Leaving Finland (to Russia)

[Gambrinus]

Hello!

Please, allow me to present a situation on the opposite direction: going out of Finland, concretenly to Russia.

I own a car here in Helsinki, and so want to go to Saint Petersburg for a few days.

I hearded I need a special russian car insurance, which I guess will have in a few days, so it is arranged.
Visa things solved

but still have a few questions.

- Which is the best border point to cross by car?
- Is it really necessary to have an International Driver´s License to go to Russia? I have a Finnish one. Would it be enough?
- How is the safety situation in the Russian side?
- any other comment will be very welcome.

Please, I would most appreciate answers from people who has already the experience of having crossed to Russia (and back) from Finland, driving a Finnish registrated car.

Kiitos!

[glorius]

Hello!

Please, allow me to present a situation on the opposite direction: going out of Finland, concretenly to Russia.

I own a car here in Helsinki, and so want to go to Saint Petersburg for a few days.

I hearded I need a special russian car insurance, which I guess will have in a few days, so it is arranged.
Visa things solved

but still have a few questions.

- Which is the best border point to cross by car?

Valimaa/Brusnichnaya.

- Is it really necessary to have an International Driver´s License to go to Russia? I have a Finnish one. Would it be enough?

I heard rumors like this but at least cops at the road between Finland and St.Petersburg are pretty used to Finnish driver license, shouldn't cause problems...

- How is the safety situation in the Russian side?
- any other comment will be very welcome.

Please, I would most appreciate answers from people who has already the experience of having crossed to Russia (and back) from Finland, driving a Finnish registrated car.

Kiitos!

Also note at Russian custom there are 2 separate queries: for Russian registered car and others(Finnish...). At Russian side gas cost approximately 2 times cheaper, 20-23 roubles, so it makes sense to fill your tanks there. 1 euro cost 37 roubles, plastic cards are not everywhere acceptable (but accepted at least at gas stations on the way), it makes sense to change some cash beforehand.

[lucent]

Being a Russian and from St. Petersburg myself, could give you some good piece of advice as well Most important's been already written here. If you have any more questions you can send me a message. I usually go home by bus or train so wouldn't be of great help in respect of "how to cross the border on a car" but if you interested in anything else, let me know