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Author Topic: Checklist before you travel to FSU  (Read 125664 times)

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Offline Eduard

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #25 on: December 28, 2008, 08:22:35 PM »
When I was in Myrnyi (on the west coast of Crimea) in the summer. I saw many men wearing shorts and sandals. I think if your going to the Black Sea shorts and sandals are fine.

I will also say that board short swim wear is becoming more popular. But I still not a popular as speedos.

I was probably one of those men in shorts and sandals that you saw in Crimea last summer :)

Offline AnitchkaZeonchka

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International Travel Checklist
« Reply #26 on: August 20, 2009, 05:53:39 AM »
Hi All,
      How are you all? International travel can be an exciting adventure but it can also bring many unpredictable situations, if you are not prepared for those situations they can quickly turn into life threatening situations.  We have put together this travel packing list to better help you plan your next trip.

What to expect in this travel packing list; International travel usually requires a passport.  Most countries also require a visa and possibly even a work permit if you will be conducting company business for an extended period of time.  Visas, which allow you to enter and leave these countries, usually consist of special notations and stamps which are added to your passport by government officials.

Many countries require immunizations for entry into the country; therefore, you should carry your immunization book with you.  Check with your doctor well in advance of your planned departure.

Take the office and home phone numbers of family members, supervisor, co-workers and friends with you.

For a list of Permitted travel items for flights. Check out our permitted travel items page.

Check the following sites for more information before you go!

    * US Customs and border protection
    * Canadian Consular Affairs
    * US State Departments - Consular Affairs - travel warnings

Click here for a printable Travel Packing List

 

To complete your travel checklist please review the following:

Getting Ready

    * Passport with required visas (passport should be valid for at least six months from start of trip). Get all visas in advance.
    * Get all immunizations brought up-to-date in advance.
    * Send fax/telex to destination office advising them of arrival information and requesting their assistance with lodging and transportation arrangements.
    * Advise your family and co-workers NOT to discuss your travel plans with strangers.

Items To Leave At Home

    * Your itinerary with spouse or friend.
    * Copy of your passport (photo and visa pages) and other travel documents.
    * Unneeded credit cards.
    * I.D. and membership cards (i.e. office cardkey).
    * Expensive and religious jewelry.
    * Penknife or anything that looks like a weapon.
    * Company logo items.
    * Pornographic magazines.

Travel Documents To Take With You

    * Passport with required visas (passport should be valid for at least six months from start of trip).
    * Visas for entry into countries to be visited, including those which you will transit.
    * Health book (record of immunizations).
    * Airline tickets (many countries require round trip ticket for entry).
    * Drivers license - State (i.e. Indiana).
    * Drivers license - International (available from AAA).
    * Camera or photo permit, where required.
    * Fax, telex or letter stating that your visa will be available upon arrival for countries who do not issue visas outside their country. (ie UAE, Oman, etc.).
    * Alien registration card (green card) or valid visa for re-entry into the USA - non-US citizens.
    * Traveler checks (exchange for local currency as needed at a bank).
    * Major international credit cards (ie. American Express, Diners, and VISA/MasterCard)
    * Airline frequent travel cards.
    * Telephone numbers at destinations and addresses in countries to be visited - may be needed for landing cards.
    * Copy of your passport (photo and visa pages) and other travel documents.
    * Commercial invoice for laptop computers, etc. - check with the destination office on this.

Travel Medical Insurance

    * If you are traveling overseas or away from your home country, you may wish to purchase medical insurance for your trip
    * Travel Medical Insurance is very inexpensive and can be a nice item to have in case of emergencies.
    * Check out IMG for your Travel Medical Insurance needs before your next trip.

