Russian, Ukrainian & FSU Information & Manosphere Discussion Forums

Information & Chat => Travel Discussion: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Baltics & The Stans => Topic started by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:43:35 AM

Title: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:43:35 AM
This is a work in progress, thanks to many members who have given suggestions and advice.  Use this section of RUA to plan the practical details of your trip: clothing, accessories, gifts, money exchange, cameras/photos, etc.

Members will continue to add to the list and from time to time the Moderators will take ideas from member posts and place them inside the larger 'catagory' lists.



Airline tickets to the FSU:
The best resource of any similiar site is here on RUA.  Compiled by our members who have given their personal recommendations based on experience: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=150.msg0#new




Airline flight services:

- Aeroflot baggage restrictions/limitations: http://www.aeroflot.ru/ENG/information.aspx?ob_no=495

- British Airways baggage restrictions/limitations: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/baggag/public/en_gb

- Delta baggage restrictions/limitations: http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp

- KLM baggage restrictions/limitations: http://www.ttravel.com/NWA-KLM-Baggage-Rule-Changes.html

- American Airlines baggage restrictions/limitations: https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp&anchorEvent=false




Airport Security/Visas-Passport Control/Customs information

Liquids allowed in hand luggage: Russian Federation 
Water and other drinks, soups, syrups, jam, honey.
Lotions, creams and oils.
Perfume, eau de cologne and eau de toilette Sprays
Gels, including hair and shower gels.
Pressurized containers including shaving foams and other foams and deodorants.
Pastes, including toothpastes
Liquid and solid mixtures
Mascara and any other solutions and items of similar consistency.

The following restrictions apply to the above-listed liquids:
Containers must have the volume no greater than 100ml. Liquids in any containers larger than 100 ml are not allowed, even if the container is only partially filled.
Liquids Must be placed into a transparent resealable bag not exceeding the size of 18x20 cm. The total volume of liquids may not exceed 1 liter.



Passport Control
Visa control is a subject of transport company duties. Passport control checks the allowance of a person to be on Russian territory and doesn’t carry responsibility for allowance to enter any other country.

Non-compliance with the entry/transit requirements (incl. forged documents) results in fines for carrier of 30,000. – per passenger and deportation or indefinite delay for passenger in point of entry (detention costs at carriers expense).

Validity: passports must be valid for the period of intended stay in Russia.

All alien persons entering Russia are to fill in an immigration form to produce one to the passport control. It is strongly recommended to do the form before passport control in block Lain letters. The blanks are available onboard your aircraft. Please ask your airline flight attendant for help to do the form properly. Upon departure, the B section of the immigration form must be produced to the passport control.


Visa requirements
Visa required for all foreign citizens, except for nationals of CIS countries, by exception of Georgia and Turkmenia. An official invitation is required for issuing visa. Visas cannot be granted upon arrival.

1. Visas, excluding multiple, are valid for one trip only and should be used according it’s applicability. Visas and passports with expired date or bearing marks appeared unofficially are considered invalidate.

2. Passenger with tourist visas should have hotel reservation.

3. All foreigners should be registered in Ministry of Internal Affairs or hotels if stay longer than a 3 day period.

4. It’s strongly recommended to have health or tourist insurance, covering all medical expenses.

5. It’s strongly recommended to avoid doubtful registration firms using unofficial ways.

Between Russia and Belarus there is no visa required, HOWEVER for citizens of non-CIS countries it causes Russian transit visa requirements if they fly from the territory of Belarus through Domodedovo airport to third countries (or from third countries through Domodedovo to Belarus). Russian transit visa can be obtained at any Russian Embassy having travel tickets and visa of destination country. Passengers without Russian visa will not be permitted to take connection flight. In such cases, transit visa can be obtained at Domodedovo consular before passport control point (+7-095-9678121). The transit visa will be issued and you will be allowed to pass passport control.





Customs information
The system of Red and Green channels is used in Russian Federation.

Free import in cases:
Total cost of the imported goods is less than 65 thousand rubles and/or total weight is less than 35 kg. and allowances are:
1. Alcoholic beverages (including beer) 2 litres 
2. Tobacco products  50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, 200 cigarettes, 0,25 kg tobacco*
3. Caviar («black») Maximum – 250 gram per person 

In case if only one type of tobacco being imported, 100 cigars, 200 cigarillos, 400 cigarettes and 0.5 kg tobacco allowed.

Taxes are taken in accordance with following rates:
For goods, with total price exceeding 65 thousand rubles and/or if their total weight exceeds 35 kg, but is less than 650 thousand rubles and 200 kg - 30 percent customs duty, but not less than 4 euro per kilogram in the exceeding part.


Exported goods for personal use do not come within customs fees or taxes.
Archeological, historical and artistic objects are allowed for export with written permission of Ministry of Cultural Affairs confirming that the exported goods are either not under governmental accounting or are within the statute "import and export of cultural objects". A photograph of the exported object is needed to accompany the written document from Cultural Affairs Ministry.

For all kind of weapons besides declaration, a special permit from Ministry of Internal Affairs is needed. This permit can be obtained at the relevant police authority. For bow-instruments besides declaration a special permit from Ministry of Cultural Affairs is needed. If the instrument is older than 50 years a special permission from Ministry of Cultural Affairs is needed.

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.

Prohibited
Plants and animals, their parts, derivatives as well as drawn products from them, which are under the danger of extinction. If you travel with normal domestic animals or carry plants, you have to go through phytocontrol and veterinary control.

Narcotic and psychotropic substances, and their precursors. Drastic and poisonous substances.

Hf and radio-electronic devices except peripherals. Special technical devices designed for obtaining information secretly. Exported materials which contain National Security Information/State secret. Weapons, weapons parts, and ammunition of any sort are prohibited.




Currency information
Import: allowed in equivalent of up to $10.000. Amount exceeding $10.000 is subject to declaration.

Export: if total amount exceeds $3.000 than written declaration required. If total amount exceeds $10.000 than the passenger is obliged to have written import declaration or other documentation confirming import or transferring foreign currencies to Russia on the amount that exceeds $10.000.

Traveler's cheques are allowed within limits of previously imported if complied documentation is presented, without written declaration. Traveler's cheques, purchased in Russia, require written declaration (red channel).





Complete accomodation/translator/guides/ground support services:

- For Russia: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=2717.0  Right here on RUA is perhaps the best list for Russian services on the entire web!  Includes RUA member recommendations!

- For Ukraine: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=47.0  One of the best lists for Ukraine services on the web is right here at RUA with recommendations from our members!




Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:44:26 AM
Winter Travel

- Good boots with bottom tread to walk on icy sidewalks.

- A good coat that covers your ankles below and covers your neck above.  No "v neck" coat in Russia's north. Don't take leather, instead take wool or something which will breathe with your body heat as you go inside and outside with extreme temp changes.

- A scarf to wrap around your neck/throat area.

- An umbrella to ward off some of the wet snow as it falls and a hat "Ushanka" to protect your head and ears will be very important.

- Excellent advice from RUA member Eduard: Thermal underware is great if the weather dipps to -20 C or worse. I would also suggest that you get your "Ushanka" at home before arriving to Moscow. I personally don't remember them being sold near every metro station and by the time you find one you are likely to catch a nasty cold. You can purchase one on Ebay, and the price by the way is likely to be better than in Moscow. You will be shocked by Moscow prices, I  think. Here is the link, $40 with free shipping: http://cgi.ebay.com/Grey-Trooper-Bomber-STYLE-Ushanka-Rabbit-Fur-Hat-Size-L_W0QQitemZ370093064397QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370093064397&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

-Boots:  Eduard also suggests UGGS boots lined with real fur (forget synthetic fur, won't work in that weather) I would recommend getting the ones just like mine: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ugg-Beacon-Brown-Sherpa-Suede-Leather-Boots-mens-10_W0QQitemZ350109262380QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item350109262380&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

- When you get the boots, make sure that they are at least half a size bigger than what you usually wear so that you can have room for thick socks.

- The same can be said for sweaters, etc.  Likely you will quickly learn to "layer" clothing on top of each other to stay warm, taking off some items when indoors.

- Small flashlight for when the lights goes out in your apartment/also helpful on the train.

- Electric (northern europe) converter so you can charge your camera.

- Take cold/flu medicines.  Traveling from many parts in the West to that far north your body will react to the change.  Think about it: if it's 80 degrees in Los Angeles and -20 in Moscow, the only thing separating your body from a 100 degree temp change is 14 hours on Aeroflot.

- 2 or 3 paperback books to read at airport and other travel delays.  When done leave them for the next passenger who may appreciate practicing their English reading skills.

- Little tissue (kleenex, etc) packets are a godsend: to use for colds, napkins, toilet tissue, etc.  Take a packet for each day in Russia.

- Did we mention an assortment of cold/flu medicines? 

- A notebook/journal to write down important reminders, contacts, travel schedules, etc.

- An extra copy of passport and visa stashed somewhere besides on your person.  Makes it easier to travel back to Moscow if the original disappears and speeds the process for your Embassy to replace.

- Instead of taking a large digital card for your camera, take several smaller cards and change every few days.  If your camera disappears you'll not lose the entire trip because everything was on one card.

- Take a good pair of warm slippers.  You'll be given a pair in each home you enter, and you should wear them, whether or not they fit.  I like my own and it's perfectly acceptable to bring them along.  If they compliment your slippers, be certain, in fact insist that you leave them there when you return home.  A nice pair of slippers makes a good gift too.

Very good advice from RUA member and RW OlgaM:
-Winter travel: very oily facial creeme \ milk, to protect your face skin from the freezing air, wind, snow, etc. NOTE: it has to be made in a country which actually has a winter (Sweden - "Oriflame", "Neutrogena"; Germany - "Nivea"). If you can find some specific creme for skiers - that's even better. Same applies to a transparent lipstick.



Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:44:57 AM
Summer Travel


Summer is probably the best time for a first-time traveler to Russia/Ukraine.  It is so much easier to travel and to see things in the summer months. 

- Walking shoes...your new best friend.  Don't buy these, invest in them.  Your feet will thank you.

- Since it rains every few days in summer, take a small umbrella and thin raincoat which can be tucked away into a daypack.

- Don't underdress.  Smart casual is how Mendeleyev travels.  I don't even own shorts or sandals in Russia.  Shorts mark you as a foreigner immediately and most Russians view sandals as the sign of a very poor person who can't afford decent shoes.

- A jacket, dress shirt and tie are good accessories.  RW like to dress up for special dinners or visits to extended family.  If you don't dress up a little too, the unspoken message will be that you don't think it's important enough to dress nicely for her/her relatives/your romantic outing, etc.

