When we reached Prague airport we find out that our backpacks weight around 17 kg. As we are not used to carry that large backpack, it was pretty hard for our backs.
At 6 PM we have finally reached Moscow. First of all we had to pass through passport check where was infinitely long queque because our plane landed in similar time like plane from East China. Lucky Russian officier recognized us in the middle of Asian turists and guided us to use passport check for Russian citizens. After half an hour of suffering in a queque, we passed through the check 🙂
How to get from Sheremetyevo airport to the city center
To the center of Moscow we took a train from the airport first and then subway. Train costs 850 Rub for two people and was quite modern (comfortable seats, WiFi, electric sockets). At the metro station we bought public transport ticket for 3 days. This ticket is the best value if you plan to discover different parts of Moscow and one ticket costs 438 Rub. Next options how to get from the airport to the city center are by bus or taxi. Although the combination of train and subway is the best money/value ratio.
Best SIM card in Russia
Directly in the airport hall we bought local SIM card from Megafon company (they gave us tourist offer) that has coverage throughout Russia (west and east). For 500 Rub we got 30 GB, unlimited social networks, unlimited calls and SMS to the Megafon network for 14 days. The price is very hilarious compare to the prices on Czech market 😀
Budget accommodation in Moscow
We book our accommodation in advance on booking.com in Skatulka hotel that has really good ratio value/price. When we reached the place where the hotel should be we could not find it. After one hour of searching in the dark we found the hotel in the first floor of local Russian market. Staff on the reception spoke well English so we did not have any troubles with communication. Waiting for the room was cheered by magician who showed us magics with coins and told us then in few days he will have show in Prague. First shock from the surrounding was suddenly replaced by nice surprise. When we climbed to the third floor, where our room was, we find out that we have the best view we could wish.
This hotel is not a luxury place. The rooms are small and shared bathroom is quite messy in the evening, but the local atmosphere is worthy. We are right next to the Kremlin Izmaylovo – area of beautiful russian architecture and local markets with russian dolls and other products.