When you call into Russia, please remember that the national telephone code for our country is simply +7. The area code for Irkutsk is 3952, for Ulan-Ude 3012, and for Severobaikalsk 30130.

In other words, if you want to phone a hotel or other number in Irkutsk, you would start with 7-3952, and then dial the local number you want.

Fortunately it's become a lot easier to call with a cell phone in Russia. There are a lot of Russian companies that offer phone coverage, even in the smaller villages at Baikal, companies like MTC, Megaphone, Byline, Tele2, and Iota.

Please remember that you might not get coverage everywhere around the lake. Baikal is surrounded by a number of mountains, so you often might find yourself out of range because you are in the shadow of a mountain. But usually you can move further down the shoreline and out into the open, and you will get cell reception.

Nevertheless there are a few dead spots around Baikal for cell phones, where the only way you can call out is to have a satellite phone.

Of course, tourists from abroad can always buy a sim card right at the airport. There are usually kiosks that sell these sim cards around airport exits. They also are available at most train stations. For 400-500 rubles you can pay for a card that will allow you to make phone calls anywhere in Russia—while at the same time you can stay connected to the internet on your phone for the entire trip.

Meanwhile, most hotels and guest houses will have good wi-fi connections at Baikal. There is also free wireless internet at our airports, railway stations, and in most cafes and restaurants.