- Electricity throughout the FSU is 220 volt. The plug is 2 pin, North European standard.

- Russian has much of the same wildlife as in the West, but the severe cold helps control insects.  Except for mosquitoes. At night mosquitoes can be quite irritating; if you are sensitive to them, take an anti-repellent with a nice smell.

- The more connections you make flying over, the more chances of losing or delaying your luggage.  Take a carryon with at least 1 day change of clothing.

- Take a small pocket sized battery operated fan from a store such as Walmart, etc.  Sometimes you'll be in a place, such as an overnight train, where the air is stifling and the fan can move it around for you.

- Take a small compact flashlight, too.

- Extra batteries for your camera, fan, and flashlight.


OlgaM, one of our RW members has this tip:
- Train \ summer travels: some (maybe alcohol-containing) facial lotion to wipe off the dust and train soot off your face (if you can't use the train toilet because you woke up 5 minutes before arrival and\or if you're afraid the contact of the train water with your skin will lead to spots you weren't having since your teenage years...).



2 Tall Bill has these great tips:
Take care of your Feet !!!

I usually walk 5 + miles per day while in the FSU. If you are good
to your feet then they will be good to you. Basketball shoes are excellent
for playing basketball in. The are made to make quick starts, stops and changes in
direction.

They are horrible for walking long distances  over pot hole filled concrete
and asphalt. They do not let your feet breath properly and they make a negative
fashion statement in the FSU. Don't bring your church shoes that give you a blister
if you attend a long service. Fashion is nice but quality and comfort are more important.

Blisters, foot rot, bloody socks, stinky feet rarely attract the cutest RW. Walk 7 miles a day
for a week in a pair of Nike Airs and you will have many if not all of the above RW repellent 
qualities.

1. Buy a couple of pairs of high quality fashionable dress shoes and or boots that are comfortable and durable.

2. Break your shoes in before bringing them to the FSU or the shoes will break in your feet
it's your choice. Wear them for three days not in a row to your office. Then Polish them
up nicely or have a pro do it.

3. A little bit of baby powder will keep your feet cool and dry in the summer and warm and
dry in the winter. A dry foot is a happy foot!

4. Cut your toe nails. It will cause the shoe to fit properly on your foot and cause less stress
on your toes and feet, it will keep your socks from looking like Oliver Twist's socks and besides mens feet look bad enough, properly cut toe nails is proper hygiene especially in the FSU. For best results go to a nail place and get a proper manicure and pedicure.

5. In the winter a good pair of boots will keep you warm comfortable and not feeling like you
are wearing roller skates on an escalator during snowy days. If you prevent just one slip and
fall on an icy sidewalk you will be infinitely happier.

6. Alternate your shoes. Don't wear the same pair each day. It will give your feet and your shoes
a break. Change your socks frequently, and don't buy the thinest socks. A slightly thicker sock gives your feet some additional cushion and is more absorbent.

7. I bring a small polish kit and touch up my shoes especially on rainy / snowy days. Your shoes
will last longer, repel water better, be more comfortable and look sharper.

8. Tip for shining shoes, take a little extra time, bring a little plastic bag to keep polish off
of your fingers. You don't want to look like you just overhauled your Harley.


2 Tall Bill says:
Foot powder or baby powder makes those ten miles more comfortable.

Small Flashlight, I have never been to the FSU without the power going off at least once.

Chap Stick to keep your lips from getting dry and works for hang nails too

I-pod / CD player

Gum, for when you eat out and can't brush

Digital camera

Electric converters and adapters

Some coffee table picture books of your area

I bring a Swiss army knife in my packed luggage. I have used the little scissors and the screwdriver feature on every single trip at least once.

A full size American fluffy bath towel, the ones in the apartments are always small and thread bare.

Many men recommend some melatonin (how do you spell this?) to help regulate sleep patterns. Nothing works for me but it works for others.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:50:18 AM
ATMs-Banks/Currency Exchange


RUA member Donhollio reminds us:
- Have the contact number for your embassy.

- Let your bank know you will be travelling.


RUA member Leftshoe says:
- I worry about loosing money , credit cards and the problems with replacing these. So I separate in to three places.  I carry cash on me with identification. and a debit card. I leave a credit card and a debit card in the room with additional  identification.

- Before the trip I send my self money through western union and memorize the transaction mumber.


RUA member TwoBitBandit suggests:
- Make sure your dollar/euro bills are clean and crisp.  Bills with missing corners, tears, staple holes, ink of any kind, excessively worn in the middle, etc won't be accepted for exchange.  On my first trip to Russia, I didn't realize this and almost half of my bills could not be exchanged.


This good idea from BCKev:
- Take enough cash to last a day or two until you're oriented to ATM locations.



Excellent links to calculate currency exchange rates: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u

www.xe.com



In Ukraine

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The monetary unit of the present-day Ukraine is hryvnia. Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange desks at hotels, shops or licensed exchange windows. Passport is not required for exchange operations. Exchange rate might differ from the official National Bank of Ukraine rate.  Average 2008 daily exchange: 1 dollar = 4.84 hryvnia.

USD and EURO are the most popular currencies in exchange booths. Other currencies are more difficult to exchange and have lower rates due to minor circulation in Ukraine.

VISA, MasterCard / EuroCard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, casinos, stores, ATM's.




Insurance: Medical, Luggage, Trip delays
- Just google "trip insurance" and you will find companies like these:
http://www.csatravelprotection.com/
https://www.globaltravelshield.com/
www.travelguard.com/

Most of these type companies insure your luggage, insure you from missed flights/delays, and provide emergency evacuation if you need to be transported home for medical reasons.  Some also provide a short-term health insurance benefit to cover doctor or hospital emergencies during the trip.

If you choose to take their health insurance (and if traveling to Russia you definitely should), choose a plan which guarantees payment--in other words they pay the hospital directly so that you are free to leave the country on schedule.  Some plans only reimburse you, sometimes months after you've had to fork over cash during your travel.


Your American health insurance provider WILL NOT COVER YOU WHILE IN RUSSIA or UKRAINE unless your travel is work related and you have insurance benefits thru your employer!

- To obtain a Russian visa you must certify that you will have a health policy in place for your travel.  It's easy to get a temporary travel policy on the Internet from good companies.

- You can purchase a Ukrainian health card for coverage upon arrival in Ukraine.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:50:59 AM
Travel in Moscow; or from Moscow to another city


Moderator Manny suggests this link for a taxi in Moscow:
- Take a look at Uncle Pasha's page here: http://www.moscowdrivers.net/ - there are a few on there.



- Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport: http://www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru/?act=part&pid=549

- Moscow's Domodedovo airport: http://www.domodedovo.ru/en/main/getting/1/aero/


RUA member Chivo offers this link to the elevated train from SVO to other Moscow destinations:
- http://www.aero-express.ru/en/index.php


From member MBS01...
High Speed Trains:
Some regions have high speed trains between the major cities.

These are very modern much like what we have in North America or Western Europe.  Coaches are either open aisle or with compartments for 3 or 6 passengers.  Attendants stroll the aisles with sandwiches and snacks.  TV's are in evey coach and/or compartment showing old movies and videos.

These trains run during the daytime, thus no sleeper compartments as on the older overnight trains many of us have travelled on. Washrooms are modern and equipped for those with disabilities.  Also very clean and spacious by comparison to the older models too. This is a great way to ride between major cities and they are very comfortable and speedy by local rail standards. 

From member OlgaMouse, here are the schedules between Moscow and St Petersburg:
#024 "Youth" 12:30 - 19:22
#160 "Aurora" 16:30 - 22:00
http://press.rzd.ru/wps/portal/press?STRUCTURE_ID=1035
#166 "Nevsky Express" 18:30 - 23:00
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:51:46 AM
Travel in Kiev; or from Kiev/Odessa to another city


Here's an excellent tip from RUA member BCKev:
- For those travelling by train from Kiev there is a direct bus from the airport to the train station. It is comfortable, fast and cheap - 25 griven.



Member Khersonrent suggests...
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)


- Prices are here: http://www.uz.gov.ua/index.php?m=services.transppl.schedulkiev&lng=uk
(Look up the train number on the first site, then find that train number in the drop down menu at top center at the second site to get the prices.)


Public Transportation
Operates from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Bus, trolley bus, and tram system is a cheap way to travel within cities. Prices range from 10 cents to 50 cents a ticket.

Metro is available in Kiev, Kharkov, and Dnipropetrovsk. Price for a metro ticket is 10 cents. Metro is the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable way of transportation. Metro is also a major sightseeing spot for tourists since metro stations have remarkable interiors that reflect modern decorative designs and historical periods of the country.

MARSHRUTKA
Another very convenient and fast way of traveling withing Ukraine is done by "marshrutka," which means a taxi van. Marshrutkas are very popular in every town and city in Ukraine. These taxi vans not only travel within a certain town/city, but they also serve intercity routes. A driver of a marshrutka usually drives 5-20 people at once. Prices vary from 20 cents to $1 a person within a city or $1-$10 a person for intercity routes.


Trains across Ukraine
Train is a very reliable way to travel within Ukraine, especially in the winter time when many domestic flights are cancelled or delayed due to poor weather conditions, while car travel is not good either and bus travel, being quite uncomfortable, will take ages. On top of that many cities just cannot be reached via air. A train will definitely be en-rout and will reach a destination point on time or with minimum delay, no matter what is the weather and time of the year. Therefore, train travel in Ukraine is so popular among travelers. Not to mention it is very inexpensive.

- Purchasing tickets
Train tickets can be purchased at the railroad stations and offices, and in a few travel agencies. It is required to show passports of all individuals who will be travelling on bought tickets. The main ticket office for rail travel in Kiev is located at 38/40 Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd., Kiev, Ukraine. Please, note that knowing some Ukrainian or Russian is a useful skill while getting the tickets at the railroad office since knowing foreign language is not a requirement for working there.

Also, tickets cannot be reserved or put on hold, they can be bought only. The tickets are bookable within 42 days term prior to the departure date. Train tickets are not available earlier. For more comfort and privacy, it is recommended to buy out all of the tickets for a compartment. This is a good idea for women and anyone traveling alone who does not feel safe sharing a compartment with other people, although making friends on the train can be one of the best experiences of your trip, not to mention the change to learn some Russian language.

