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First Trip to Russia
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Posted by: Robson

Hello,

It has been my plesaure the last few months to read about the experiences of everyone here! I am off to Russia in three weeks(I have never flown or traveled outside of the US) and am looking for some general advice on travel matters such as whether I should exchange money before my trip or in country, what I must pack and should not bother packing, etc.

I am also very curious about gifts for other family members. I believe that I should bring gifts for her parents but do not know what is appropriate. I know my question is very broad. I am just looking for any real-life experiences and insight. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Posted by: subcom117

I was in your shoes a year ago. Do a lot of reading of the posts here. Use the search and you will find answers to all your questions right down to packing lists.

Good luck and enjoy the experience.

Posted by: Jerico

When you get there at airport in Russia, cash a hundred at a money exchange.
They dont give you the best rates here so just cash a hundred, that should be enough.
When you get to your destination there will be many places to exchange your money at a better rate!

As for gifts i have said it again and again.
Go to bath and body works in your nearest mall and buy the scented soft soaps in a push dispenser type bottle.
there like 3 for 10 bucks. Trust me this is a winner. Vanilla scented,peach ,you get my meaning.
These make great small gifts to people you will surely meet.
I find that those little led flashlights are good too.There also pretty cheap in price.
Many of the buildings there have little if any type porch lights.So there handy.

A good bottle of American whisky or some type of Rum goes well.
They usually dont buy these there. They will like this trust me.
American chocolates are nice too.

Pictures of your city , house ,etc. They like to see these things.
If you have digital camera ,take a bunch of pictures of your area or whatever.

I dont suggest buying jewelry. You can get something there reasonable for your lady or whatever. Also it will be most likely 24 k, not 10.

There ,i just gave you a ton of ideas and they wont break the bank. LOL

Jerry

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

Pictures of your city , house ,etc. They like to see these things.
If you have digital camera ,take a bunch of pictures of your area or whatever.

Robson, to just elaborate on what Jerico said, I live near Chicago and found on-line a picture book of Chicago called "Chicago then and now" it was great because there were no words just pictures (no language problem) on one page it would show a black and white picture taken say in the early 1900's and on the facing page the same place/picture of Chicago as it is today. I used this as a gift for the ladies father, if you can find something along the lines of this for where you live, I am sure it will go over well. Like I said there where no words but with no words it told the history of Chicago and showed the growth of Chicago and what it is like today, just like pictures of your home or town it helps to bring the two worlds closer together, evn if there are language barriers

Posted by: I/O

Robson: I am searching my ever fading memory a little here...........First trip to Russia, don't bother with cash. ATM's are thicker than hair on a cats back. Visa or Master card will get you cash anywhere. Draw cash when you are there. Take two cards. Pay cash for purchases.

Gifts: Generic items seem the way to go. Think of immediate family and grandparents. Bath products, perfumes, neck ties, kitchen towels...............etc etc. You are fairly safe staying in that range. Something from "Home" always goes down well, dried pressed flowers in not a bad one either. Take a few small generic "spares" in case you get into a situation where you feel a gift is necessary.

One little thing I always do is take a pair of woollen, knitted slippers which I can tuck in my pocket if I am going to a private home (Which I mostly do now) for a visit. Street shoes OFF and house shoes on. You'll find it will be appreciated AND noticed. BTW, they come in handy on the plane also.

I/O

Posted by: max_1

What city are you going to ?

Let me know if its Moscow, I'll be able to help you then.. There are a lot of tricks going on - and you have to be carefull.

About money - yes ATM are everywhere, but you will need at least a bit of roubles to start from. At least for cap, bus, Metro or what ever transport you will need.
If you go to Moscow - cap driver will with a huge pleasure rip you off completely. In airport they easily take 3000 Rubles (almost 100Euro) for a trip to the center, while a official cost 1200 Rubles and the driver will wait for you inside.

Enjoy your trip - its worth it

Posted by: Jutman

About the taxi.

book it online. A small western car cost about 1200 roubel.

BR Jut

Posted by: max_1

Did you ever drive in Moscow ?

I wont do it - and even the trip from airport to center could be complicated at least if we talk about Moscow.

I don't think I will ever be able to drive there - too scared.

