travel money exchange liverpool street

Currency Exchange at Liverpool Street Reserve your travel money online, enjoy 0% commission & our best rates!

Get your Travel Money at Liverpool Street

Exchange your currency online

Get your currency before you travel. Enjoy our best price deal online with 0% commission and attractive exchange rates on 60+ foreign currencies.

Reserve and collect your travel money order from our bureau de change on Liverpool Street at the train station.

Don't forget to add a BuyBack guarantee to your order make ensure that you have no leftover travel money to worry about.

Our bureaux de change on Liverpool Street

You can also exchange your travel money directly at our conveniently located branches on Liverpool Street.

Our friendly customer service will be looking forward to serving and helping you regarding anything related to travel money!

Most popular currencies

1 GBP = 1.1664 EUR

United States Dollar

1 GBP = 1.2835 USD

Mexican Peso

1 GBP = 23.734 MXN

Turkish Lira

1 GBP = 37.943 TRY

Polish Zloty

1 GBP = 4.8452 PLN

Last Update: 20 September 2024

About Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street is located in the centre of London and is part of the financial centre of the city.

There are many things to discover near Liverpool Street such as Spitalfields Market, the Heron Tower, the Bank of England Museum and the Bow Bells to name just a few.

The street also has a number of great restaurants, making it quite popular for both locals and travellers.

Liverpool Street is also famous for its main line and tube station, with over 220,000 passengers starting or ending their journey from it.

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• Exchange Rates

We’re a leading provider of travel money in London.

Our branches are conveniently located near london's busiest stations, victoria and liverpool street, so it's easy to get the best deal on your currency exchange..

Today's Best Exchange Rate

1 GBP = 1.113287 EUR

Online rate only - rates in branch will differ

1 GBP = 1.1376 EUR

We are dedicated to providing our customers with great rates and excellent customer service..

Please contact our stores directly with any questions about your new or existing store orders.

Map or photo of branch

Access bureau liverpool street.

57 Liverpool Street, London, UK, EC2M 7PR

Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 07:00

Saturday: 09:30 - 05:00

Sunday: 10:00 - 04:00

Access Bureau Victoria Street

201 Victoria Street, London, UK, SW1E 5NE

Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 09:00

Saturday: 09:00 - 07:00

Sunday: 09:00 - 05:00

Read what our customers say about us

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eurochange Liverpool Street Station -becoming NM Money

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About the Business

eurochange Liverpool Street station is here to help save you money with a range of great value financial services including travel money, international money transfers and gold. Buy your travel money here with foreign currencies available in over 60 currencies including Euros and US Dollars, or sell foreign currency to us in exchange for GBP. Need to transfer money overseas? Send funds swiftly and securely to over 300 countries using our Quick Transfer or Western Union services. You can also order 1 ounce, 10 gram and 1 gram gold bullion bars here which are 24 carat, VAT-free and ideal as a gift. …

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Liverpool Street

London EC2M 7PY

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Liverpool Street / Broadgate

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19 Of The Best Places to Exchange Currency in London

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If you’re visiting the city, make your money go further by using the best currency exchange in London .

A wise man once said: ‘Money makes the world go round.’

A trip to London embodies the entire truth of this statement.

If you’re planning a trip to the vibrant and diverse city of London , managing your currency exchange needs can significantly spice up your travel experience and make it stress-free too.

If you don’t want to be stranded on the streets with money that you can’t use, bookmark this post for your next trip to London.

London is home to a vast number of ‘Bureau de Change’ being a dynamic international financial hub and many of them offer the best exchange rates in Europe .

You’ll typically find them near Buckingham Palace Road or Leicester Square occupying commercial shops in close proximity to each other.

Thus, it’s easier for you to compare rates with opposite shops around.

Whether you’re a savvy traveller or a first-timer in the city, finding the right places to exchange currency can make a world of difference.

If you want the best exchange rate in London, we suggest doing your research first. Google is your friend!

Here are a few of our favourites based on personal experiences.

Factors to consider when exchanging currency

Exchange rates and fees

Bear in mind that just like many widely traded currencies, the Great Britain Pound (GBP) is a floating exchange rate.