The ticket tariff varies from $10 to $50 and includes insurance and taxes. Payment for the linen and towels is due upon check-in to a steward directly in amount of UAH 5-10 (which is $1-2). Make sure you have some local currency to pay for the linen. It is not required to buy the linen for empty beds in a compartment you are travelling. Tickets are typed by means of printers on the specially designed forms with water marks. These templates are bilingual - Ukrainian and Russian, inserted data is in Russian.

From member MSB01...
High Speed Trains:
In Ukraine there are daily high speed trains between Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk.  Also between Kiev and Kharkov.  Now there are likely many others perhaps even to the south towards the Crimea.  Lubov also has such a line.

These are very modern much like what we have in North America or Western Europe.  Coaches are either open aisle or with compartments for 3 or 6 passengers.  Attendants stroll the aisles with sandwiches and snacks.  TV's are in evey coach and/or compartment showing old movies and videos about the construction and services on Rail Ukraine, etc.

These trains run during the daytime, thus no sleeper compartments as on the older overnight trains many of us have travelled on. Washrooms are modern and equipped for those with disabilities.  Also very clean and spacious by comparison to the older models too. This is a great way to ride between major cities in Ukraine.  Very comfortable and speedy by local rail standards.  About 6 hours between Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk with 2 trains each direction every day.


Bus Travel in Ukraine(Member Khersonrent)
for travelling by bus
website with bus timetable is http://bus.com.ua, has english version, but very hard in using
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 07:52:38 AM
Traveling on the train

Here are practical suggestions from our members to help you survive, and have an enjoyable trip, on the train:

- Small flashlight for when the lights goes out in your apartment/also helpful on the train.

- Create a "train kit" which includes your own sturdy plastic cup with lid, a small knife, couple of plastic forks/spoons, and some little packets of instant oatmeal, mashed potatoes/instant chicken noodle soup, a handtowel and small travel soap.  This has saved me several times when sick on board or when the meal car is out of food or if I don't trust what they're serving. The one constant on a Russian train is hot water and with that I can fend for myself if needed.

- When your lady is traveling with you add a few packets to the above and this stuff is so light/small that its not a problem if not needed.

- A notebook or journal to write down important contact details, train schedules, notes, etc.

- Take a good Russian basic language workbook.  People in the train will be thrilled to tutor you and nothing beats the experience of learning a language as you travel in that language.  You'll grasp concepts/words/phrases in days that would have taken weeks/months back home.  Most importantly as you 'live' in a language you'll learn how to speak what you learn correctly. (Best because of it's material and the manageable size: "Learn Russian the Fast and Fun Way" which you can find on Amazon and other places easily.)

- Don't forget to take along several compact tissue packets!

- A small personal-sized compact fan is great in the summer.  Sometime the air can be stifling and a small fan is a lifesaver.  About $4-5 at Walmart.

- Buy some bottled water before you get on the train.  You should know that unless you ask for water without gas you'll be given carbonated water....and if your system is "adjusting" to Russian food, the last thing you need is gassed up water.  You want вода без газа.  Just say "Vah-da nee gaza" and they'll get the idea.

- Many Russian train toilets empty onto the tracks.  So to keep from stinking up the entire country the train attendants will lock the toilets before the train approaches a town/city.  In the morning there can be a line waiting for open toilets.  Plan those "potty breaks"   as much as possible so that you don't get caught needing to go at the worst possible times.

- Its fun to try new foods, especially when the train has stopped at a station and the little babushki are selling goodies near the tracks.  Bless their hearts, its how they survive and I can't pass up a grandmother who is trying to hold her life together. Choose wisely--and remember that advice about live cultures/your body adjusting/diarrhea.

- Share with your trainmates and they will make your ride both enjoyable and safe.


Our RW member OlgaM says:
- Wet tissues \ "antiseptic" or something like that \ any cheap kind \ to wipe things you'll touch in the train (cabin table, door handle, lamp switch, etc.) and \ or your tray table in the Russian plane;

- Wet tissues \ "for intimate hygiene" \ to be used in trains, airports, etc. - as the dry kleenex doesn't always help to prevent skin irritation after your body has reacted to a "live" Russian food;

- Hand cleansing gel ("Arnica essentiel" from Yves Rocher highly recommended; the most popular brand in Russia is somehow "Sanitelle", but it dries skin a lot) - to wipe your hands before eating, after eating greazy food (or that grilled chicken you've bought from the babushka at the station) if you ran out of kleenexes, and after typing a mail back home from the internet cafe in Dumpsk;

- Any travel, especially in trains: some "money-hiding"... erm... pockets? you can fix around ankle and hide under socks & trousers.




Here are some good train links from BCKev:
- For those travelling by train from Kiev there is a direct bus from the airport to the train station. It is comfortable, fast and cheap - 25 grivna.
 
- Train schedules in English here:  http://www.poezda.net/en/

-Prices are here: http://www.uz.gov.ua/index.php?m=services.transppl.schedulkiev&lng=uk
(Look up the train number on the first site, then find that train number in the drop down menu at top center at the second site to get the prices.)


Luggage/Food/Safety
- Luggage weighting up to 35 kg (80 lbs) is included in the ticket tariff. If you have more luggage you can buy an additional ticket and have permission for 70 kg (160lbs) of the luggage. For transferring bulky objects, baggage carriages are used.

- Food: The majority of trains have dining or buffet cars, which serve alcohol and soft drinks, water, snacks and some cooked meals. It is a good idea to take some food with you: bottled water, snacks, canned meat or fish, vegetables and fruits, cereal and packed milk, anything that will not spoil if stored in a room temperature and you can live on for the length of your trip. There is no cooler in carriages, so packed food is the best. The same applies if eating at a train restaurant.

- Getting food from train station vendors may not safe, no matter how delicious it looks. Fruits and vegetables are exception. Just wash them properly. Peaches, tomatoes, watermelons, apples, grapes and all grown on Ukrainian soil is just irresistible.

- Security: Traveling by train is as secure as the other transportation options if you follow some simple tips:
1. Keep money, documents and valuables on yourself.
2. Do not leave your cabin for a long time.
3. Keep all your luggage in special boxes under lower berths.
4. Do not leave your luggage with strangers. The luggage can be placed in your cabin or stored in a luggage-car.
5. Lock the cabin door during the night time.
6. Use caution about accepting food and alcohol from unknown passengers (although in many cases this can be one of the best experiences about traveling on a Russian train).


RUA feature on Russian trains: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,3320.msg37571.html#msg37571
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 08:00:15 AM
Translation: Language and Communication issues


- Take a good Russian basic language workbook.  People in the train will be thrilled to tutor you and nothing beats the experience of learning a language as you travel in that language.  You'll grasp concepts/words/phrases in days that would have taken weeks/months back home.  Most importantly as you 'live' in a language you'll learn how to speak what you learn correctly. (Best because of it's material and the manageable size: "Learn Russian the Fast and Fun Way" which you can find on Amazon and other places easily.)

- A notebook/journal to write down important reminders, contacts, travel schedules, etc.


BCKev has a important recommendation:
- English/Russian dictionary - BC reccommends a "mini-Oxford", good dictionary and easy to carry everywhere you go. Poor dictionaries are a big frustration. http://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Russian-Minidictionary-Dictionary-Thompson/dp/0198614578


Member MSB01 suggests this Moscow translator:
- When you want a very professional guide and translator in and around Moscow feel free to contact Ludmila Barzenkova: lucybar@online.ru
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 08:06:01 AM
Gifts


- Make certain to have gifts from your country for each family member.  Being from Arizona, I've taken items from both the US and Mexico (small cigars/little sample bottles of Spanish liquor/postcards) for her family.  If relatives or friends come to her home to meet you, you should have something for every person, including children--packs of gum, Mexican candy, etc will be fine for the kids.

- Near her home make sure to have flowers for her mother, something nice for her, and either chocolates or alcohol for her Dad.





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.

Power cuts are not very common, but the electricity current is not of the quality as in Europe (power surges), so if you have a sensitive device it’s better to get an adaptor for it, especially if you are traveling.

Most trains have electricity sockets where you can charge your mobile telephones or plug in a razor, but it is not recommended to use them for sensitive devices (such as laptops) without an adaptor.

[attachimg=#]


[attachimg=#]




Clothing and Shoes

From member MSB01:
Regarding SHOES!
For inside the house/flat bring a good quality proper sized pair of slippers and a carry bag.  Thus you will be more comfortable when both in your own flat/hotel room or when invited out to visit her flat, friend and/or family.

If like myself you have wide or larger feet you may find any slippers supplied by your lady very tiny or uncomfortable.  Even when we visit RW/Cdn friends here and or on visits to the FSU we generally take along a pair of our own slippers.  After all we know where we have been and can later wash/clean them to our own standards.

Also if visiting friends for a party or large family gathering there may not be enough slippers to go around.  Bringing your own ensures a nice warm feeling and not having to go around in sock feet and the like too.

Hint this shows you really are concerned for your own health and the well being of your hosts home.  So never leave home without your SLIPPERS!!!
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 08:10:17 AM
Finding a doctor/Medications


[attachimg=3]  Emergencies-- For fire, dial 01; police 02; ambulance 03.


- Don't forget an assortment of cold/flu medicines. 

- This is a 'timid' topic, but here goes:  There is a big difference in what is inside the food between east and west.  Because of preservatives and processing in the west your first trip to Russia may hit your body like a freight train when it comes to live cultures inside the food.  The introduction of such live activity in your system will speed up the body's digestion processes, and sometimes to the point that you may have to deal with diarrhea.  Take some tablets or small medications just in case--as the chances are fairly good.

- For treating diarrhea, one can dissolve two or three small crystals of марганцовка (potassium permanganate) in a half liter of water to produce a dark pink, but not violet, solution. One glass is drank in the morning and another at night.

RUA Moderator Manny says:
- Diarrhea tablets from back home, I always carry a pack. I never thought to mention it. (A banana or two does a similar job too.)

- About pharmaceuticals generally: Take anything you envisage you may need with you, expect anything you may need to buy may be fake. You may not need them, but you will be damn glad you have products you recognise if you do.

RUA member Donhollio says: 
- Label all medications in case you are asked to identify them at customs, etc.


From Mirror, one of our valuable RW members:
- After reading few travel reports I suggest to take some medicines for your weak stomach and medicines for high temperature.

- I know that many foreigners don't trust russian medicines so take your own medicines.