Other Items To Take With You

    * Prescription medicines in clearly labeled containers.
    * Small first aid kit.
    * Card listing allergies and medical conditions.
    * Plain, nondescript luggage.
    * Business cards (pack in checked luggage).
    * Foreign language/English pocket dictionary.
    * Alarm clock, battery or wind-up.
    * Adapters for electrical items (most overseas locations have 220 volts, 50 Hz electricity.
    * Personal appliances (hair dryer, etc.) - 220 volts.
    * Flashlight, smoke alarm, door stop, etc.
    * Family pictures (this may reduce homesickness).
    * Photos - black and white passport size - approx. 20. You may need a photo to obtain passes, permits, etc.

Before Departure and At The Airport

    * Count your cash before leaving in an inconspicuous location.
    * Get export papers from US Customs for computers, video cameras, etc. to make US Customs clearance easier when you return.
    * Check in early and go through security immediately.
    * Stay away from windows, trash bins, etc.
    * Never agree to watch someone's luggage.
    * Report unattended bags and packages.
    * Note the location of exits.
    * Move away from disturbances.
    * Take care of personal needs before boarding since long delays and waits are common.

On The Plane

    * Select a seat near an exit, if open seating is allowed.
    * Check around for luggage left by previous passengers.
    * Put your carry on bags in overhead rack or under the seat in front of you.
    * Count rows and note paths to exits.

Arrival At Destination

    * Reconfirm your future flights - local office may be able to assist.
    * Exchange a small amount of US dollars for local currency at the airport for taxi, tips, etc. You will usually get a better exchange rate at a bank.
    * Know who will meet you and ask them to be inconspicuous.
    * Register with consulate if staying several days.
    * Know your route from airport to lodging.
    * Request room above ground floor but not too high.
    * Check for exits and emergency instructions.
    * Plan your escape in case of fire.
    * Be sure your phone works -- call the desk.
    * Check the door locks - use doorstop if necessary.
    * Don't leave your key at the desk.
    * Always put valuables in the security boxes.

When Traveling About

    * Always stay sober, alert and inconspicuous.
    * Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
    * Keep phone numbers of local contacts with you.
    * Keep your money out of sight - never count it in public.
    * Find out where the "wrong" parts of town are and stay away.
    * Find out the location of the police stations and get phone numbers.
    * Avoid disturbances - go the other way, immediately.
    * Learn to operate the telephones the first day.
    * Always carry your passport, leave copy in security box -- unless local customs require otherwise.
    * Don't stop to investigate accidents.
    * If accosted try to stay calm, watch for escape.
    * If being followed go directly to the police, hotel, or office.

When Driving

    * Drive defensively - not aggressively.
    * Always keep windows up and doors locked.
    * Keep valuables and belongings out of sight.
    * Know your route, plan it ahead of time, and vary your routes.
    * Be suspicious of "accidents".
    * If attacked try to crouch down and drive away.
    * Keep the gas tank full at all times.
    * Watch for tampering with your auto - easier to spot on a dirty auto.
    * Avoid driving or renting expensive automobiles.