This means the value of the currency is determined by the market position so fluctuations may affect the exchange rate (and subsequent fees).

Our insider tip for you is to time your exchange for when your country’s currency is stronger compared to the pound.

Try signing up for updates on international currency platforms like Wise.

They keep you updated so you can plan your travel in advance.

Research fair exchange rates and compare numbers

Traders who handle these exchange businesses often operate in the open market at a universal exchange rate.

The interbank rate or spot rate, is often the fairest exchange rate you can get from global markets.

Be careful to spot a markup and hidden fees in the exchange rate that the traders offer you, there’s a good chance that it is different from the normal rate in the open market.

You can easily monitor live mid-market rates through an online currency converter like Wise .

Stay away from airport and hotel currency exchanges

Unless you have absolutely no choice, hotel and airport currency exchanges do not offer the best rates.

The exchange rates at these locations are often increased since they are usually used in an emergency by visitors and travellers who need them on the spot.

Thus, they make higher commissions at your expense.

Instead, look out for foreign exchange bureaus, that offer ATM cash withdrawals including online orders at no commission fees.

A good example is Travelex and Gatwick Airport . Both offer 24-hour multi-currency prepaid cards at 0% commission. 

Spend all your GBP

You are most likely to lose money due to currency depreciation at home.

So, a great rule of thumb would be to spend everything before leaving. Better still, exchange what you need only and reserve the rest for your next London trip.

There is always a good excuse to return to London .

When you need to, here are our top favourite places to exchange foreign exchange currency in London.

Top Currency Exchange Places in London

If you hold an account with any of the major banks in London, you can easily exchange money there.

Most banks also provide you with the option of advance orders, home delivery, and pick-up at the branch.

Using your home bank also gets you a typically fair exchange rate.

These banks are usually in tourist hubs and are easily accessible to travellers.

Banks are subject to financial regulations and consumer laws which guarantee your safety and peace of mind with foreign currencies.

Several London banks offer a wide range of currencies for exchange.

This could be beneficial to you if you need to exchange multiple currencies at once.

Disadvantages

Banks often offer less competitive exchange rates and, in some cases, may charge higher fees for transactions.

Opening hours at London banks can be relatively short, especially on weekends and holidays. This means that you may not get GBP at your own convenience.

The wait times and long queues are another discouragement for most people, especially at busy branches.

Online currency exchange platforms may offer quicker and more streamlined transactions.

London banks with good exchange rates:

The following banks may be a good start for your foreign exchange business:

• Barclays Bank
• Lloyds Bank
• Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
• Nationwide Building Society

Exchange rates and fees vary between banks and specific branches in London.

So ask questions on the rates offered and make inquiries before making a currency exchange transaction.

ATM aka cashpoints

You can also withdraw pounds from ATMs using your credit card.

ATMs are called cash points in the UK, and while they are an alternative, they are far from convenient.

Amidst the array of choices you have, cash points may be an option, in case of an emergency.

However, they are not the best choice for good reasons:

• Using an ATM abroad incurs bank charges
• Charges are applied on foreign transactions
• Exchange rates are typically low

Post Offices

Savvy travellers and London locals use the Post Office for foreign currency exchange in London.

You can buy a travel money card online, load it with your required currency and have it delivered to your London hotel or Airbnb.  

A Post Office can be found in most high streets making them easily accessible to everyone who demands their services.

They offer almost 80 currency exchanges without any commission.

Specialized currency exchange providers

There are a good number of specialized currency exchange providers where you can get fair exchange rates in London.

These include:

Thomas Exchange

Thomas Exchange is a family-run business that has been exchanging currency for over 30 years.

They have branches all over London, including in central locations like Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Oxford Street.

Thomas Exchange offers competitive rates and excellent customer service.

Thomas also offers a range of other services, such as foreign currency travel insurance and money transfers.

Covent Garden FX

30 Jubilee Market Hall Covent Garden London WC2E 8B

Another family-owned foreign exchange business, this place promises some of the best rates in the market for any currency exchange.