Moscow Emergency Care Centers:
- European Medical Center 
Spiridonevsky Per. 5   Moscow 103104, Russia
Tel: + 7 95 933 6655    Fax: + 7 95 933 6650
 


Hospitals/Doctors/Clinics in Russia

- Moscow: American Medical Clinic - open 24 hours
26, build. 6, Prospekt Mira (entrance from Grokholsky Pereulok)
Phone: (495) 933-77-00   
Fax: (495) 933-77-01

[attachimg=1]


- Moscow: European Medical Centre Group
The EMC group is constituted of three distinct medical centers: The European Medical Center (EMC), the European Dental Center (EDC), and the Department of Assisted Fertility. All three centers are located in the heart of the city, close to each other, making it convenient for our patients, and physicians alike, to rotate between centers depending on their needs.  Address: SPpiridonyevsy per. 5, bld. 1 | Phone: +7 (495) 933-6655    http://www.emcmos.ru/about-e.cfm
 
- Moscow: Medicentre
Our physicians keep to early diagnostics of illness symptoms, prophylactic measures. They use the modern types of diagnostics and the most efficient equipment.  Address: 4-th Dobrininsky lane, 4 | Phone: +7 (495) 236-3116 http://www.medin.ru/indexeng.htm 



- St Petersburg: American Medical Clinic
American Medical Center (AMC)
Medical Helpline: +7 (812) 740 20 90  (24 hours)
Address: 78 Moika embankment,
Saint Petersburg, 190000, Russia
E-Mail: info@amclinic.ru     Fax: +7 (812) 310-4664

[attachimg=2]


- The International Clinic
Griffin House   19/21 Dostoevskogo Street   St. Petersburg 121014, Russia
Tel: + 7 812 320 3870    Fax: + 7 812 320 3871


- International SOS Clinic Yuuzhno
Sakhalin, Russia  Tel: + 7 8 4242 727 550    Fax: + 7 8 4242 473 650


- Canadian Medical Centre
Suite 402 Venetzia Hotel  Nizhnevartovsk 626440    Tyumen Region, Russia
Tel: + 7 3466 65 39 86


- Vladivostok Regional Hospital #1
Ul. Aleutskaya, 57 Vladivostok, 690000

- Pskov Oblast Central Hospital
Ul. Maliasova, 2 Pskov, 180640

- Ryazan Oblast Central Hospital
Ul. Internatsionalnaya, 3A Ryazan, 390039

- Samara Hospital “Vodnikov”
48 Stepana Razina str., Samara 443042 Russia Ph: +8 846 221 2320 / 33 Fax: +8 846 221 2312
E-mail: cbbsvrb@samtel.ru




St Petersburg: Emergency Care Centers (24 hours)
    Vasilievsky Island 51; tel: 323-09-84;
    ul. Gzhatskaya 3; tel: 534-47-39;
    ul. Komsomola 14; tel: 542-31-54;
    pr. Prosveshcheniya 53, block 2; tel: 558-27-56;
    ul. Kosinova 17; tel: 186-44-30;
    pr. Shaumyana 51; tel: 444-23-32;
    ul. Otvazhnikh 8; tel: 135-19-80;
    Moskovsky pr 87; tel: 298-45-96;
    pr. Kosmonavtov 35; tel: 299-03-28;
    ul. Novoselov 45; tel: 446-19-78;
    ul. Lva Tolstogo 6/8; tel: 234-57-72;
    ul generala Khruleva 7a; tel: 393-77-82;
    Malaya Konyushennaya ul. 2; tel: 311-43-96;
    ul Pravdy 18; tel: 315-21-58;
    Kavalergardskaya ul. 26; tel: 274-76-55;
    Budapeshtskaya ul. 3; tel: 109-61-30.
    The main first-aid point is at: Liteyny pr. 25; tel: 272-59-55






Hospitals/Doctors/Clinics in Ukraine

- Kiev American Medical Clinic
Address: 1, Berdychivska Street, 04116 Kiev, Ukraine
Phone: +38 (044) 490 7600    Emergency +38 (044) 490 7600         
Fax: +38 (044) 490 7600 


- Kiev Emergency Care Centers
Alfa-Vita
13/19 Nesterovsky Prov.
www.alfavita.com.ua

Tel 490-76-00
Biofarmtech
30 Heroyiv Sevastopolya Vul.
www.biofarm.kiev.ua

Tel 408-23-55
Boris
55a Chervonoarmiyska Vul.
www.boris.kiev.ua

Tel 238-00-00
Center of European Medicine
18a Shovkovychna Vul. #2
www.sokruta.com

Tel 253-82-19
Clinic of Efferent Therapy
32 Popudrenka St.
www.efferent.kiev.ua

Tel 574-10-88 (telephone and fax)
Dobrobut
10 Pymonenka Vul.
www.med.dobrobut.com

Tel 451-50-60
Life Medical
68/28 Saksahaskoho Vul., #36

Tel 212-1148
Medicom
8 Kondratyuka Vul.

Tel 432-88-88
Medinar
100 Saksahanskoho Vul.

Tel 220-57-53
St. Luke Medical Center
16/2 Tychyny Posp.
www.medcenter.com.ua

Tel 554-22-90
Ukrainian Medical Group
8/5 Honchara Vul.
www.gumg.kiev.ua

 

- Kiev Dental associated with American Medical Clinic
Киев, Украина,01033   ул. Жилянская, 30-А,
тel.  +38 044 569 5910, +38 044 569 5909       
map:
[attachimg=4]



- Ukraine Hospitals in cities outside Kiev:
REGIONAL CLINIC HOSPITALS:
Chernihiv Oblast Clinic Hospital
Volkovycha Street, 25
14029, Chernihiv
tel.: (0462) 25-3020

Lvov Oblast Clinic Hospital
Chernihivska Street, 7
79010, Lvov
tel.: (0322) 79-6290

Kirovohrad Oblast Clinic Hospital
Prospect Universitetsky, 2/5
25030, Kirovohrad
tel.: (0522) 55-1305


Chernivtsi Oblast Clinic Hospital
Holovna Street, 137
58001, Chernivtsi
tel.: (0372) 51-4753

Mykolayiv Oblast Clinic Hospital
Kievska Street, 1
54847, Mykolayiv
tel.: (0512) 41-7979

Kiev Oblast Clinic Hospital
Baggovutivska Street, 1
04007, Kiev
tel.: (044) 483-1761


Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Clinic Hospital
Zhovtneva Square, 14
49000, Dnipropetrovsk
tel.: (0562) 46-5481

Odesa Oblast Clinic Hospital
Zabolotnoho Street, 26
65025, Odesa
tel.: (0482) 55-0101


Donetsk Oblast Clinic Hospital
Prospect Illicha, 14
83099, Donetsk
tel.: (0622) 95-4148

Poltava Oblast Clinic Hospital
Shevchenka Street, 23
36011, Poltava
tel.: (0532) 27-2305

Lugansk Oblast Clinic Hospital
Kvartal 50 Rokiv Oborony Luganska, 14
91045, Lugansk
tel.: (0642) 53-2058


Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Clinic Hospital
Fedkovycha Street, 91
76009, Ivano-Frankivsk
tel.: (0342) 52-8049

Rivne Oblast Clinic Hospital
Kiyvska Street, 78-G
33027, Rivne
tel.: (0362) 28-1910

Volyn Oblast Clinic Hospital
Prospect Hrushevskogo, 21
43005, Lutsk
tel.: (0332) 23-0115


Kharkov Oblast Clinic Hospital
Prospect Pravdy, 13
61022, Kharkov
tel.: (057) 705-0187

Sumy Oblast Clinic Hospital
Dzerzhynskogo, 48
40022, Sumy
tel.: (0542) 25-0057

Zakarpattia Oblast Clinic Hospital
Kapushanska Street, 22
88018, Uzhgorod
tel.: (0312) 23-2239


Kherson Oblast Clinic Hospital
Ushakova Street, 67
73022, Kherson
tel.: (0552) 42-3573

Ternopil Oblast Clinic Hospital
Klinichna Street, 1
46002, Ternopil
tel.: (0352) 52-5803

Zaporozhye Oblast Clinic Hospital
Orikhivske Shosse, 10
69103, Zaporozhye
tel.: (0612) 95-2131


Khmelnitsky Oblast Clinic Hospital
Pilotska Street, 1
29010, Khmelnitsky
tel.: (0382) 26-0055

Vinnitsya Oblast Clinic Hospital
Pyrohova Street, 44
21100, Vinnitsya
tel.: (0432) 32-2711

Zhytomyr Oblast Clinic Hospital
Chervonogo Kresta Street, 3
10002, Zhytomir
tel.: (0412) 37-0459





Medical Insurance requirements

- Ukraine Insurance requirements
Ukraine requires all visitors to Ukraine to obtain mandatory health insurance from the state joint-stock insurance company Ukrinmedstrach at their point of entry into Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised the embassy that holders of official or diplomatic passports are exempt from this requirement.

The cost of medical insurance, according to information from Ukrainian authorities, does not depend on the term of validity, or type of, visa but on the length of a foreigner’s stay in Ukraine. The cost for the insurance is: from 1 to 5 days – approx. $2, for 30 days – $12, from 181 to 210 days - 334 $60, from 331 to 365 days - $95.



Helpful Medical Lingo
It may be necessary to сходить к врачу (to go to see the doctor). In a кабинет врача (doctor's office) the пациент (patient) is usually first posed with the question "На что жалуетесь?" ("What is bothering you?") The patient can say "Я плохо себя чувствую," ("I am not feeling well"), and then elaborate – "У меня болит голова/живот/зуб/горло" ("I have a headache/stomachache/toothache/sore throat,") or "У меня сильная простуда" ("I have a bad cold") or say, "У меня расстройство желудка и диарея" ("I have an upset stomach and diarrhea").

The doctor will осмотрит больного (examine the sick person) and will usually выпишет лекарства/терапию (prescribe some medicine/treatment).  От головной боли (for headaches), the doctor can prescribe анальгетики (painkillers). Сбить температуру (to bring down a fever), аспирин (aspirin) is often prescribed. Russian doctors often treat things with витамины (vitamins) too.

Medicine often has to be taken до еды (before meals) or после еды (after meals). Most medicine is regimented as well, for example, по одной таблетке три раза в день (one tablet three times a day).

If a person has грипп (the flu), he/she can be recommended to try продаваемые без рецепта (over-the-counter medications) such as парацетамол (Paracetamol) and other противопростудные препараты (anti cold medications), such as колдрекс (Coldrex).
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 08:13:25 AM
Travel: Proper documents/Visa Registration/Passport-Embassy/Customs info


- Registering your Russian Visa: http://www.waytorussia.net/RussianVisa/Registration.html


RUA Travel Moderator Chris reminds us:
- Scan all your travel docs, passport etc and email them to yourself, put them in a folder in your email account then if you need copies you can just download them at an internet cafe and print them off.