General Comments and Hints

    * Always remember that you are a guest in another's country.
    * Obey all laws of the country you are in - no drugs - no smuggling.
    * Baggage - Most airlines allow two bags (max. 70 pounds each -- some size restrictions apply) for direct travel to and from the USA.
    * Check bags to your final destination.
    * Know what you are hand carrying for someone else.
    * Cash - Many countries require that you declare all of the cash (sometimes traveler checks as well) which you are bringing into the country.
    * Count your cash before leaving in an inconspicuous location.
    * Keep your currency forms with you.
    * Never discuss financial matters in public.
    * Travel Documents - Check all travel documents before leaving to ensure that they are valid for the duration of your trip, including extensions.
    * Airline Tickets - Check your airline tickets to ensure that routing is as planned and that you know ALL of your stops.
    * Packing Hints - The clothing you pack should always be appropriate for the climate and activities on your itinerary. The normal attire in many overseas office is fairly casual; however, you may need a suit for visits to government offices. In general, pack
          o Clothing that is wrinkle-resistant, drip-dry and comfortable.
          o Comfortable walking shoes.
          o Versatile styles that can go from casual to dressy.
          o Toiletries in unbreakable plastic bottles.
          o Include soap and washcloth.
          o Pack in your carry-on bag
                + An all-weather coat - Europe can be cool anytime of the year.
                + A supply of any medication and extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts lenses.
                + A change of clothing.
                + Duplicate suitcase keys.
    * Familiarize yourself with the currency and exchange laws of the countries you plan to visit.
    * Tape your name, address, and passport number inside your suitcases.
    * Take a pocket calculator for converting currency, etc.
    * Take prescription slips for any necessary medication and eyeglasses.
    * Carry a small notebook with your camera to record where photos were taken. Most countries prohibit photographing military and governmental facilities.
    * Keep sales receipts handy for customs.
    * Get someone to write your hotel address in the local language and keep it with you.
    * Avoid ice cubes wherever you're advised not to drink the water.
    * Avoid raw vegetables wherever you're in doubt.
    * Most visas are valid for 30 to 90 days from issue - check validity with your schedule.
    * Many airports require payment of an airport exit tax - be sure you have the correct amount in the correct currency.
    * Many hotel porters require a "verification of payment" slip before they will carry your bags out of the hotel. Ask for this slip from the cashier when you check out.


Best Regards.......

Shenandoah bed and breakfast

Offline Voyager

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #27 on: August 20, 2009, 09:37:08 AM »
Hi All,
      How are you all? International travel can be an exciting adventure but it can also bring many unpredictable situations, if you are not prepared for those situations they can quickly turn into life threatening situations.  We have put together this travel packing list to better help you plan your next trip.

Best Regards.......

Shenandoah bed and breakfast

Hello Anitchka, welcome to our forum!
We generally do not allow commercial links from new members, however regularly contributing members are allowed a signature link. Please contact Admin or Manny to discuss this.

Would you like to tell us a bit more about yourself, and what international travel have you done?

Thanks!


Offline Vinnvinny

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #28 on: August 20, 2009, 05:17:29 PM »
Would you like to tell us a bit more about yourself, and what international travel have you done?

I'm guessing but ..... maybe just Kabul, Baghdad, Tehran and Beirut.  ;D

Offline ECR844

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #29 on: August 20, 2009, 05:34:38 PM »
Would you like to tell us a bit more about yourself, and what international travel have you done?

I'm guessing but ..... maybe just Kabul, Baghdad, Tehran and Beirut.  ;D

The real key is Beirut when? I mean if it's circa 1981 then you have that loose and cool no Allah here vibe, with the Mogadishu gun runner firework fun readily available. Honey wine, kidnapping, whoring, all those things that would get a limb hacked off or worse back home was better than kosher.. it was halal :nod:. Nice place really, the beaches were killer and those were the times the sharks weren't around. :popcorn: if we're talking modern day I'nsa

Offline Vinnvinny

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #30 on: August 20, 2009, 06:03:10 PM »
The real key is Beirut when?

I’m not sure but the good news is that I'm already semi compliant with much of the above as I always leave my pornographic magazines at home (usually with a spouse or friend) and I never go near windows or trash bins (for at least 3 days) before departure.

I’m surprised that Hawaiian shirts didn’t get a mention ….

Offline Voyager

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #31 on: August 20, 2009, 06:12:39 PM »
Would you like to tell us a bit more about yourself, and what international travel have you done?

I'm guessing but ..... maybe just Kabul, Baghdad, Tehran and Beirut.  ;D

Yah, I'm guessing more like Abu Dhabi...  :chuckle:

Offline ECR844

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #32 on: August 20, 2009, 06:16:58 PM »
The real key is Beirut when?

I’m not sure but the good news is that I'm already semi compliant with much of the above as I always leave my pornographic magazines at home (usually with a spouse or friend) and I never go near windows or trash bins (for at least 3 days) before departure.

I’m surprised that Hawaiian shirts didn’t get a mention ….