A short walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Transport Museum, and the Royal Opera House

Moneycorp is one of the largest and most experienced foreign exchange businesses.

It is the second-largest foreign exchange broker in the United Kingdom and claims to beat bank exchange rates.

Moneycorp isn’t very clear on its commission fees, though.

Access Bureau

• 57 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7PR
• 201 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE

A walking distance from Buckingham Palace, Victoria Palace Theatre, and Victoria Station, with over 20 years experience in the currency exchange business.

Victoria Street FX

185 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NE

A short walk from Buckingham Palace, Victoria Palace Theatre, and Victoria Station.

Travelex is one of the largest currency exchange companies in the world.

They have branches all over London, including in airports, train stations, and shopping malls.

Travelex offers competitive rates and a wide range of currencies.

They also offer foreign currency travel insurance and money transfers.

Tips for Exchanging Currency in London

Here are a few tips for exchanging currency in London:

• Compare rates and fees before you exchange currency
• Exchange currency at a reputable establishment that’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
• Be sure to get a receipt for your exchange
• Keep your exchange receipt safe in case you need to exchange your currency back at a later date.

Exchanging currency can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

By following the tips above, you can find the best place to exchange currency in London and get the best possible rate.

For more insider tips on living like a local in London, join our mailing list .

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John Lewis Bureau de Change, Liverpool

Travel money at liverpool john lewis.

Buy your currency instore from our Liverpool Bureau de Change at Liverpool ONE shopping centre.

Get a great rate and pay no commission Buy or sell from a range of currencies we offer in-store Find our location using the handy map

Exchange rates online may vary from those offered in-store.

John Lewis (3rd floor) Liverpool ONE 70 South John Street Liverpool, L1 8BJ

Our calls are handled by our Contact Centre – if you wish to speak to an in-store Partner it’s best to visit the shop.

Opening times

Monday*            10:00 - 20:00

Tuesday             10:00 - 20:00

Wednesday       10:00 - 20:00

Thursday           10:00 - 20:00

Friday                10:00 - 20:00

Saturday            09:30 - 19:00

Sunday**            11:00 - 17:00

* Bank Holiday Hours: 10:00 to 18:00

** Browsing from 10:30

What you'll need to bring

When you’re buying or selling currency at a Bureau de Change, you'll need to have some valid ID with you. This can be any of the following:

• Full UK photocard driving licence
• EU national identity photocard

Occasionally we may ask you for additional ID dependent upon the transaction. In this case we would accept recent utility bills, bank or credit card statements or other formal ID that shows your address.

About our Liverpool Bureau de Change

You can buy or sell your travel money in Liverpool from our Bureau de Change on the 3rd floor of the Liverpool John Lewis store in Liverpool ONE shopping centre. Just ask a partner to show you the way if you have trouble finding us.

Frequently asked questions

What are the exchange rates in store.

You can find the Bureau rate table here . Please be aware that not all currencies in the rate table will be available in the Liverpool branch. Exchange rates online may vary from those offered in-store.

What currencies can I get?

To find out what specific currencies you can get in the Bureau, please use the contact details above.

Can I sell currency at this branch?

Yes, you can sell leftover currency at this branch. Please note we only accept notes.

John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are trading names of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc introduces the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, who each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Travel Money online from John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance, and John Lewis & Partners, is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited (company number: 04287490 and Money Service Business licence number: MLR-64068). Registered office: Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF, England.

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Krasnodar Krai Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Krasnodar Krai, often referred to as Krasnodar, is a federal subject (krai) of Russia located in the Southern Federal District. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Black Sea coastline, fertile farmland, and the Caucasus Mountains. The administrative center of Krasnodar Krai is the city of Krasnodar. Here’s some information about Krasnodar Krai:

Places to Visit in Krasnodar Krai: Sochi: This coastal city on the Black Sea is famous for its subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Visit the Sochi Arboretum, Rosa Khutor Alpine Ski Resort, and the Black Sea coast.

Krasnodar: Explore the largest city in the region, known for its parks, cultural attractions, and the Krasnodar Stadium. The Krasnodar Park and Safari Park are popular.