RUA member Donhollio offers several great suggestions:
- Get a price on the taxi before entering.

- Write down the place you are staying at. Phone numbers of the hotel/landlord and the address in both English and Russian. Again you can just hand the Russian info to the taxi driver,and he will hopefully know where to go.
I have been "dropped off " in the wrong spot before,blocks from where I wanted to go. But hey ,again it's all about adventure.

- You shouldn't hop into gypsy cabs at night. I always have and as long as he is alone,you are alright.

- Carry your passport on you at all times

- Buy a cell phone and package ($75USD)that will work in the country/s you will be visiting.



Visa to Ukraine
Citizens of the United States, European Union, Swiss Confederation, Liechtenstein, Canada, and Japan DO NOT need visas for entering Ukraine anymore. The rule is valid for short term visits, up to 90 days.




Embassy Info-Russia
Embassies-- All embassies are located in Moscow, the capital, with consulates for several countries in St. Petersburg as well.

United States: 19/23 Novinsky Bulvar; tel. 095/256-4261

Britain: 10 Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya; tel. 095/956-7301

Canada: 23 Starokonyushenniy Pereulok; tel. 095/956-6666

Australia: 13 Kropotkinskiy Pereulok; tel. 095/956-6070

Ireland: 5 Grokholsky Pereulok; tel. 095/288-4101


Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 18, 2008, 08:19:40 AM
Using the telephone in Russia/Ukraine


To call from your country to Russia:
- Dial 011, the international access code.
- Dial 7, the Russian country code.
- Dial the city code and the remaining digits.
(011 + 7 + City Code+ Tel #)


To call from city to city within Russia:
- First dial 8, then wait for a tone.
- Then dial the city code and the number.


To call within the same Russian city:
- Just dial the 7-digit number. Local calls are free.

For directory assistance: Dial 07 if you're looking for a number inside Russia, but only if you speak Russian.


Russia City and country codes
+7 401  Kaliningrad
+7 471  Kursk
+7 472  Belgorod
+7 473  Voronezh
+7 474  Lipetsk
+7 475  Tambov
+7 481  Smolensk
+7 482  Tver
+7 483  Bryansk
+7 484  Kaluga
+7 485  Yaroslavl
+7 486  Orel (Oryol, Orlovsk)
+7 487  Tula (Tulsk)
+7 491  Ryazan
+7 492  Vladimir
+7 493  Ivanovo
+7 494  Kostroma
+7 495  Moscow  
+7 496  Moscow region

More Russian city codes here: http://www.howtocallabroad.com/russia/

If you need operator assistance in making an international call, dial 8, then wait for a tone, then dial 194. If you need help calling a number in Russia, dial 08, but few operators speak English.

Toll-free numbers: You cannot phone a 1-800 number in the States from Russia or Ukraine, so be sure to have standard toll numbers for all your credit card companies and travel agencies before you leave.


 
To call from your country to Ukraine:
- Dial 011, the international access code.
- Dial 380, the Ukrainian country code.
- Dial the city code and the remaining digits.
(011 + 380 + City Code+ Tel #)


Member Khersonrent says...
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.


Ukraine country and city codes
Dnipropetrovsk  56
Donetsk             62
Kharkov               57
Kiev                    44
Lvov                   32
Odessa              48
Sevastopol         69
Simferopol          65
Yalta                   65
  
380 is the country code.  Dial it only when outside of Ukraine.

Public telephones operate only for calls within the city. They work with the aid of a phone card, which is available for purchase at every post office and most newspaper kiosks.  

Long distance phone services are operated by Utel (Ukrainian Telecommunications).

To make an international call from Ukraine:
- First dial 8.
- On hearing a second dial tone, proceed with 10, then the country code, area code and phone number.

For inter-city calls inside Ukraine, simply dial 8, wait for a second dial tone, then proceed with the city code and number.  


2 Tall Bill says:
If your RW wants to send a sms / text message to your phone for free she can do this from her computer

The major US cellular carriers use the 10_digit_number@cell.carrier_domain.com format for SMS to text capable cell phones, with a limit of 160 characters in the subject and message body (total).

use your 10 digit phone number : 555 555 5555

Carrier    Send Email to phonenumber@....
Alltel    @message.alltel.com
AT&T    @mms.att.net
Nextel    @messaging.nextel.com
Sprint    @messaging.sprintpcs.com
SunCom    @tms.suncom.com
T-mobile    @tmomail.net
VoiceStream    @voicestream.net
Verizon    @vtext.com (text only)
@vzwpix.com (pictures and videos)



General suggestions and Helpful links


RUA member Corp has a good idea:
- Always put a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.


BCKev has some good ideas, including:
- Pen in your carry on luggage - to fill out customs/immigration forms - saves time in line ups.

-Names, address and phone numbers of the people you are visiting and where you will be staying.



Check out these links before you travel.

- Good online magazine about travel to FSU: http://www.passportmagazine.ru/433/

- Things and places to do/see while in Moscow: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php/topic,3320.msg38917.html#msg38917
The Moscow info lasts for 2 pages and include info on how to ride the bus and the Metro trains, page 1 at the beginning of the thread has info on riding the large railway trains.

- RUA guide to Russia travel: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=244.0


From 2 Tall Bill:
While in the FSU Look out for..........

1. Watch out for cars, even on the side walk.
2. Don't step on man hole covers sometimes they will drop
3. Look where you are walking there are often sudden pot holes etc
4. Carry a flashlight because hazards might be invisible if you don't
5. In the winter don't go outside without Hat, gloves and scarf.
6. When in Rome..........When in the FSU (same rule applies)..........
7. When arriving as a guest bring don't come empty handed bring
something with you  (a cake is a good general purpose thing to bring)
8. Keep your wallet in your front pocket.



Emergency phones in Moscow
Emergency calls:
Fire brigade : 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03
Rescue Service: 937-9911

Household Gas Maintenance Service: 04
Road Services: 310-2101, 474-0022
Information about patients in the hospitals: 956-3356, 234-1831
Information about incidents: 284-3139
Information about lost children: 401-9982
Information about lost documents: 200-9957
Information about belongings lost in the metro: 222-2085, in ground transport: 923-8753


Moscow Special services:
Long distance calls: 07
International calls: 8-190
International calls order: 8-194
Telephones in other cities (paid service): 007
International Post Office: 114-4801
Exact Time information: 100
Taxi Order: 927-0000
International SOS Assistance: 937-6477
American Medical Centre: 933-7700
European Medical Centre: 956-7999


Moscow General Info:
Moscow Info (Mo-Fr 9AM-6PM): 009 "1000 Services" Centre: 392-7500; 392-7511


Moscow Airport Info:
Sheremetevo II Airport: 578-7816
International Airlines: 156-8019
Domestic Airlines: 156-0922
Domodedovo Airport: 155-0922
Vnukovo Airport: 436-8411
Train Info (8AM-8PM): 266-9333
Visa Registration:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 244-1606; 2442459
OVIR: 200-8427



Emergency phones in St. Petersburg
Fire brigade : 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03

Household Gas Maintenance Service: 04
Long distance Telephone Directory Service: 07
Automatic Time Announcer: 08
Municipal Telephone Directory Service: 09
Mobile Car Breakdown Assistant: 001
Ads and Information: 008
Information Service "REKLAMA-DUBL": 050
City Payphone Directory: 059
Address Directory for St. Petersburg and the Region: 061
Directions within city: 063
Financial Counseling: 064
Legal Counseling: 065
Order-Now-Pay-Later Cabel: 066
Confidential AIDS screening 259-94-05
Veterinary assistance 527-83-96
Nighttime pharmacy (9 p.m. to 8 a.m.) 311-20-77
Traffic accidents 234-79-90
Information on individuals picked up by ambulance 278-00-55
International automatic telephone exchange directory 274-93-83
Lost and found service 278-36-90


Emergency numbers in Ukraine
For fire, dial 101; police 102; ambulance 103, gas service - 104.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Eduard on October 18, 2008, 03:25:56 PM



RUA member TwoBitBandit suggests:
- Make sure your dollar/euro bills are clean and crisp.  Bills with missing corners, tears, staple holes, ink of any kind, excessively worn in the middle, etc won't be accepted for exchange.  On my first trip to Russia, I didn't realize this and almost half of my bills could not be exchanged.



actually in my experience you do have this problem only with those currency exchange places. A bank will usually exchange them since they have  a better system to check the money. They probably will give you a rate that isn't as good or charge an additional fee for "bad bills".
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Manny on October 18, 2008, 03:40:34 PM
My experience in Russia is that they will usually change them at a lesser rate, only rejecting the very damaged ones altogether. But who wants a lesser rate?

In Poland I found they don't care - money is money. But they see a lot of English cash there. In the Baltic states, they are not as keen as Russia but will reject the odd bad one.

Many banks I have seen have "Euro checking" machines that they feed the larger 500 Euro notes through that checks they are genuine. As each 500 Euro note is worth $670 or £390, you can see why they check those more carefully.

Brits should be aware at the moment (2008) that the older type of £20 note may be rejected - only take the newer type. Likewise for UKers, Scottish and Northern Irish notes - although Sterling - will cause much querying, examination and staff looking in books, etc.; stick to mainland notes unless you want to be there two hours.

Also, there are no silly "money laundering" rules in most of the FSU like in Europe and probably the US. If you roll up with $50k in a carrier bag, nobody will bat an eyelid - you may be shown to a private room in a bank if toting a lot of money.

In summary - nice, crisp, new notes will make for fewer problems anywhere in the FSU. Old, dog-eared, torn, tatty notes or ones with bank stamps or writing on will only cause you problems.

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on October 20, 2008, 07:23:44 AM

- Little tissue (kleenex, etc) packets are a godsend: to use for colds, napkins, toilet tissue, etc.  Take a packet for each day in Russia.


- Wet tissues \ "antiseptic" or something like that \ any cheap kind \ to wipe things you'll touch in the train (cabin table, door handle, lamp switch, etc.) and \ or your tray table in the Russian plane;

- Wet tissues \ "for intimate hygiene" \ to be used in trains, airports, etc. - as the dry kleenex doesn't always help to prevent skin irritation after your body has reacted to a "live" Russian food;

- Hand cleansing gel ("Arnica essentiel" from Yves Rocher highly recommended; the most popular brand in Russia is somehow "Sanitelle", but it dries skin a lot) - to wipe your hands before eating, after eating greazy food (or that grilled chicken you've bought from the babushka at the station) if you ran out of kleenexes, and after typing a mail back home from the internet cafe in Dumpsk;

- Any travel, especially in trains: some "money-hiding"... erm... pockets? you can fix around ankle and hide under socks & trousers.