What no roadblocks, convoys, or the value of a competent, skilled, connected fixer? Makes me wonder what else we missed? :-X
Put abit of that in your Hookah and smoke it.. :smileysherlock: :BEER:

Offline Vinnvinny

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Re: International Travel Checklist
« Reply #33 on: August 20, 2009, 06:50:05 PM »
Yah, I'm guessing more like Abu Dhabi...  :chuckle:

I doubt it Voyager.

“In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the police can arrest a person for "committing an action that would be harmful to the general public". This might be the official charge for something as harmless as kissing a woman on her cheek in a public place. The penalty is ten days in jail for both the kisser and the kissee. The action could even be adultery! And adultery in Abu Dhabi is punishable by death.”

If he had been there then you would think that AnitchkaZeonchka would have appended the ‘Obey all laws of the country you are in - no drugs - no smuggling’ advice with ‘and definitely no snogging or murdering’.  :biggrin:

Makes me wonder what else we missed? :-X

I think he forgot to mention the possibility of doing the whole journey in a M1A2 Abrams. No need to worry too much about proceeding through security ‘immediately’ after you have checked in, go outside a have a smoke first if you want. Admittedly the ‘moving away from disturbances’ might become a tad tiresome but on the plus side …. you shouldn’t worry too much about noting the ‘location of exits’.  :P

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #34 on: August 22, 2009, 10:54:52 PM »
Eric and Vinny, she did have a funny list. I liked the one about leaving any item with a company logo at home! My experience is those things are valued...would a girl rather have a pen with the company logo of the man she will marry, or just an ink pen he picked up at Walgreens?!

Also the "leave religious jewelry at home." Right, you're traveling to a land where girls (and guys) put on a cross at Chrismation and wear it the rest of their lives, even in the shower, etc.


Offline LoyalMan

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #35 on: August 28, 2009, 02:07:05 AM »
Can I bring new Perfume on airplane nowadays??  I heard that the police will ask you to drink a little bit!   :biggrin:

Offline Chris

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #36 on: August 28, 2009, 07:12:43 AM »
Can I bring new Perfume on airplane nowadays??  I heard that the police will ask you to drink a little bit!   :biggrin:

 :chuckle: I burst out laughing with this one - you were until recently limited to 100ml only, it has now been raised a little I believe, (I will have flown in and out of 6 different airports in 6 days by the time you read this and I am still not sure what the legal limit is on this now)   but if you are worried about being made to drink it  :ROFL: put it in your stored/checked in baggage 
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Offline Stubben

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #37 on: October 15, 2009, 10:13:17 AM »
Goods - subject for declaring.
Imported goods with total price exceeding 65 000 RUB and/or with total weight exceeds 35 kg. Precious metals and stones, except for personal use, must be declared and are subject to tax.

One question, if bringing a laptop for personal use while in Russia that you will bring with you when you leave, will it have to be declared if the value exceeds 65 000 RUB?

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #38 on: October 15, 2009, 11:27:44 AM »
No, but one caveat....never bring to Russia something you can't live without later on.

Get an decent older laptop and use it for foreign travel until you're comfortable, and it can even be left behind to teach Mama how to do email, Skype, etc, in prep for when you will take her daughter away.

Offline Stubben

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #39 on: October 15, 2009, 11:54:38 AM »
Thanks Mendy! No time to arrange for another laptop, but I'll make sure everything is backed up. The laptop itself can easily be replaced.

Offline khersonrent

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #40 on: December 05, 2009, 07:39:06 AM »
Topicstarter put alot of useful info [especially about Ukraine]. I am an Ukrainian, but I dont know whole info:)

some corrections about Ukraine:

Now for call Emergencies--
For fire, dial 101; police 102; ambulance 103, gas service - 104.

for dailing local Ukrainian cell phones and city phones
(if you are in Ukraine, not from abroad) dont use 8

for example, my cell phone is [old dialing in Ukraine] 8 050 868 72 40
new dialing - 050 868 72 40.

for travelling by train
website of train departments is http://uz.gov.ua doesnt have english version.
As an alternative use http://www.poezda.net/en/index (very hard in using)

for travelling by bus
website with bus timetable is http://bus.com.ua, has english version, but very hard in using


Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #41 on: December 05, 2009, 09:48:09 AM »
Thank you, we've added those in the list!

