The conflict in Ukraine means there’s no chance of any travel to Russia. If you’ve got business interests there, a conference call could be the only way to stay in touch.
Here’s how to set up an international conference call in a few simple steps.
How to set up a conference call between the UK and Russia
Go to ConferenceCall.co.uk to get your free PIN and then click on ‘Invite Participants’ to generate an email template.
Enter the time, date and subject of the proposed conference call, choose UK and Russia dial-in codes, then click ‘Copy this invitation’ and paste it into an email.
You can now send this email to up to 100 participants, all of whom can join in the conference call.
Dial-in numbers to call
At the allotted time colleagues should dial the following numbers and enter your PIN:
- UK participants dial 0843 373 0843 (landline)+44 843 373 0999 (when overseas) 83000 (mobile)
- Russia participants dial 499-7043569 (from landlines) or +44 843 373 0999 (from mobiles)
Your conference call is ready to begin!
What’s the best time to call Russia from the UK?
As mentioned, Russia covers seven time zones, but it’s worth knowing the major cities of Moscow and St Petersburg are both just three hours ahead of GMT, so factor this in when calling.
Where is Russia?
Russia, the world’s largest country, with a land mass that stretches almost halfway around the world – from Europe to North America – covers nine time zones, and all climates except tropical.
What is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice on traveling to Russia?
If you’re travelling to Russia, check the latest travel advice where Covid-19 restrictions are concerned and be prepared for plans to change at the last minute. The military action by Russia in Ukraine means all travel to the region is suspended.
There is currently a lot of instability in the region, particularly along the borders of Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The FCO is advising against all but essential travel to:
- North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area)
And is advising against all travel to:
- within 20 km of the border with the Ukrainian Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lugansk Oblasts
- within 20 km of the border with Ukraine in the Rostov, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk and Bryansk regions.
- Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan and the districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsky, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kursky in Stavropol Krai
The risk of terrorism is also high in Russia, and you should remain vigilant especially around Moscow and St Petersburg, and especially during political rallies.
You should also remain vigilant at all times, and be alert to the possibility of mugging, pick pocketing and theft in the main tourist areas and around the main railway concourses, as well as from vehicles or hotel rooms.
For more information, go to GOV.UK
Before you travel, you should also check with your mobile phone operator to make sure your phone will work in Russia. And it’s also worth storing any useful numbers in your phone, such as emergency contacts from home, as well as 112, which is the local emergency services number and +7 495 956 7200, which is the number for the British Embassy. If you need to get a local SIM card, you’ll need to show your passport.
Given the potential problems, it may instead be worth avoiding travel altogether and doing business via conference call instead.