- Train \ summer travels: some (maybe alcohol-containing) facial lotion to wipe off the dust and train soot off your face (if you can't use the train toilet because you woke up 5 minutes before arrival and\or if you're afraid the contact of the train water with your skin will lead to spots you weren't having since your teenage years...);

- Winter travel: very oily facial creeme \ milk, to protect your face skin from the freezing air, wind, snow, etc. NOTE: it has to be made in a country which actually has a winter (Sweden - "Oriflame", "Neutrogena"; Germany - "Nivea"). If you can find some specific creme for skiers - that's even better. Same applies to a transparent lipstick.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mirror on October 20, 2008, 07:49:46 AM
After reading few travel reports I suggest to take some medicines for your weak stomach and  medicines against a high temperature (maybe  Talenole how you call it there ).
I know that many foreigners don't trust russian medicines so take your own medicines  with yourself.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 21, 2008, 07:42:36 PM
Olga and Mirror, these are excellent!  Thank you and we'll also add them into the catagories.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Eduard on October 22, 2008, 07:22:31 AM
you also might want to know that antibiotics in Russia are sold over the counter and you don't need to go see a doctor to get a prescription. This could save you a lot of time and money. Just go to a pharmacy and tell a pharmacist what's bothering you, they will suggest the medication and sell it to you right there. The only cold medication that really works well for me and I haven't seen sold in Russia/Ukraine is Comtrex. I always have it with me when going there in the winter. Everything else (and more) you can get there at any pharmacy.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mirror on October 22, 2008, 08:11:49 AM
I haven't seen sold in Russia/Ukraine is Comtrex. I always have it with me when going there in the winter. Everything else (and more) you can get there at any pharmacy.

We have Coldrex here...it is same medicine.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on October 22, 2008, 09:10:40 AM
It works well but we should warn travelers that it's pretty potent stuff. The combination of alcohol and an aspirin formulatin in колдрекс (Coldrex) can put a person to sleep for 6-8 hours and leave one drowsy for another 12+ hours after waking.

[attachimg=#]

The logo above is a good illustration why the RUA language threads teach the importance of learning the cursive as well as printed Cyrillic.  That brand label reads as follows: K O L D R E K C (coldrex) N A I T (night).
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on November 07, 2008, 10:02:34 PM
The Travel team has added a lot of new info, from address/phone to regional hospitals and clinics to instructions on how to use a telephone when in Russia or Ukraine.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: MBS01 on November 09, 2008, 08:53:55 AM
High Speed Trains:
In Ukraine there are daily high speed trains between Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk.  Also between Kiev and Kharkov.  Now there are likely many others perhaps even to the south towards the Crimea.  Lubov also has such a line my wife just informed me.  (Lora was a member of the Media invited on the first trip between Dnepropetrovsk and Kiev, back when these trains first began running a few years ago.)

These are very modern much like what we have in North America or Western Europe.  Coaches are either open aisle or with compartments for 3 or 6 passengers.  Attendants stroll the aisles with sandwiches and snacks.  TV's are in evey coach and/or compartment showing old movies and videos about the construction and services on Rail Ukraine, etc.

These trains run during the daytime, thus no sleeper compartments as on the older overnight trains many of us have travelled on.

Washrooms are modern and equipped for those with disabilities.  Also very clean and spacious by comparison to the older models too.

This is a great way to ride between major cities in Ukraine.  Very comfortable and speedy by local rail standards.  About 6 hours between Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk with 2 trains each direction every day.

I think there are some similar services in Russia.  Likely between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but I have not been on those so will leave that for others to report on.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on November 09, 2008, 10:49:53 AM

I think there are some similar services in Russia. 

Likely between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but I have not been on those so will leave that for others to report on.


#024 "Youth" 12:30 - 19:22

#160 "Aurora" 16:30 - 22:00

http://press.rzd.ru/wps/portal/press?STRUCTURE_ID=1035

#166 "Nevsky Express" 18:30 - 23:00
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Jared2151 on November 10, 2008, 07:24:12 AM
Ms Mouse,  you make me long for the days of elegant train travel.

For the rest of you, check out some of the other trains listed on the column on the left side of the page.  :)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dispozo on December 28, 2008, 07:41:03 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.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Eduard 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 :)
Title: International Travel Checklist
Post by: AnitchkaZeonchka 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
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: Voyager 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!
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: Vinnvinny 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
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: ECR844 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
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: Vinnvinny 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 ….
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: Voyager 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:
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: ECR844 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:
Title: Re: International Travel Checklist
Post by: Vinnvinny 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
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev 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.

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: LoyalMan 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:
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Chris 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 
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Stubben 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?
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev 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.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Stubben 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.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: khersonrent 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

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on December 05, 2009, 09:48:09 AM
Thank you, we've added those in the list!
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley 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!
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: traveler 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.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev 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
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley 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
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: sloopiek 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
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Herrie 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 :)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley 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
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Herrie 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 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-Worldwide-Travel-Adapter-USB/dp/B000G1T1HQ) 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 :)

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 16, 2010, 03:05:23 AM


Question: I am making my first trip to Russia next week; Los Angeles to Novosibirsk via Moscow (Sheremetyevo). 


Our daily highs in Donetsk are now in the low 50s, but I'd imagine Novy Birsk is probably ten degrees cooler at least.


Thank you David!  :ROFL: You made my day  :innocent:


In Moscow, if I'm not mistaken, will change terminals if not airports - and lugging a large suitcase in such event is not pleasant.


The terminals verbally, BUT they are so far apart that the OP would need to locate the Aeroflot shuttle bus... as the construction of  terminal E which will connect F and D isn't finished yet  :biggrin:

SU flight from LAX arrives to SVO-F (ex SVO-2) at 18:35;

SU flight to Novosibirsk leaves from the new terminal SVO-D (originally planned as SVO-3) at 22:35.

4 hours connection shall suffice, IMO - even considering that the passport control & waiting for the luggage while arriving with LAX flight can easily take 1 hour 40 - or even 2 hours...  :-\
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley on April 16, 2010, 03:36:10 AM

The terminals verbally, BUT they are so far apart that the OP would need to locate the Aeroflot shuttle bus... as the construction of  terminal E which will connect F and D isn't finished yet  :biggrin:

SU flight from LAX arrives to SVO-F (ex SVO-2) at 18:35;

SU flight to Novosibirsk leaves from the new terminal SVO-D (originally planned as SVO-3) at 22:35.

4 hours connection shall suffice, IMO - even considering that the passport control & waiting for the luggage while arriving with LAX flight can easily take 1 hour 40 - or even 2 hours...  :-\

If the gentleman follows my advice (and Herrie's!) and travels with a carry-on and a laptop bag, he cuts out the "waiting for luggage" part and proceeds directly to passport control--ahead of the bulk of others from his flight. Thus, he is out of the first part much more quickly than most and on his way to the other terminal.

I am soon going to the U.S. for a visit of three to four weeks--with a carry on and laptop bag as luggage. In the U.S., I'll be replacing my old carry-on wheeled bag (a TravelPro, as it happens) with a soft-sided carry-on without wheels. that can carry more and be easier to stow in overhead bins. Combined with a decent shoulder strap, those are easy to carry--while the pavement outside terminals is often very bad, so the wheels are of limited value anyway.

In the U.S., I'll be buying a new laptop as they are much cheaper there. I intend to get a 13" machine, which will be far more portable than my present 15.6" one. Those I have my eye on are also lighter--under 4 pounds (3.7 kg or so). If I already had one that small and light, I'd be able to travel quite nicely just with the carry-on. In that event, for future trips I'll probably carry a small compressible bag for things l might pick up during the trip. I am looking both at convertible bags that have shoulder straps and can be used as a backpack as well as carry-ons that are only shoulder bags. I also use a cane these days for walking after a small amputation of a couple of toes. I can walk without it, but using it takes some of the strain off the foot.

The point is that there is no comparison between traveling light and traveling with large and heavy bags that must be checked. It's cheaper, faster, and much more convenient to travel with as little encumbrance as possible.

I plan to purchase quite a few things in the U.S. for our house here, so I'll probably check a sizable box on my return trip as that is still cheaper than sending the box separately.

David
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Herrie on April 16, 2010, 03:39:32 AM
I prefer a hand luggage with 4 wheels by the way. It's a lot easier to handle compared to the ones on 2 wheels :) I got a nice Samsonite which is expandable to gain an additional 5 or so CM by using the intended zipper :)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: sloopiek on April 16, 2010, 08:42:05 AM
This is all very helpful advice; I will do a "practice run" packing the suitcase(s) this weekend.  Unfortunately, most of what I am planning to take is gifts for in-laws, RWGF, etc.  The clothing I am planning on taking would probably fit in a backpack.
Now, if only the airspace between LA-Moscow-Novosibirsk can stay clear of volcanic ash...
Thanks again for the great advice!
Rich
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 16, 2010, 09:27:08 AM

If the gentleman follows my advice (and Herrie's!) and travels with a carry-on and a laptop bag, he cuts out the "waiting for luggage" part and proceeds directly to passport control -- ahead of the bulk of others from his flight.


At SVO-F (and other Russian international airports that I know...  :-\ ) the passport control is BEFORE luggage claim area.

So, if the gentleman follows your advice (and Herrie's!), he might cut the "waiting for luggage" only - but he still has to be in the waiting line for passport control.

This one will most likely be VERY long, due to B) most Aeroflot flights returning from Europe to SVO-F between 16:00 and 20:00; and B) the aircraft serving the SVO - LAX - SVO route being particularly big ones.


Thus, he is out of the first part much more quickly than most and on his way to the other terminal.


He still has to locate Aeroflot transfer desk on the ground (arrival) level.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley on April 16, 2010, 09:52:01 AM


At SVO-F (and other Russian international airports that I know...  :-\ ) the passport control is BEFORE luggage claim area.

So, if the gentleman follows your advice (and Herrie's!), he might cut the "waiting for luggage" only - but he still has to be in the waiting line for passport control.


He still has to locate Aeroflot transfer desk on the ground (arrival) level.

Very interesting. At both airports in Ukraine I am familiar with -- Borispyl and Donetsk-- passport control and the luggage/customs lines were after baggage claim...as it is in several other Western airports I am familar with.

David
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 16, 2010, 10:15:51 AM

Very interesting. At both airports in Ukraine I am familiar with - Borispyl and Donetsk - passport control and the luggage/customs lines were after baggage claim... as it is in several other Western airports I am familar with.