Anapa: A popular seaside resort town with sandy beaches, historical sites, and a mild climate.

Caucasus Mountains: Hike and explore the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, including the Sochi National Park and Krasnaya Polyana.

Adler: A city near Sochi, known for its beautiful beachfront and proximity to the Adler Arena Skating Center.

Abrau-Dyurso: Visit the famous Abrau-Dyurso wine estate, known for its sparkling wines, and enjoy wine tasting.

Best Time to Visit Krasnodar Krai: Summer (June to August): The summer months are ideal for visiting Krasnodar Krai, especially the coastal areas, as the weather is warm and beach activities are in full swing.

Spring and Early Autumn: Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are also pleasant, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Things to Do in Krasnodar Krai: Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beachfront promenades along the Black Sea coast.

Outdoor Adventures: Explore the natural beauty of the region, including hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports in the Caucasus Mountains.

Cultural Exploration: Discover local traditions, museums, and historical sites to learn about the region’s rich heritage.

Wine Tasting: Visit vineyards and wineries in the region to sample local wines.

How to Get Around Krasnodar Krai: Public Transportation: Public buses, trams, and trolleybuses serve the major cities in Krasnodar Krai. Sochi, Krasnodar, and Anapa have well-developed public transportation networks.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be used for short trips within the cities and for transportation to more remote areas.

Car Rental: Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the region, especially if you plan to visit various locations.

Domestic Flights: Major cities like Sochi and Krasnodar have airports with domestic flights connecting them to other Russian cities.

Where to Eat in Krasnodar Krai: Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Russian and Caucasian dishes, including shashlik (kebabs), borscht (beet soup), and local seafood in coastal areas.

Cafes and Restaurants: Explore cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine, including European, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Street Food: Try local snacks and street food from vendors in markets and along popular tourist areas.

Where to Stay in Krasnodar Krai: Krasnodar Krai offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts. The coastal cities, such as Sochi and Adler, have a variety of lodging choices to suit different budgets and preferences.

Travel Tips for Krasnodar Krai: Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in Krasnodar Krai, so having some knowledge of the language can be helpful, especially in more remote areas.

Currency: The currency used in Krasnodar Krai is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Safety: Krasnodar Krai is generally safe for tourists, but, like in any travel, be cautious with your belongings and personal safety.

Climate: The climate in the coastal areas is milder compared to the mountainous regions. Be prepared for seasonal temperature variations.

Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting cultural or religious sites.

Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the local transportation system, and consider using taxis or ridesharing apps for convenience.

Krasnodar Krai offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. By following these travel tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit to this diverse and scenic region in southern Russia.

Ethnicities and religions

Sochi is one of the most multinational cities in Russia with people of more than 100 ethnic groups living there. Most of them are ethnic Russians (68%), the important minorities are Armenians, Ukrainians, Georgians, Greeks, Circassians, Belorussians, Tatars, and Jews.

Russian is the predominant language spoken by almost everyone in the city, including nearly all minorities, but many local placenames came from Abkhazian and Circassian languages. The most commonly used ones include "pse" / "psh" / "psta" (water), "akh" (high), and "nykh" (holy).

The major part of Sochi inhabitants are Orthodox Christians (80%). There are also Muslims (5%), Catholics and Jews. Orthodox cathedrals are represented in all the parts of the city. The only Catholic cathedral in Central Sochi was built in 1997 (most churchgoers are Catholic Armenians). There is also a mosque, albeit a very small and remote one (in Tkhagapsh community, 15 km towards the mountains from Lazarevskoe). The city authorities are planning to build a new mosque and a synagogue by 2014.

Orientation

Greater Sochi occupies 105 km along the Black Sea coastline. Its total area is 3,500 km² (3 times as large as Moscow ). However, most of the population is spread along the narrow coastline stripe, while the mountain area (1,900 square km) mostly belongs to Sochi National Park and partly to Caucasian Biosphere Reserve . The city alignment is from north-west to south-east, from the neighboring city of Tuapse right to the Russian border with Abkhazia .