Posted by: blucatz

If the woman you are going to see meets you at the airport, let her arrange the taxi to your place. She will be able to get it much cheaper, just keep your mouth shut and let her do the talking.

Posted by: max_1

She may even call a official cap, let them wait for you with a sign. Then she would know the price already and you just have to give him the money. (I did this lots of times before I learned to speak some Russian)
You can be lucky to meet a driver who knows a bit English. Just get ready to say "niet" when you leave airport - because they will ask you for taxi 100 times..

Posted by: Link

Good luck on your trip. After you have return please share your experience with others in the forum. In the near future I will be in your position since I haven't gone to Russia either but I'm planing to.

Posted by: Justjohn

yep, your a braver man than i am if you drive over there, as for tha taxi thats good advice if your lady meets you, but don,t stand too close either because they know if the woman does all the talking you are a westerner and good for money, the man usually organises all, if you are alone then just walk away from the first 5 or 6 drivers and stick to the price you want to pay but in the end you will pay the price.

welcome by the way and good luck with your trip.
listen to the guys here they are a wealth of information, they have done me proud over the last couple of years.

JJ

Posted by: JohnnyLaRue

I made the mistake of driving in Jamaica once. My whole life flashed before my eyes (and it was not even interesting!) ha ha.

Seriously though I tend to let others do the driving or take mass transit when I travel.

Posted by: max_1

Driving in Moscow it will not only be your whole life flashing for your eyes - it will also be a huge mess of old Lada's, huge Mercedes and BMW's. And everything in a huge mess

Posted by: Raspberry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

When you get there at airport in Russia, cash a hundred at a money exchange.
They dont give you the best rates here so just cash a hundred, that should be enough.
When you get to your destination there will be many places to exchange your money at a better rate!

Don't forget to bring crisp bills. Many currency exchanges and banks won't take crumpled, torn or dirty bills.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

As for gifts i have said it again and again.
Go to bath and body works in your nearest mall and buy the scented soft soaps in a push dispenser type bottle.
there like 3 for 10 bucks. Trust me this is a winner. Vanilla scented,peach ,you get my meaning.
These make great small gifts to people you will surely meet.
I find that those little led flashlights are good too.There also pretty cheap in price.Many of the buildings there have little if any type porch lights.So there handy.

Indeed some good selections, and stuff I would not have thought of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

A good bottle of American whisky or some type of Rum goes well. They usually dont buy these there. They will like this trust me.
American chocolates are nice too.

I can't speak for Russian, but I know Ukrainians were intrigued by Tequila.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

Pictures of your city , house ,etc. They like to see these things. If you have digital camera ,take a bunch of pictures of your area or whatever.

Yes they do.

Posted by: Pin Boy

i think tequila would be good because it seems kind of exotic there. from my experience margaritas are not so commonly consumed. but the times i treated people to one they really liked the taste!

pb

Posted by: Raspberry

Yes, I was amazed how much Ukrainians liked Cuervo Gold. I had brought some with me......When asked what this was.....I said Mexicans drink this instead of Vodka....

Posted by: JohnnyLaRue

Russians like sake too!

Posted by: Justjohn

i took After Eights and Matchmakers, they are bacically pepermint in chocolate they went down a treat i have orders now from all our friends when i go they don't seem to have anything like that, or they are very very expensive.

jj

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justjohn

i took After Eights and Matchmakers, they are bacically pepermint in chocolate they went down a treat i have orders now from all our friends when i go they don't seem to have anything like that, or they are very very expensive.

jj

LOL I do the same John they don't have mint chocolates over there and the women looooooovvvve them

loads of extra brownie points for mint chocolates

Posted by: Link

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raspberry

Yes, I was amazed how much Ukrainians liked Cuervo Gold. I had brought some with me......When asked what this was.....I said Mexicans drink this instead of Vodka....

Mmmm funny I heard a similar experience that happened to some friends in Japan. I don't drink but do you think that bottles of Tequila, Mezcal and some other Mexican alcoholic beverages would be a good present for example to the parents of a potential Ukrainian or Russian Girlfriends????.

It is ironic that I myself don't drink a single drop of alcohol.