I'm talking about ARRIVAL.

Departure algorithm at SVO-F is the following:

- customs;

- checked-in luggage screening;

- check-in for the flight (getting rid of the luggage...);

- passport control;

- hand luggage screening & striptease... I meant, cavity search  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: 2tallbill on April 16, 2010, 11:44:47 AM
There is a Free shuttle between SVO1 & 2

There will be a dozen lying cab drivers telling you it's not working /
on holiday / discontinued / on strike / alien abduction etc and that you
should give them $70 + dollars for them to take you to the other airport.
I would highly recommend getting instructions how to find this shuttle
before you wade into the pack of bandit cab drivers.

I found a kind babushka to lead me to it last time.

Udachi

Bill
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 16, 2010, 12:12:51 PM

There is a Free shuttle between SVO1 & 2


Beeel, do please make one of your special efforts and read carefully:

- sloopiek is flying from LAX to OVB via SVO;

- means he's arriving at SVO-F (ex SVO-2);

- and leaving from SVO-D (ex SVO-3).

He does NOT need to go to SVO-B (ex SVO-1).
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: WestCoast on April 16, 2010, 01:22:19 PM
A map of Moscow - (SVO) Sheremetyevo International Airport 

(http://www.worldtravelguide.net/a/main/8f350f44-1a25-476a-9457-1c431cc20c8b/901F7DD2-E3E6-11DE-A343-8BFFB6EF448B/970287C8-01B6-11DF-BAE8-A4FD2D280ADE.gif)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: 2tallbill on April 16, 2010, 02:11:55 PM

Beeel, do please make one of your special efforts and read carefully:

- sloopiek is flying from LAX to OVB via SVO;

- means he's arriving at SVO-F (ex SVO-2);

- and leaving from SVO-D (ex SVO-3).

He does NOT need to go to SVO-B (ex SVO-1).

OM, I could read his post 500 times and NOT know what you just posted.
You have special knowledge not readily apparent in his post and not generally
known by people who are not Russian travel experts. 

I didn't even know there was a SVO 3 or where it is in relationship to the
other SVO's.  I remember my difficulties at the time and was hoping someone
could tell him how to avoid them. Does he need to know how to get from one
to the other?

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 16, 2010, 02:32:54 PM

OM, I could read his post 500 times and NOT know what you just posted.


Well... You're special...  :biggrin:


You have special knowledge not readily apparent in his post and not generally known by people who are not Russian travel experts. 


Hey Moby! Hear that? :THUB:

You're a Russian travel expert - as you've posted the schedule of flights transfer from SVO-B to SVO-D on November 24, 2009  :chuckle:

http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=9503.0


I didn't even know there was a SVO 3 or where it is in relationship to the other SVO's. 


Well... I guess travel is not your speciality?


I remember my difficulties at the time and was hoping someone could tell him how to avoid them.

Does he need to know how to get from one to the other?


Yes, he does need to know how to get from SVO-F to SVO-D.

Presuming (as the OP hasn't declared it explicitely) that he's flying with SU, the procedure will be descibed in the end of inflight magazine that he'll find in the seat pocket in front of him.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: 2tallbill on April 16, 2010, 03:23:17 PM

Well... You're special...  :biggrin:


Yasno, spasibo  ;D
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: RG on April 16, 2010, 03:40:22 PM
At SVO-F (and other Russian international airports that I know...  :-\ ) the passport control is BEFORE luggage claim area.

So, if the gentleman follows your advice (and Herrie's!), he might cut the "waiting for luggage" only - but he still has to be in the waiting line for passport control.

This is also the case in Belarus (MSQ)
Arriving:
leave plane, either via shuttle or gate.
get medical insurance
go through passport control
get bags from baggage claim
go through "customs" - so far, this has been basically zero, assuming you have nothing to claim.

Leaving:
Go into registration area, show passport
put bags through x-ray
assuming nothing to claim, go through green line
check in with airlines, check any bags
go through passport control
re-scan bags
go to gate
board plane
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Herrie on April 16, 2010, 04:03:41 PM
At SVO-F (and other Russian international airports that I know...  :-\ ) the passport control is BEFORE luggage claim area.

So, if the gentleman follows your advice (and Herrie's!), he might cut the "waiting for luggage" only - but he still has to be in the waiting line for passport control.

This is also the case in Belarus (MSQ)
Arriving:
leave plane, either via shuttle or gate.
get medical insurance
go through passport control
get bags from baggage claim
go through "customs" - so far, this has been basically zero, assuming you have nothing to claim.

Leaving:
Go into registration area, show passport
put bags through x-ray
assuming nothing to claim, go through green line
check in with airlines, check any bags
go through passport control
re-scan bags
go to gate
board plane

Be sure to get the mandatory health insurance from Белгосстрах/Belgosstrakh (http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5287/belgosstrah.gif)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: RG on April 16, 2010, 06:28:06 PM
This is also the case in Belarus (MSQ)
Arriving:
leave plane, either via shuttle or gate.
get medical insurance
go through passport control
get bags from baggage claim
go through "customs" - so far, this has been basically zero, assuming you have nothing to claim.
Be sure to get the mandatory health insurance from Белгосстрах/Belgosstrakh (http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5287/belgosstrah.gif)

I think I saw you mention this before, Herrie - I did include the medical/health insurance in my list, but are you saying there is a way to buy the wrong health insurance somehow on entering?  I think there has only been a single table set up right outside of Passport Control, but  ???
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: BCKev on April 17, 2010, 12:40:09 AM
At SVO-F (and other Russian international airports that I know...  :-\ ) the passport control is BEFORE luggage claim area.

So, if the gentleman follows your advice (and Herrie's!), he might cut the "waiting for luggage" only - but he still has to be in the waiting line for passport control.

He still has to locate Aeroflot transfer desk on the ground (arrival) level.

Very interesting. At both airports in Ukraine I am familiar with -- Borispyl and Donetsk-- passport control and the luggage/customs lines were after baggage claim...as it is in several other Western airports I am familar with.

David

I think your memory is a little faulty, must be time for you to take a trip and refresh it.  :)  You must pass through passport control at Borispol before picking up your luggage. It is the same routine at the majority of international airports that I have passed through. I always seem to end up having to take a bus from the plane to the terminal when I arrive at Borispol. Last one on the bus at the plane means you can be the first off at the terminal and at the front of the line for passport control.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Chris on April 17, 2010, 02:01:19 AM


Very interesting. At both airports in Ukraine I am familiar with -- Borispyl and Donetsk-- passport control and the luggage/customs lines were after baggage claim...as it is in several other Western airports I am familar with.

David

 It is the same routine at the majority of international airports that I have passed through. I always seem to end up having to take a bus from the plane to the terminal when I arrive at Borispol. Last one on the bus at the plane means you can be the first off at the terminal and at the front of the line for passport control.


Same here Kev, I hate that airport, usually they loose my baggage and they always seem to take an age to get you through passport control, they have one pace, very slow! I would much rather use some of the smaller rural airports they usually  get you through very quickly and don't tend to loose your baggage as much  :chuckle:

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 17, 2010, 07:23:40 AM

Same here Kev, I hate that airport, usually they loose my baggage and they always seem to take an age to get you through passport control, they have one pace, very slow!

I would much rather use some of the smaller rural airports they usually  get you through very quickly and don't tend to loose your baggage as much  :chuckle:


To my understanding, it was not the Borispol airport ground handling services who were losing your luggage - but the airlines: either KLM in Amsterdam, or Air France in Paris?  ???
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Chris on April 17, 2010, 10:13:21 AM

Same here Kev, I hate that airport, usually they loose my baggage and they always seem to take an age to get you through passport control, they have one pace, very slow!

I would much rather use some of the smaller rural airports they usually  get you through very quickly and don't tend to loose your baggage as much  :chuckle:


To my understanding, it was not the Borispol airport ground handling services who were losing your luggage - but the airlines: either KLM in Amsterdam, or Air France in Paris?  ???

Yes correct, both of them many times  :( it wasn't the ground handling crew at Boryspol, but never the less the airport does keep you waiting around for about 2 hours filling in forms every time the other lot loses your luggage and the airport is still one of the worst Capital City airports I have had the misfortune to pass through lots of times  :fighting0025:

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Voyager on April 17, 2010, 05:48:37 PM
Yes correct, both of them many times  :( it wasn't the ground handling crew at Boryspol, but never the less the airport does keep you waiting around for about 2 hours filling in forms every time the other lot loses your luggage and the airport is still one of the worst Capital City airports I have had the misfortune to pass through lots of times  :fighting0025:

Yes, I was fuming at AeroSvit for losing my bags at Boryspil, until I got it back....

 It had a sticker on it  "Inspected by Homeland Security"  >:(

(It was pulled aside in NY for inspection, missed the flight.)  :D
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: froid on April 18, 2010, 07:56:59 AM
Quote
Yes, I was fuming at AeroSvit for losing my bags at Boryspil, until I got it back....

 It had a sticker on it  "Inspected by Homeland Security"  Angry

(It was pulled aside in NY for inspection, missed the flight.)  Cheesy

I went to play hockey once in Miami for a Finnish team that needed a goalie.  One the way back my goalie stick got one of those stickers.  I left it on...it made me laugh.  :)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: sloopiek on April 23, 2010, 04:35:07 PM
Thanks to everybody who weighed in on my upcoming transfer from terminal F to terminal D.  My trip is only 3 days off and despite my relative newness to international travel, I am very excited about making the trip.  But I am sure if there is a problem it will happen somewhere in the small distance between terminal F and terminal D.
I have been keeping an eye on flight tracker for the past week or so and it seems the LA to Moscow flight is routinely departing L.A. over an hour late (or more), and arriving even further behind schedule.  The flight path was adjusted immediately following the volcano eruption and that seemed to lengthen the route, and as of yesterday this flight is still   If the second leg leaves as scheduled then I may be toast. 
My understanding of the airport routine is as follows:
Deplane, passport control, pick up checked baggage, customs, find Aeroflot transit desk for check in,boarding pass, and shuttle info for flight to Novosibirsk, find shuttle to terminal D, through security, find gate...hope that flight is delayed long enough so I make it.  Departure time for this flight is something like 10:30 p.m.; the next flight to Novosibirsk is scheduled at 2:15 a.m.
Again, thanks to everybody for posting tips and suggestions.  I will post my travel experience upon my return home.
Rich K.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on April 23, 2010, 04:59:19 PM
Rich, have a great trip.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: JohnnyBGoode on April 23, 2010, 08:42:37 PM
Rich,

I flew the same route: LA>Moscow and Moscow>Novosibirsk a few months ago and my flight from LA was delayed 4 hours. Needless to say, I was unable to make my connection at 10:30. No worries though. I went to the Aeroflot kiosk and they ordered me a shuttle to the new terminal and put me on the 2:30 flight with no issues. I wouldn't sweat it too much...just make sure you are in communication with the person who will be picking you up in Novosib.