Greater Sochi has 4 administrative districts. Central Sochi District is the core of the city and its most developed and populated part. Many of the city attractions, hotels and most shopping centers are there. During the summer season, Central Sochi is usually overcrowded and traffic-jammed. Lazarevskoye District is the largest (1744 km 2 ) and the longest (65 km coastline) one among Sochi districts, includes 34 sub-districts, most of them are spread along the sea shore. Lazarevskoe district is less urbanized that other ones in Greater Sochi. In fact it has many various settlements, often poorly connected with each other and lacking basic infrastructure. Khosta District is to the south-east from Central Sochi, this district contains some major attractions, such as Akhun mountain . While Adler District is the city's important transport hub, which includes Sochi International Airport, Adler train terminal (final point for most trains going to Greater Sochi) and the only open border crossing with Abkhazia . The role of Adler is rapidly increasing now because it will host all the Olympic venues for the 2014 Games (the Olympic coastal cluster at Imeretinskaya lowland and the mountain cluster at Krasnaya Polyana ). By 2014 the look of Imeretinskaya lowland and Krasnaya Polyana has drastically changed, as well as the local transport infrastructure.

The best developed, urbanized and monolithic part of Greater Sochi is the coastline between Dagomys (south-east of Lazarevskoe district) and Imeretinskaya lowland of Adler district.

Like elsewhere in Russia, the Russian rouble (RUB) is the only currency officially accepted in the city. Money exchange is not a problem, but use only official counters at banks and avoid people offering you exchange at major transport hubs. By Russian legislation passport is needed for exchange operations.

Sochi has many ATMs, especially in Central Sochi and Adler. You may withdraw not only roubles, but also dollars or euro at some of them (approximately 10% of all ATMs). Take into account, that Visa and MasterCard are widespread in Russia, but American Express cards are usually not accepted even at major tourist places. Also, expect possible problems with paying by card at minor shops or restaurants and at small private hotels. Have some cash with you for such cases.

Sochi is among several Russian seaports, where international tourists have the opportunity of visa-free entry for up to 72 hours (applicable for cruise ships and ferry line passengers only). Check limitations and requirements carefully before use.

For other foreign visitors standard Russian visa requirements apply.

International flights

There are regular air connections with Vienna ( Austrian Airlines [ dead link ] ), Istanbul ( Turkish Airlines ), and Tel-Aviv ( Rossiya Airlines ). Also Belgrade (air serbia, 2022)

Former Soviet Union countries are also connected to Sochi:

Yerevan , Armenia ( Ural Airlines ), Minsk , Belarus ( Belavia ), Chișinău , Moldova ( Air Moldova ), Tashkent , Uzbekistan ( Rossiya ), and Dushanbe , Tajikistan ( Tajik Air ).

Domestic flights

Several flights per day connect Sochi with Moscow and Saint Petersburg . Other major cities of Russia, such as Kazan , Krasnodar , Krasnoyarsk , Perm , Rostov-on-the-Don , Samara , Yekaterinburg and others are also connected by air with Sochi.

Key carriers:

• Aeroflot [ dead link ] - flights to Sochi from Sheremetyevo airport, Moscow
• Nordavia [ dead link ] - flights from Arkhangelsk
• S7 - flights to Sochi from Domodedovo airport, Moscow
• Sky Express - domestic discounter, flights to Sochi from Vnukovo airport, Moscow
• Utair - flights from Tyumen , Ufa and Surgut
• Yakutia [ dead link ] - flights from Yakutsk

Airport transfer

By bus/marshrutka:

• 51 - from the airport to Adler (central market)
• 105 , 124 - from the airport to Sochi central railroad station
• 135 - from the airport to Krasnaya Polyana

Taxi service at the airport is chaotic, taxi drivers can rarely speak English, and the declared price for a ride can be inadequate. To protect yourself, book taxi or hotel transfer in advance. The price varies greatly depending on the district you are going to.