Posted by: redhawk

raspberry excellent thought on the wrinlkled or torn money- when i was in kalmykia,we exchanged my us money at a bank there,they only wanted to give us 75.00 for 100.00 us,because it was"damaged". just a VERY small tear in one corner from being hidden in the old money belt

i said to my fiancee who intepreted,"WTF? are you gonna frame it? its not artwork,ITS MONEY!" he then gave me 85.00 for it in rubles. moscow is not this bad fortunately.

and link- i myself do not drink either,but when me and her papa hit it off well,i learned. now whenever i go back to visit them, the vodka and cognac FLOWS

its all part of the experience. dont miss out.although there is a small new movement on in russia to curtail drinking a bit. their men's life span is only about 58 years,which explains their preoccupation with age.
you will also find that russian is easier to understand when you are on vodka,as i did,strange but true! you will love it and be RUSSIFIED!!!! GO NATIVE MAN!!

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawk

raspberyy excellent thought on the wrinlkled or torn money- when i was in kalmykia,we exchanged my us money at a bank there,they only wanted to give us 75.00 for 100.00 us,because it was"damaged". just a VERY small tear in one corner from being hidden in the old money belt

i said to my fiancee who intepreted,"WTF? are you gonna frame it? its not artwork,ITS MONEY!" he then gave me 85.00 for it in rubles. moscow is not this bad fortunately.

Only $85 for $100?

That sux big time. Sounds like a loan shark. Good thing you said Moscow is not that bad cause thats where im going in 19 days.

Posted by: redhawk

wow blue your going? hey make sure your lady is around to help as she glady will. these moscow women KNOW ALL THE TRICKS! they can really navigate this system you will see. do not beleive that moscow women are all bad either.(most moved there like actors move to LA,for opportunity and they call moscow "the city of big opportunities" this city has a way of getting into peoples heads. i see the change in my lady after we leave the city for 5 minutes,she begins to slooow way down to near normal. everything is at 100 mph 24/7!!!
did you find someone in particular? do you have help finding everything you need? i have a friend there, a guuy who works for nat geo. he can help maybe if you need.

Posted by: BluesTraveler

If your bills have lots of wrinkles, you can always iron them. Yup, you can make your bills look like new again.

Posted by: I/O

Why mess with the changers? ATM's are everywhere. Draw what you need in local currency.

I/O

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by I/O

Why mess with the changers? ATM's are everywhere. Draw what you need in local currency.

I/O

Have to agree guys, I never change cash now, just use my ATM card everywhere.

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawk

wow blue your going? hey make sure your lady is around to help as she glady will. these moscow women KNOW ALL THE TRICKS! they can really navigate this system you will see. do not beleive that moscow women are all bad either.(most moved there like actors move to LA,for opportunity and they call moscow "the city of big opportunities" this city has a way of getting into peoples heads. i see the change in my lady after we leave the city for 5 minutes,she begins to slooow way down to near normal. everything is at 100 mph 24/7!!!
did you find someone in particular? do you have help finding everything you need? i have a friend there, a guuy who works for nat geo. he can help maybe if you need.

Yes, I leave in 18 days. My Lady is not from Moscow, (she's only been there 2 other times), she's from Omsk and is meeting me in Moscow so we can fly to Egypt together. I have a 23 hour layover at the beginning of the trip and a 2.5 days at the end to see Moscow (if I can ever get the confirmation letter for the hotel

). I am looking for a modern type nightclub that plays American music so I can teach her how to dance

, if you know of any, please let me know.

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Have to agree guys, I never change cash now, just use my ATM card everywhere.

Not that I do not agree with this statement or using the ATM's, just first be careful, exchange only what you need at the time, watch for strangers around you at the time you are getting the money and I would not advice doing it at night, especially in places like Moscow, most thugs, pickpockets like hanging out in these areas.

Also for me my bank will not allow my 'debitcard' usage in Russia, Ukraine or other CIS countries, they state there is a predominace in creditcard fraud in these countries, even begged and pleaded with them, so I did make sure I brought nice clean $100 bills with me. So check with your bank and or creditcard companies before you go! to see what restrictions if any they have for the countries you are going to travel in

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Yes it goes without saying Chilli you need to be careful using ATM's over there, and credit card fraud is rife, I agree, but you can also take a small limit card with you to be even more secure and only use ATM's inside banks. In fact recently I noticed lots of queues at ATM's outside banks, but none inside banks, go figure??

