Done it twice and it’s more straightforward than people expect. International driving permit is non negotiable, bring it alongside your regular license. The pickup process with established operators is pretty smooth, it’s the smaller outfits where things can get complicated. Cities like Moscow and St Petersburg have plenty of solid options.

The potential of road trips in Russia is seriously underestimated. Car rental in Russia opens up routes and landscapes that most foreign tourists will never see, as they are limited to the most common modes of transport. The ‘Golden Ring’ cities around Moscow alone are worth hiring a car for, and that’s before you even start thinking about longer routes. Car hire companies that regularly serve international customers usually have a well-organised process, including document checks. Here, by the way, is one resource where you can find such offers https://getrentacar.com/en-US/