Independently to Abkhazia
A familiar resort and beach destination since childhood, Abkhazia is once again returning to the first positions in the ranking of priority tourist routes for residents of Russia. The Black Sea and pine groves, luxurious cuisine and decent wines, magnificent landscapes and the absence of visa problems make this country very popular with a certain category of tourists. They independently go to Abkhazia by plane, train, bus and car - all options have their advantages and are worth close attention.
Entry formalities
Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit Abkhazia. To cross the border, it is enough to have an internal passport. The border post is open around the clock, but those who came to Abkhazia on their own by public transport will have to cross a two-kilometer bridge across the Psou River on foot. By pre-ordering a transfer from the selected hotel or boarding house, you can avoid a tiring walk.
Another necessary entry formality is the availability of insurance, which will have to be purchased when crossing the border. Import into the republic of foreign currency in the amount of more than $ 3,000 is subject to declaration.
Rubles and spending
The currency of Abkhazia is the Russian ruble, which allows the domestic tourist not to worry about buying dollars or euros or exchanging them. In the republic, you can pay with credit cards, but in the outback it is best to have cash on hand.
Independently in Abkhazia, you can stay in a boarding house, hotel or in private apartments. Prices depend on the distance from the sea, the quality of housing and the appetite of the owners:
- Guest houses can be rented at prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles per day. The price includes cleaning, and several bedrooms will allow a large family and company to settle in comfortably.
- If a single tourist prefers a room in a private house, he will have to pay from 250 to 500 rubles per night, depending on living conditions and the address of the apartment.
- It is easy to find a two-room apartment in the center of Sukhum at a price of 2,000 rubles per day, and luxury housing with two bedrooms - for 3,500.
- Pensions and hotels were built several decades ago, and therefore you should not expect any special splendor from them. Prices are appropriate - from 1000 to 2500 rubles per day in a double room with four meals a day.
- A minibus taxi from Adler Airport to the border will cost 50 rubles, from the border to Sukhum - 250 rubles. A taxi driver within the boundaries of any resort city will ask for at least 100 rubles for a trip, and in the suburbs he will be lucky for 150-200.
- Wines of Abkhazia cost from 150 to 400 rubles per bottle in stores.
- You will have to plan excursions in Abkhazia on your own. A trip to Lake Ritsa costs 600-700 rubles, and jeeping to waterfalls costs up to 1500 rubles. (All prices are approximate and shown as of August 2015).