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Hey Chris,
Yes, I agree with you that 'being careful and safe' goes without saying but since the thread was 'first trip to Russia' just thought I would mention some of this, most other things had been covered already, but even if a person has travelled to Europe, Ukraine/Russia is still much different in the ablity to use credit/debit cards that a 'first timer' might not be aware of. Heck the first time I went to Russia I brought with me nothing but 'travellers checks' that was how I was used to doing things (never was and still not a big fan of credit cards) but soon learned how difficult it was to find a bank in Russia to exchange 'travellers checks'.
I would have felt bad if at least not mentioning it and reminding them to check with there banks before travelling because CIS countries are still viewed a little differently by the banking systems.
Yes, do not know why there are queues outside, I never exchange money outside, always go inside the bank to either exchange cash or use the ATM's, again maybe people do not realize there ATM's inside or just the 'laziness of people' not to search them out?

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillidog

Also for me my bank will not allow my 'debitcard' usage in Russia, Ukraine or other CIS countries, they state there is a predominace in creditcard fraud in these countries, even begged and pleaded with them, so I did make sure I brought nice clean $100 bills with me. So check with your bank and or creditcard companies before you go! to see what restrictions if any they have for the countries you are going to travel in

Chilli, what bank do you use here in the states that would not allow you to use your card in Russia?

Posted by: I/O

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

so I can teach her how to dance

LOL..Oh man are you in for some learning. That just cracked me up.

I/O

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

Chilli, what bank do you use here in the states that would not allow you to use your card in Russia?

I bank now with a local bank not one of the big nation wide banks, but IIRC back in 2006 when I went to Russia I was banking with 'Bank One' who got bought out by 'Chase' also had a credit card with them and they stated that I could not use my credit card in Russia, there reasoning was 'too much credit card fraud' going on in Russia

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by I/O

LOL..Oh man are you in for some learning. That just cracked me up.

I/O

Why would that crack you up I/O? My lady does not know how to dance with a partner and I was taught by a world champion Russian dancer named Svetlana who owns the studio that I go to every weekend. Contrary to popular belief, all Russians cannot dance. At the new years party I attended, I was 1 of only 7 Americans there, the rest were Russians, about 200 of them. You know what? It was only us Americans that could actually dance and we were teaching some of the Russian women there. Sure they could freestyle (if thats what you would call what they were doing), but none of them could dance with a partner.

Only one Russian woman could actually dance the Hustle with me, and she was the manager of the studio's ex girlfriend. She was alright, but was no Svetlana. When you are taught by the best, you kinda have high expectations from your partner, but its still fun to teach newbies.

Posted by: I/O

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucatz

This lady is from Omsk right? She may not say so, but she will be able to dance. I understand what you are saying about higher level, but I think you might get a surprise.

I/O

Posted by: dogspot

I am planning my first trip to Moscow and have a Visa question. What is the easiest, hassle free way to obtain a tourist visa? Should I go through an online agency or get an invitation from the hotel I am staying in? Any guidance and advise is appreciated.

Posted by: max_1

About visa - if you need more than just a turist visa, just pm me and I can give you the adress to one company that handles it for you. Its legally and gives you a 1 year visa - with permission to stay 90 days in the country pr each � year (according to new visa rules). They can also help you with turist visa + registration in Moscow. It makes life easier.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I know many members have used this site.

http://www.gotorussia.com/visa_serv...a_to_russia.htm

Also go to a travel agency and get prices for your tickets. Sometimes they are cheaper then on-line. Also ask them if they provide a visa service and get a price. If you go this route, then you will need an invitation from the hotel.

If you live in the LA area, they have a Russian embassy there. You can take the invitation there along with your passport and a 2x2 photo to get a visa. This would be the cheapest way.

Good luck and happy landings!

Posted by: Chillidog

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogspot

I am planning my first trip to Moscow and have a Visa question. What is the easiest, hassle free way to obtain a tourist visa? Should I go through an online agency or get an invitation from the hotel I am staying in? Any guidance and advise is appreciated.