• Sky Express Taxi ( airport transfers only ), ☏ +7 8622 358-100 . SkyExpress discounter airline offers the airport taxi transfer as an addition to other flight services (don't expect discount prices for that).  
• Taxi Galant ( airport transfers only ), ☏ +7 918 101 0342 . Transfers from Sochi International airport to any part of Greater Sochi and back. Order in advance, at least 2 hours, or better one day prior to ride.  

Russian Railway company has completed a two-way railway to Sochi airport and it is the easiest way to get to Sochi Adler from the airport. Tickets are fairly cheap and the train goes approximately every hour.

Sochi has two major rail terminals in Central Sochi and Adler. However, most trains make short stops at small transit stations of Great Sochi: Lazarevskaya, Loo, Dagomys, Matsesta and Khosta. Tickets can be purchased via Russian Railways website , at RZD counters, or via travel agencies. RZD opens ticket sales 45 days prior to ride, book in advance during the high season.

There are regular train connections with key cities of Russia, and also with major cities of Belarus and Ukraine . Round-the-year destinations include:

International:

• Kyiv , Ukraine (30 hours)
• Minsk and Gomel , Belarus (34-39 hours)
• Kaliningrad (64 hours, via Vilnius , Lithuania )
• Sukhum , Abkhazia (from Adler station, 5 hours)
• Moscow (25-28 hours, speed trains and 15 hours route are planned to be launched by 2014 Olympics)
• Saint Petersburg (40-49 hours)
• Chelyabinsk (64 hours)
• Kazan (49 hours)
• Krasnodar (6-7 hours)
• Krasnoyarsk (95 hours)
• Novosibirsk (81 hours)
• Perm (68 hours)
• Rostov-on-the-Don (14 hours)
• Samara (43 hours)
• Saratov (32 hours)

During the high season (May to September) the number of trains and the diversity of destinations increase dramatically.

The M4/E115 road connects Sochi with Moscow (1660 km) via Voronezh (1150 km), Rostov-on-the-Don (570 km) and Krasnodar (300 km).

The quality of this busy road differs from a narrow serpentine to a highway depending on its section, tending to improve during last years. Normally it takes 2 days to reach the city from Moscow and 5-9 hours from Krasnodar , depending on traffic.

Going to Sochi from Europe you can use transit roads through Ukraine or Turkey . In the last case a car can be transferred to Sochi from Trabzon by ferry. Entering Sochi via Georgia and Abkhazia is impossible because the border between these two countries is closed.

Sochi main bus terminal is near the main train terminal in Central Sochi. The second important terminal is in Adler.

International route destinations:

• Chișinău , Moldova (30 hours, except Fridays and Sundays)
• Odesa , Ukraine (27 hours, weekly by Sundays)
• Sukhum , Abkhazia (4.5 hours, 3 times a day)

Major domestic route destinations:

• Anapa (10 hours, daily)
• Astrakhan (26.5 hours, daily)
• Krasnodar (8 hours, 2 times a day)
• Maykop (8 hours, 2 times a day)
• Makhachkala (27 hours, daily)
• Nalchik (17.5 hours, daily)
• Novorossiysk (8.5 hours, daily)
• Rostov-on-the-Don (12.5 hours, odd days)
• Stavropol (14 hours, 2 times a day)

Going to Sochi by a cruise ship or by a regular ferry can be an attractive opportunity to visit Russia without a visa . Passengers are allowed to stay up to 72 hours at Russian territory if they live at the cruise ship or at the hotel, which is arranged for this particular group tourist program.

Unsurprisingly, up to now, most international tourists come to Sochi by cruise ships (please check the itinerary).

The seaport of Sochi [ dead link ] operates several regular international routes, mainly in the period from May to October:

• Fast ferry from Trabzon , Turkey - 3.5 hours, May to October, 2 times a week
• From Batumi , Georgia — 4.5 hours, daily, open only for citizens of Russia, Georgia , and CIS countries.

Ferry tickets from Sochi can be usually purchased only at the port, 1 day prior to departure.

There are also regular ship connections with neighbouring cities of Novorossiysk , Tuapse and Gagra , Abkhazia .

