Do I have to bring towels, or dressing gowns?
No our trains operate similar to a hotel. We provide you with bath robes, towels and slippers, so you will not have to pack these. We also provide hairdryers. |
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What happens if I have special dietary requirements?
Please let our reservations department know about any special dietary needs you may have when you make your booking. Our restaurant staff can cater for most special diet requests. |
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What happens when I arrive at the airport?
When you arrive at the airport, please proceed through the passport control and collect your baggage, after which you will go through customs. Upon exiting our representatives will be waiting with signs which note your tour. Please go to them and they will then transfer you to your hotel, or where the tours begins. |
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What happens if I am delayed and miss my flight?
You will be sent, prior to your departure, update letters which provide you with information about your tour. In your final update pack you will receive a 24-hour Emergency Contact Card with numbers of our representatives in both the country of your arrival, and at our offices. If you have any problems please contact the persons on that card. |
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How and who can I book my flights through?
You can book the flights or contact your local travel agent. |
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Where and how do I get my visa?
Most visas need to be applied for well in advance, and you’ll need a visa support letter prior to applying. (Some countries may not require visas for some nationals) We use the services of a visa support agency whose contact details are listed in the Information Centre section. If, however, you are applying for your own visa, we will need to supply you with this letter. Please contact our reservations department for assistance or further information. |
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Is there a doctor on board at all times?
There will be a doctor, who travels with the train and passengers at all times, on board every full train departure in Russia, the former Russian Republics, Mongolia and China. Our doctors are (highly) qualified professionals who are available 24-hours a day and are responsible for primary health care. They do carry medicines (necessary for their treatment), but if you are taking prescription medication, please bring enough supplies to last for the duration of your trip. |
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Are there any sort of communication links while we are on board?
Yes, the Trans-Siberian Express train has a satellite phone system on board which operates at all times (we use the computer when the train is stopped as reception is best when the train is not moving). You can send and receive emails (there is a charge for this service), but please do not send or receive attachments. They will shut the system down. Messages need to be sent in plain text format. The China Orient Express train does not have a satellite system, but we stop en-route, and you are able to send emails when we stay over in hotels. Most mobile phones work on the various routes we travel, except Inner Mongolia, where coverage can be limited. |
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Are the guides English speaking?
Yes, we provide on-board Tour Managers who are fluent in English, and Tour Reps who will be at your disposal to translate should the need arise. Our off-train guides speak fluent English, and other foreign languages, if required. |
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What about other foreign languages?
For our guests who speak a language other than English, we provide guides that are fluent in the language you require. Your agent knows, that at the time of the booking, to request a translator and guides which speak the language of their clients. |
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Are there soaps and shampoos on board?
Yes, on the Trans-Siberian Express you will receive a toiletry bag, which features Russian bath products. On the China Orient Express there is hand soap in the washrooms. |
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What is the voltage on the trains?
The Trans Siberian Express has dual 110/220 voltage. The China Orient Express has 48 volts in the rooms and 220 in the corridors Two pin European and Three pin British sockets are available on both trains. |
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How will I know what clothing to bring for the various climates we travel through?
Please contact us for any questions you may have regarding temperatures. In general, Russia’s climate features four seasons with Moscow and St Petersburg reaching 28 – 25 degrees Celsius in the summer, and sometimes well below 0 degrees in the winter. China’s temperature is similar. |
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Is the water safe to drink?
The water on both trains is not drinking water. Your attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide you with fresh bottled water round the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing your teeth. In China this applies to both on the train and in the hotels. (In Russia this applies only in St Petersburg and on the train.) Food on board is washed with bottled water so please don’t worry about compromised standards of hygiene. |
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Currency, what should I bring?
On board the train you will not need much currency, but there are personal charges such as laundry and bar bills which will need to be paid. Currency accepted on board is US Dollars, and we recommend you travel with small denomination, clean bills. For souvenirs and shopping you choose to do off the train, you will be advised by your guides on how, and if necessary, to change money. |
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What about credit cards and travelers cheques?
ATM machines are now available in all large towns and cities along our routes. All the hotels that we use accept major credit cards. Travelers cheques are virtually impossible to exchange. |
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What is the dress on board the trains?
During the day dress is casual both on and off the train. In the evening we suggest smart casual. |
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Who can I contact in the office regarding enquiries?
Please find a contact list below with the details of our team:
General Information
info@railsnw.com
Please feel free to email any of our staff members should you require any further information |
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