You do need no matter where you are staying, apartment or Hotel, what is essential a letter of invitation to accompany your application for a Visa that you give along with your passport to the Russian Embassy. So if you have booked a hotel room, request the "Visa Invitation" from the hotel (most do not charge for this, if they do it is an extra $15-25) and then send this invitation, your filled out application for the Visa, your passport and a money order (Postal MO is the best) to the Russian Embasy that handles your area. Allow for enough time before your trip to recieve your Passport back with the visa stamped inside before your trip. If time is short, the fees are increased for the Visa but can still be done. Check on the internet your local Russian Embasy guidelines, it really is not difficult, but anything you do the first time can seem a bit overwhelming even more so when you factor in you are dealing with the government and in this situation a foriegn government

Posted by: GoingToRussia

One more thing ... be sure to register your passport with the police within 3 days after you arrive. The hotel usually will do this free of charge but if they don't then visit a police station with your girl.

If you plan on using credit cards, be sure to inform your credit card comany you will be using them in Europe during a specific timeframe.

I guess that's 2 more things!

Posted by: dogspot

Thanks for all the great advice! I am still torn whether to go the seemingly easiest way, to pay a company such as gotorussia.com $190 to have it done with very little legwork on my part, or request an invitation from my hotel and go down to the embassy myself. Is it much less expensive to do it yourself? I appreciate everyones' input! This forum is an invaluable resource and your kindness and willingness to assist us newbs is tremendous.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes it costs much less to do it yourself. Probably less than $50. Check with a travel agent. I use to get mine for about $100 after I gave them my invitation.

WOW Russian tourist visas have really gone up in price, $131! Here's the website, http://www.russianembassy.org/. Not much difference then the Go To Russia company.

Posted by: max_1

Right - its easier to buy a package, if you ain't got a private place to live. Anyway if you need help in Moscow, PM me and I'll give you my phone number so you will be able to call if you get problems here !!
About prices - the 1 year visa did cost 150$ for invitaion, and it includes registration. Company handles all - but is only if you need several visit here. It will be easier to take a turist one in first place.

Posted by: blucatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_1

About visa - if you need more than just a turist visa, just pm me and I can give you the adress to one company that handles it for you. Its legally and gives you a 1 year visa - with permission to stay 90 days in the country pr each � year (according to new visa rules). They can also help you with turist visa + registration in Moscow. It makes life easier.

This is the company I used to get my visa http://www.consularassistance.com/ , they sent me an online application to fill out, I sent them a check for $219 and my passport and they took care of the invitation letter and did all the legwork at the Russian consulate in DC then sent me everything back via FedEx. Everything only took 2 weeks.

8 Days to

then I get my

Posted by: max_1

About registration in Moscow - you wont need to go to police any longer. In case hotel wont do the registration, it can be done in any post office for 120 rubel - easy and cheap. Its also a good thing for those who are not using any hotel. Only need is that you need a Russian citizen to fill in papers and registrate that your staying with them. There are 2 pages that need to be filled in - and the crucify you if they find a mistake

And if the do - then its all over once more..

And don't count on their sence of humor - it will make them more mad.
In Russia they had a commercial saying "smile it annoys" - not all wrong..

Posted by: Aaron2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerico

Little pump dispensers of scented soap? Wow, I never would have thought of that! Are these suitable for Ukrainians, too?

The woman at the agency suggested chocolates for the ladies and booze for the guys. My friend also has a brother with a little girl. I plan on bringing her a plush Elmo toy.

Aaron

Posted by: Aaron2

Here's a question related to the custom of giving gifts to the family. When do you present the gifts? As soon as you walk in? Do you wrap them?

Aaron

Posted by: AkMike

Any gifts are appreciated. Wrapped is nice but customs might open them so maybe take paper and tape. The scented soap is a great idea, compact and smells nice too.
Bring lot'sa pics of your area to show them your part of the world. Bring something unique from your area always goes well. Tequila is liked alot by the men. Don't get carried away with $pendy gifts for a first trip.
For later trips I found that leatherman tools are a big hit with the guys you'll meet.

Posted by: AkMike

Arron, since you're off probation you can now post in any of the forums. For other git idea read the "Holidays, Customs, Gift-Giving (Gift Suggestions) & Etiquette " further down the index page..