Offline dbneeley

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #42 on: March 31, 2010, 06:04:55 AM »
Gifts


Electricity

Everywhere in Russia/Ukraine/FSU, 220 Volt and 50 Hz AC current supplies are used. Most of the sockets are standard European-size for double round-pin plugs, the same as in France or Germany. Appliances from the US, Canada, Britain will need adaptors (it’s better to buy them in your own country, as it’s very hard to find them in Russia). If looking in places like Walmart, Staples or Radio Shack, look for the "Northern European" style which has two round pins.


At least here in Ukraine, that has not been my experience. I have found plug adapters in several different rinoks, usually for three or for hryvnia (less than fifty cents American). Before I came here, I made sure that my only plug-in electronics were dual voltage, so all I needed was the plug adapters. If you go to a stall in a rinok selling electrical supplies, you can generally find the adapters--but you may have to ask for them. If you don't speak the language, take the cord with you and show them what you have and they will quickly get the idea.

By contrast, the adapters I saw in the States were usually at least $5 each, and no better. Often, to get one, you had to buy a set of adapters suitable for the whole world for a lot more money. Save the cash, and visit your local rinok!

Offline traveler

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #43 on: April 01, 2010, 09:27:48 AM »
dbneeley, your explanation reminds me of my exact experience. Hard to find in the larger stores but many markets, small shops, will have these adapters for almost nothing.

Offline mendeleyev

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #44 on: April 01, 2010, 09:40:01 PM »
In agreeing with you it may seem as a contradiction, but most guys traveling don't know much about shopping and finding things beyond restaurants and a neighborhood food market nor speak/read the language. In that sense finding a product in a foreign language and culture can be, for many, like finding a needle in a haystack. 

I like the idea of taking what you need to visibly demonstrate to the clerk what you are seeking.

Both of you should share more tips from your experiences and we'll list them. Thanks guys!  tiphat

Offline dbneeley

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #45 on: April 01, 2010, 11:10:39 PM »
In agreeing with you it may seem as a contradiction, but most guys traveling don't know much about shopping and finding things beyond restaurants and a neighborhood food market nor speak/read the language. In that sense finding a product in a foreign language and culture can be, for many, like finding a needle in a haystack. 

I like the idea of taking what you need to visibly demonstrate to the clerk what you are seeking.

Both of you should share more tips from your experiences and we'll list them. Thanks guys!  tiphat

Shopping is a far less complex subject today than it was when I first made the journey to the FSU in 2000. Then, many of the stores had their goods behind counters, and you had to get them from clerks. First, you would find what you wanted and get a slip of paper with the price. Then, you'd go through the register and pay for the item. Finally, you'd take the receipt back to the original clerk and retrieve the item. A pain in the posterior, and a holdover from the Soviet years when goods were incredibly scarce.

Today, thankfully, that is gone everywhere I've been. In fact, today in Ukraine there are many supermarkets and other large stores much like in the West. In fact, within two kilometers of us there are four "hypermarkets"--with the two newest larger than anything I have seen in the U.S. to date. I was in one of them a few days back--and checked, to discover they have 66 checkout lines that extend over perhaps 60% of the width of the store--just to give you an idea of the size. Like America, you find what you want on the shelf, put it in your basket, and then lace it on the conveyor belt at the checkout line. Again, like America, the price shows up on a visible display--so you can manage quite well with limited or non-existent language skills. Similar situations exist in most smaller stores.

