Hello people..Travelling to Russia next month

[sau073]

Hi,....,my name is Saurabh...I live in Mumbai,India..I am working in a software firm..Im travelling to russia next month on a holiday..could anyone tell me any precautions i need to take when in Russia..im visiting moscow and St Petersburg..

[Anotherkiwi]

Hi,....,my name is Saurabh...I live in Mumbai,India..I am working in a software firm..Im travelling to russia next month on a holiday..could anyone tell me any precautions i need to take when in Russia..im visiting moscow and St Petersburg..

First,    to RWD!  Unfortunately, because of the attitude of many Russians towards non-white people, you may have to take more precautions than the usual tourist.  If you are visiting ONLY Moscow and St Petersburg you will probably be OK if you can keep to busy places and well-lit areas, especially important at night.  If you stray outside the cities, however (and by that I mean further than Pushkin and Peterhof), you will probably attract a lot more attention just because of your looks.
 
Apart from that, do whatever your head tells you in any given situation.
 
Good luck!

[Faux Pas]

Welcome to RWD Saurabh!


Why did you choose Russia? The women, history? Unfortunately most of what AK states is true according to the rumors however, with some proper caution you probably won't experience any of it especially in Moscow or Piter and hanging close to the tourist destinations. I've made a number of trips and have never seen any of this type violence before but, I am not a non-white.


I find Russians generally a friendly welcoming people once you get past the normal routines of daily interaction. Don't sweat it and don't be paranoid but, do always be cognizant of your surroundings as you might in any foreign country.

[Spoon]

Hi Saurabh,
Yes I agree with the previous advice, just take extra caution around the Metro stations, train stations, where pick pockets tend to operate, but just like any major city these days, just keep your wits about you and don't stray too far off the beaten track alone or at night. Having said that, don't get too paranoid either, Moscow & St Pete are wonderful cities with very friendly people, I will add, make sure you have your paperwork in order, the Police tend to stop non-whites more so for identity checks (mainly those from Caucasus region I would imagine) so make sure you have followed the procedure for registering yourself in Russia, just in case they stop you, and lastly....have a ball!! There is so much to see and do....I recommend a river trip down the Moskva, you get to see Moscow from a different perspective.......aahhhh I can hear the opening lines of Scorpions song now...."Follow the Moskva, down to Gorky Park....." Love it.

[Gator]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html#safety
 
The US State Department tends to overstate problems.