Within Central Sochi most distances are walkable, with some regard to hilly landscape and appropriate physical efforts needed.

Other districts of the city have significant spaces between their parts, so it's better to use some transport to get, for example, from Matsesta to Kudepsta or from Loo to Lazarevskoe . To walk between districts and sub-districts of Greater Sochi is also usually not convenient due to lack of sidewalks, hilly terrain, and intensive traffic.

It may seem that the city extended along the sea coast should have long promenades. In fact, most of the coastline space behind the beach is taken by the railroad. So, the only real promenade is between Riviera Park and Dendrarium of Central Sochi. The other one is under construction in the Olympic Park of Adler.

Due to the resort specifics of Sochi, the usual approach there is to measure the distance in meters from the beach. This may play a bad joke: you can find yourself at a hotel or apartment close to the sea, but far away from any infrastructure and transportation. So, be attentive while booking.

By wheelchair

Generally, Russia has a huge gap in the level of accessibility for people with disabilities. Several cities have started their improvement programs in this area, and Sochi is among them. The accessible city is a requirement for 2014 Paralympic Games organization.

So far, at least the airport facilities and new commuter trains in Sochi are accessible. The project to create the accessibility map of Sochi has been launched in 2011, giving the start to the same all-Russian project. Hopefully, next few years will bring the significant improvement in the city's accessibility, as it happened in Khanty-Mansiysk prior to another Paralympic sport event.

Fischt Olympic Stadium

Watch football at a stadium that has hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The home team are PFC Sochi, who play in the Russian National League, the second tier of Russian football. Until 2018 they were FC Dynamo St Petersburg, then they upped sticks and moved down to the Black Sea. The stadium (capacity over 47,000) is actually in Adler, 25 km east of Sochi and only 3 km from the border with Georgia. Long-distance and metro trains terminate at nearby Olympic Park Station.

Festivals and events

• Kinotavr . Open Russian Film Festival - conducted in June annually since 1990. Kinotavr is the largest Russian film festival attracting the top talents of Russian cinema: directors, producers, actors, writers, and photographers.  
• 43.41 39.969 2 Sochi Autodrom , Triumfalnaya St 26, Adler . This motor-racing circuit in the Adler Olympic complex hosts the Russian Grand Prix as part of the Formula One tournament in autumn. The next F1 race was cancelled and racing in Russia with F1 was suspended indefinitely. ( updated Oct 2021 )

Russian language

There is no sustainable practice of learning Russian as a foreign language in Sochi. Two places can offer such classes potentially:

• Russian University of Peoples' Friendship (RUDN), Sochi Branch ( Department of additional education ), Kuibysheva, 24 - Adler , ☏ +7 8622 40-0895 , [email protected] . This university is among leaders in Russia by number of international students. The Sochi branch is, however, a small one, so your case with Russian study will be probably solved on individual basis.  
• Sphere Travel , 11 Navaginskaya Str. - Central , ☏ +7 8622 64-6305 , [email protected] . This company several years ago offered the following programs of Russian : general, intensive, business, speaking, and academic Russian. Due to lack of students please check the actual situation before planning study.  

Getting a work permit in Russia is not usually an easy process, at least if you are not a former Soviet Union state citizen. Sochi can possibly be an exception, as the preparation of Olympic Games will create many new workplaces. Some of the potential vacancies will require international expertise. Highly qualified international candidates will have simplified visa and work permit procedure.

There are potential vacancies for English tutors, as the demand for English study in the city is constantly growing. It is also possible to find sport instructors' jobs, in both winter (skiing, snowboarding) and summer (diving, yachting, kitesurfing) sports, but knowledge of Russian is essential for those positions.

Mobile operators

Sochi has the traditional set of Russian mobile operators:

GSM 900/1800:

• Beeline ( by Vympelcom ), ☏ +7 861 945-95-95 .  
• Megafon , ☏ +7 800 333 0500 .  
• MTS ( Mobile TeleSystems ), ☏ +7 800 333 0890 .  
• Tele2 . A multinational European provider, operating in 22 countries including Russia . Tele 2 has its network in many regions of the country, excluding Moscow . Comparing to others, it is the cheapest operator, but having the smallest coverage area.  
• Skylink . The all-Russian CDMA operator, having less subscribers, than GSM operators, but popular for faster and cheaper mobile Internet service.  
• Yota , toll-free: +7 800 700 55 00 .  