Still, many items may be less expensive in one of the many flea markets or "rinoks". Often, for example, produce is as good or better than in the supermarkets and frequently at better prices--but not always. Ukrainians do intensive comparison shopping to conserve as many kopeks as possible. Most housewives here can tell you which stores tend to have the best price and selection for any given item. For example, we go to one supermarket for baked cakes or pastries...and, quite often, just before closing when many items are marked down for clearance. (Few baked goods here have any preservatives--better for you, but they don't last all that long). We generally can get these items at 40%, 50%, or greater savings this way. (Unfortunately, I can rarely have any of them due to my diabetes, but my wife and stepson have the typical Ukrainian sweet tooth!)

We have also found that many stores that sell clothing at very high prices often dispose of their clearance items (overstock, out of season, etc) in some of the "Second Hand" stores. (And yes, these are called just that--in English). We find incredibly good deals in one that has opened less than two blocks from our house. For example, my wife bought an exquisite leather coat made in Germany for $400, brand new with the tags still on it. You should understand, though, that this has been sold both in retail shops and online at $1600 or more. On the other end of the spectrum, she has bought very lovely ladies' jeans and trousers at incredibly cheap prices--the latest ones she bought were brand new and a designer label fo some sort for 10 hryvnia. She also bought a fairly large sack full of ladies' tops for another 10 hryvnia--perhaps six or seven of them. Some items she buys there are used, but generally in outstanding condition--while many are new. As she explains, she has never before had so many clothes simply because she could never afford many. (When I met her in 2000, her hanging closet at the time was less than a foot wide, to give you an idea).
   Many locals are not yet aware of some of the bargains to be had in selected "Second Hand" stores. Irina is now picking up things for many of her hospital colleagues--either as gifts on birthdays and such or for them to reimburse her. When she left this morning, in fact, she took a sizable bag of these things to work--some for her boss, the head of anesthesiology for the hospital.
   Keep in mind, though, that this is only in the one city--Donetsk. I do not know enough about others to say what the situation is there for certain when it comes to shopping--although I suspect there are certainly similarities, from the television advertising I see. Both of the newest hypermarkets near us, for instance, have locations in other areas of Ukraine. A local electronics and appliance chain that has a store a block from us, for instance, has stores throughout the country. They have both the Foxtrot and Foxmart stores, and perhaps another name or two if memory serves. We have a Foxtrot a block in one direction, and a Foxmart two blocks in the other, as it happens. (Did I mention we are in an incredibly good area for shopping?)
   For new travelers, though, the point is that there is little to fear about the shopping adventure here. You can find about any kind of shop you may need. Most large cities, too, have one or more especially large rinoks that often have hundreds of vendors ranging from a single table of goods up to large enclosed stores within the rinok area. In Kiev, the largest is probably Patrivka--which has its own metro stop. That is where you can find English language books and a huge variety of music on CD as well as computer programs of all sorts, as well as nearly anything else you'd like. Offhand, I don't remember the name of the very largest one in Donetsk, but there are others including another large one in the central city as well as smaller ones all over the place, such as the one at the end of our apartment complex a block from us.
   Personally, I have had little trouble in shopping here even though I don't speak Russian beyond a relatively few words. When they realize you don't speak the language, the sellers are generally very patient and helpful.
   I also have had very good experiences with all sorts of people. For instance, when I went to the hypermarket, I took a marshrutka that stops just outside our building. I handed forward two hryvnia--a common fare for a marshrutka. When I was moving toward the door to get off, the driver called to me--and refunded one of the hryvnia because the fare was only one hryvnia on that particular route! I was quite surprised, to put it mildly...but this is not atypical in my experience. Much of the greed seems to be concentrated among government officials, it seems (but that is another story entirely!)

