Sending Mail in Russia

Sending regular mail to/from Russia is not as complicated as it once used to be. The national mail system is gradually becoming more reliable and delivery times shorter. On average, a letter to/from USA takes about 3 weeks to be delivered.

The simplest way of mailing a letter with the right stamps attached is by putting it in one of the blue mail-boxes. These can be found near all local post-offices and at different locations throughout the city. Every post-office has a box where you can post your international cards and letters.

Envelopes, postcards and postage stamps are usually available from small postal desks at tourist hotels. Alternatively, you can buy them at the Central Post Office (Glavpochtamt) or at one of local branch post-offices.

All post offices should be able to sell you envelopes and stamps, accept recorded mail and handle all correspondence addressed to Russia as well as cards and letters you want to send abroad. If you need faster communications you will have to rely on express-mail, speedy mail arrangements or electronic communications (fax or e-mail).