Have a great trip!

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: sloopiek on April 24, 2010, 10:18:30 AM
Johnny, the Aeroflot kiosk, it is in the Arrivals hall? 
My GF has sent me my itinerary for my time in Novosibirsk.  She is almost as excited as I am, and it seems she has every minute of my 10 days planned for me already.  I just want to be with her and to meet her mother, but I will be at the ballet, at the reiki center, attending a Russian version of an American musical, and visiting her workplace with her so I can meet her  "chief" (reminds me of "Get Smart"; sorry about that, Chief).
Packet and ready to roll.
And thanks again to all of you. tiphat
Rich
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: JohnnyBGoode on April 24, 2010, 11:42:35 AM
Yes, it is at the opposite end of the arrivals hall along with all the other kiosks - you can't miss it. If your flight is late there will likely already be a line of passengers who already missed their connections. Just get in queue and don't be surprised in someone weasels there way in front of you or everybody (common occurance in FSU).

It sounds like your lady has a fun filled schedule for you while there. I spent a month in Novosib this past winter (effin' cold) and had a fabulous time. I saw a couple ballets and operas while there and they were all incredible. I could also recommend a couple clubs for live music and arts if you are interested.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Olga_Mouse on April 24, 2010, 01:28:38 PM

Deplane,
passport control,
pick up checked baggage,
customs,
find Aeroflot transit desk for check in,
boarding pass,
and shuttle info for flight to Novosibirsk,
find shuttle to terminal D,
through security,
find gate...

Not quite...
...
customs
find Aeroflot transfer desk
shuttle bus to terminal D (aha, with all your luggage!)
check-in for the domestic flight (getting rid of the luggage & getting boarding pass - unless you'll get it in LAX)
security screening
boarding

NOTES:

1) If both legs of your flights, international & domestic, are in ONE e-ticket under ONE reservation code - in case of international flight delay you will be transferred automatically to the next Aeroflot flight.

2) As the luggage allowance is different for Trans-atlantic (piece concept: 2 pieces x 23 kilos) and domestic (1 piece x 20 kilos), don't be surprised if while checking your luggage in for the domestic flight the non-smiling lady will try to charge you for the overweight.

I'd recommend you to browse Aeroflot website, and print out the paragraph which says that in your case "transatlantic" luggage allowance applies for the domestic flight as well.

IN BRIEF: Be focused, know your rights & be ready to fight   :) Forget everything you've learned about "customer service" while living in USA; Russia is a jungle, thus the jungle law applies: ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVES  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dazzer on April 24, 2010, 01:53:06 PM
FSU travel checklist....

Passport, flight tickets, hotel/apartment reservation receipt, money, suitcase, clothes, wash/shower/shaving stuff, travel clock ( with alarm faciltiy ) and a Russian/English translation book, that just about covers everything   tiphat
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: WestCoast on April 24, 2010, 02:35:15 PM
FSU travel checklist....

Passport, flight tickets, hotel/apartment reservation receipt, money, suitcase, clothes, wash/shower/shaving stuff, travel clock ( with alarm faciltiy ) and a Russian/English translation book, that just about covers everything   tiphat

Checked with your doctor or community health clinic to make sure that you have any vaccinations needed for travel to the FSU?  Usually this must be done months ahead of time as some vaccinations take several months to become effective.


                                                                        (http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:MphEohWu_kec0M:http://www.capeverdehomes.org/media/vaccinations/vaccinations.jpg)
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Manny on April 24, 2010, 05:05:06 PM
We don't need vaccinations for the FSU. They don't have much we are likely to catch that we didn't get jabbed for at school.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on April 24, 2010, 05:35:24 PM
Manny, with all due respect as you are correct, however one should keep in mind that the safety and building codes, and their compliance, is so different from East to West that there are two shots which one should have updated before entering Russia:

1 - Tetanus

2 - Vodka!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dazzer on April 24, 2010, 05:56:17 PM
We don't need vaccinations for the FSU. They don't have much we are likely to catch that we didn't get jabbed for at school.
True in our times, but what a great shame we didn't have this during the likes of the Crimean war, where we lost far more men to diseases than we did to the Russians  :( .
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: WestCoast on April 24, 2010, 08:07:05 PM
Manny, Mendy is of course correct, a tetanus shot is good no matter where you travel.  Depending on how many tetanus shots you've had you may need a boost shot every 5 - 10 years.  Another vaccination that I got a number of years ago is the Hepatitis A & B combo vaccine.  This combo is 100% effective after about 1 month and is suppose to last for at least 10 - 20 years. Hep A or B can be contracted from eating food prepared by people who have the disease or from improperly sterilized equipment used for dental work or manicures etc.  Considering I've heard of cases of hep A in major cities in North America and Europe I'd certainly consider taking this vaccine for a trip to the FSU.  

Most of us travel to cities and other relatively urbanized parts of the globe but for those that are travelling off the beaten path:

Typhoid Fever Vaccine - Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, which are transmitted among humans through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Most cases are acquired abroad under conditions of poor hygiene.  A booster series is necessary every 5 years.  I've had this vaccination once and a booster shot once.



Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: bobt333 on December 21, 2010, 10:07:56 PM
Hi mendeleyev

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?
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.

I realize this thread hasn't had recent posts, but I'll ask anyway... I've read on the travel.us.gov site (I think) that upon departure at customs officials "SCAN" your computer and that this can take extra time. Is this true?

And when you say "but one caveat....", what do you mean? How common is it to lose one's laptop in the customs process?

I've been to Ukraine 5 times and have never had a single hitch with my laptop, and one time I even brought two laptops (one to leave behind) and no one seemed to care (and I openly admitted it).

Thanks
Bob

Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on December 21, 2010, 11:15:30 PM
Well anywhere you travel on a flight your laptop will be scanned at security these days--that is normal.

In recent years I couldn't imagine there being a problem at customs unless an agent is looking for some money on the side. Doesn't happen often enough to get much publicity. If you've had no problems earlier then you shouldn't have issues now.
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley on December 21, 2010, 11:45:16 PM
When I returned to Ukraine in early September, I had both my new laptop and a new netbook (as well as a number of other items I had purchased in the U.S.) and it wasn't a problem.

I would not suggest bringing such items in their original boxes, however, as that may be a flag for customs to assume you are bringing them for sale.

David
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: bobt333 on December 22, 2010, 06:34:23 AM
Hi mendeleyev

Well anywhere you travel on a flight your laptop will be scanned at security these days--that is normal.

I think I may not have been exactly clear in my question. By "scanned" I don't mean the typical "please remove the laptop from the bag and put it in a separate tray to run through the scanner".

I'll be making my first trip to Russia next week (I have been to Ukraine 5 times and know the system there) and in my research on Russian customs laws I discovered http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html where it says:

"There are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use.  The software, however, may be inspected upon departure.  Hardware and software found to contain sensitive or encrypted data may be subject to confiscation."

That doesn't sound like the typical "scan" on the xray machine. How would they ever find "sensitive or encrypted data"? I'm guessing that the travel.state.gov is just inaccurate or misleading, but wanted to confirm with some experienced Russia travelers.

Thanks much!
Bob
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: sparky114 on December 22, 2010, 06:47:48 AM
Hi mendeleyev

Well anywhere you travel on a flight your laptop will be scanned at security these days--that is normal.

I think I may not have been exactly clear in my question. By "scanned" I don't mean the typical "please remove the laptop from the bag and put it in a separate tray to run through the scanner".

I'll be making my first trip to Russia next week (I have been to Ukraine 5 times and know the system there) and in my research on Russian customs laws I discovered http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html where it says:

"There are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use.  The software, however, may be inspected upon departure.  Hardware and software found to contain sensitive or encrypted data may be subject to confiscation."

That doesn't sound like the typical "scan" on the xray machine. How would they ever find "sensitive or encrypted data"? I'm guessing that the travel.state.gov is just inaccurate or misleading, but wanted to confirm with some experienced Russia travelers.

Thanks much!
Bob


Bob

I have been in and out of Russia more time than i can remember and have never had any problems with taking multiple laptops or note books so i would not worry  ;D

Mark
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: dbneeley on December 22, 2010, 06:54:58 AM
Hi mendeleyev

Well anywhere you travel on a flight your laptop will be scanned at security these days--that is normal.

I think I may not have been exactly clear in my question. By "scanned" I don't mean the typical "please remove the laptop from the bag and put it in a separate tray to run through the scanner".

I'll be making my first trip to Russia next week (I have been to Ukraine 5 times and know the system there) and in my research on Russian customs laws I discovered http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html where it says:

"There are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the country for personal use.  The software, however, may be inspected upon departure.  Hardware and software found to contain sensitive or encrypted data may be subject to confiscation."

That doesn't sound like the typical "scan" on the xray machine. How would they ever find "sensitive or encrypted data"? I'm guessing that the travel.state.gov is just inaccurate or misleading, but wanted to confirm with some experienced Russia travelers.

Thanks much!
Bob


Having a detailed examination of the contents of a laptop is a rare thing, but customs agents of many countries have done so in the past--where there is some reason their attention is called to a particular individual.

It does not happen so often that it should be worrisome, I think. You are probably more likely to have something like that done upon entry into one of the countries currently enforcing copyright laws or if you have a name the same or similar to that of someone suspected of various offenses--kiddie porn springs to mind, for example.

If you're the normal kind of person, though, the likelihood of this sort of thing is remote...at least when you are traveling into or out of a major port of entry.

David

David
Title: Re: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: mendeleyev on December 22, 2010, 08:06:34 AM
Bob, thanks for the explanation. You should have no issues at all. Were you a journalist or scientist, depending on the cities visited you might (usually not) have such an inspection if they were worried about photos/plans from military installations, etc, but for such an inspection to happen would be rare indeed.
Title: Checklist before you travel to FSU
Post by: Geraldneoft on March 03, 2019, 05:48:09 AM
I know it is the time of year to visit family and friends but sometimes discretion is better than valour. Forecasts look pretty depressing. Lanes closed on M4 and M6 in UK and snow due in the SE. Is it worth it? Or at least please look at latest forecasts before setting out and take it slow and careful.