Check roaming prices before using non-Russian sim-card, especially those for mobile Internet. Some standards of mobile connection are not supported in Russia , e.g. those for Japan and United States .

Staying in Russia for a week or more, it's definitely worth to buy a local sim-card, but be aware, that a passport is needed for that. The easiest way refill a local mobile account is to use an ATM for that. Most ATMs have bilingual interfaces, allowing numerous kinds of payments, including those for mobile services by local operators.

Caucasian Biosphere Reserve

This natural reserve has the second-largest protected area in Europe and the largest one in Caucasus mountains. It occupies the mountain ridges of Krasnodar Krai, Adygea and Karachay-Cherkessia , including part of Greater Sochi metropolitan area (Khosta district and Krasnaya Polyana), bordering Sochi National Park.

Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is the richest biodiversity treasury, having no equivalents in Russia and an international value as a piece of untouched nature with primeval habitats. Reasonably, this unique area is included into the UNESCO World Heritage List . The official site of the reserve is available in Russian only.

Two exclaved parts of the reserve, those are in Greater Sochi, are easy to visit: yew & boxtree wood at Khosta and the wild animals nursery at Krasnaya Polyana . To visit other parts of the reserve, you need to get special permit, requiring the following:

• list of participants,
• passport details and passport copies of each participant,
• name of the group's leader,
• planned route/itinerary,
• period of stay (number of days),
• entrance fee

In Sochi you can get the permit at the reserve's headquarter: Karl Marx street, 8, room 10, Adler district, Sochi.

A resort town at the Black Sea coast to the north-west from Sochi, one of the most popular domestic summer destinations of Russia. Gelendzhik has both natural and leisure attractions. Gelendzhik's aquapark is the largest in the country, and its surroundings have very beautiful scenery. The town is home to International Sea Aviation Conference , which is conducted there each two years.

Gelendzhik is a transit point for several buses going from Sochi (4-5 daily). A ride will take 5.5 hours. The Sea Flight fast ferry going from Sochi to Novorossiysk and back also makes stops at Gelendzhik.

Novorossiysk

This Krasnodar Krai 's 3rd largest city is the biggest Russian port at the Black Sea and the main cement industry center in Southern Russia . The majority of the city's tourist attractions are related to the II World War, when Novorossiysk was among Russian key battlefields. The most known memorials are Malaya Zemlya, Defence Line (Rubezh Oborony) and Death Valley (Dolina Smerti).

Novorossiysk's vicinities have beautiful nature of Caucasus foothills. On the top of local natural wonders is the amazing Abrau lake , the biggest one at Northern Caucasus. Just nearby the wine manufacture of Abrau-Dyurso is located, making this place the capital of Russian sparkling wine (tours to Abrau-Dyurso with wine testing are available). There are also several smaller beach resorts around the city.

There are several ways to get from Sochi to Novorossiysk. Buses go daily (8.5 hours). Sea Flight speed ferry connection operates from May to October, 3 times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). One-way ride will take about 5 hours. It is also possible to get to Novorossiysk by train via Krasnodar .

Another important Russian port at the Black Sea and the closest neighbour town bordering Greater Sochi. This is mostly industrial and transport hub, attracting fewer number of tourists, than other Russian Black Sea coastal locations. But anyway, Tuapse is good for a single-day trip from Sochi. After a look at the downtown, the awesome surroundings should be visited. There are several very scenic cliffs around, the top of those is Kiselev's Rock , a 46-meter upright cliff breaking down into the sea. There are also quite a few ancient cultural remains, such as table-stones, around Tuapse.

Any elektrichka or long-distance train from Sochi stops in Tuapse, the frequent bus/marshrutka connection is also available. Expect 2 - 2.5 hours for one-way trip from Central Sochi.

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