David

Offline sloopiek

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #46 on: April 15, 2010, 02:32:09 PM »
Question: I am making my first trip to Russia next week; Los Angeles to Novosibirsk via Moscow (Sheremetyevo). 
I have gotten some great ideas here regarding what to take, and what not to take.  I am planning on taking my iPod, but was also planning on taking my ipod/clock radio (with adapter) to use in my hotel room.
I notice that one of the restricted items mentioned is "radio".  Would a clock radio be a prohibited item?
Minor point, but I don't want to bring it that far just to get it taken away.
Thanks for your help.
Rich

Offline Herrie

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #47 on: April 15, 2010, 02:35:18 PM »
You're not allowed to use a radio on board of the plane. You're allowed to take it though. I always carry a MP3 player and cellphone with FM radio and nobody ever caused problems about this :)

Offline dbneeley

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #48 on: April 15, 2010, 11:49:21 PM »
Question: I am making my first trip to Russia next week; Los Angeles to Novosibirsk via Moscow (Sheremetyevo). 
I have gotten some great ideas here regarding what to take, and what not to take.  I am planning on taking my iPod, but was also planning on taking my ipod/clock radio (with adapter) to use in my hotel room.
I notice that one of the restricted items mentioned is "radio".  Would a clock radio be a prohibited item?
Minor point, but I don't want to bring it that far just to get it taken away.
Thanks for your help.
Rich

Rich,
The single biggest mistake many make is to take too darned much "stuff". If I'm going for less than a month,  I take a carry-on and a laptop bag at most. There are various websites dealing with traveling light--my favorite is www.onebag.com.

I don't take anything that requires a separate power adapter, for example. I have an electric razor that is dual voltage, for example, as of course is my notebook computer.  If you need an alarm to wake up and don't have one in your watch (for example), a cheap and very small travel alarm that is battery powered should do the job well. I do have a very small Sony am/fm radio powered by a single triple A battery I use with headphones at times, although if your iPod has an FM that may be sufficient.

If you're taking a laptop or netbook, is there a USB cable that charges your iPod? (Sorry, I don't use iPods so I don't remember). That would eliminate the voltage converter issue there, too.

If your electrics are dual voltage, then, the most you'd need is a plug adapter. Those are generally about $5 in the States, but about 40 cents in most rinoks (flea markets) here in the FSU.

Several travel stores sell sport jackets with multiple pockets for travel at a reasonable cost. Last I looked, both Magellen's and Travelsmith had some good looking ones on sale for less than $100. That makes life a bit easier to get the luggage down, but there are other garments that do the same job such as the Scott eVest I have. However, since you're probably going to meet a lady, you will need a jacket anyway for some of the "date" places and to make a good impression--so a jacket with the multiple pockets may be just the ticket. Wear it on the plane so you don't have to pack it--and add a relatively warm jacket on top of it and/or a very good sweater underneath, as Novosibirsk is likely to be fairly chilly still, especially in the nights and mornings. Our daily highs in Donetsk are now in the low 50s, but I'd imagine Novy Birsk is probably ten degrees cooler at least.

To conclude--I repeat: the largest mistake new travelers make is to pack too heavily. In Moscow, if I'm not mistaken, will change terminals if not airports--and lugging a large suitcase in such event is not pleasant. My own first trip, I took a large 27" suitcase--and regretted it thoroughly. The darned thing wouldn't even fit in the luggage compartment beneath the train bunks.

I also don't care for the wheeled luggage. Outside the airport terminal, the wheels are often fairly useless here, while they take up space and weight that are very unfortunate.

David

Offline Herrie

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Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
« Reply #49 on: April 16, 2010, 01:04:51 AM »
I can only agree with David here :) I usually take only 1 hand luggage and 1 laptop bag anytime I travel :)

I usually have an universal world travel adapter from FujiFilm including USB which costs about USD/EUR/GBP 20,- with me.

All my electronics are dual voltage. I usually take a laptop, cellphone and MP3/video player with me. I have an USB charging cord for all (including cellphone), so I can charge it using USB from my laptop or using the travel adapter :) The USB charging cords (for cellphone) can be bought off eBay for a few $ including shipping :)



 

 

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