First trip to Russia questions

[Daveman]

Hi guys, This is my first trip to Russia, so I have some questions for those who have recently made the journey.

Are there troubles with any of the following items at customs?
Notebook computer
USB Portable Hard Drive
Ipod
Pocket PC Phone (has phrasebook and translation software)
Ectaco electronic translator
Pro Digital Camera (I'm a very advanced amateur, not a professional photog - but, is there a problem with professional cameras with big lenses, flash units, etc? I have a small backup camera I can take instead, but it still "looks" like a professional camera)
Extra compact flash cards
USB flash drive
Cash

Do all of these need to be "declared" individually?

On the declaration form, does each item need to be stamped individually? or one stamp for the entire form? Has anyone had problems leaving the country with items like these brought in?

On my tickets I see I arrive in Moscow at SHEREMETYEVO 2, but fly out to Omsk from SHEREMETYEVO 1.  Are these different terminals of the same airport? Or am I dealing with two different airports where I must find transport from one to the other?

I understand there are some areas where photography is forbidden, but has anyone had problems with photographing churches, cityscapes, landscapes, ancient landmarks, etc?

Any other tips or useful tidbits of knowledge I should know?

Thanks,
David

[catzenmouse]

Daveman,

 Read through the Travel section of the FAQs: http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?pid=21

 You'll get much of the info you need there.

Where are you staying in Omsk?

Ken

[Lily]

Believe that the concern of Russian customs should be to be sure that all those items are not destined for sale but for your personal use during your stay, and will be brought back when you return home.

I guess that there may be some other rules for your cell phone, may be because different coutries operate on different waves, and the foreign waves could probably interfere Russian ones, but I am not sure about that.

When I was returning home after a long stay abroad, I had a lot of various electronics bought abroad for myself. My biggest concern was my notebook, because I didn't find any rules on whether I should include in in the declaration form. When I arrived in Svo 2, I just approached a Russian customs officer and told him that I have a notebook and whether I should declare it in written. I think he said no, at least it has not been a further issue. He just asked me to show the US cash that has been declared by me in written, in the declaration form, and counted it again by himself. As the amount of presented and declared cash was the same, the officer was satisfyied.
 
 

[Turboguy]

I would probably declare the camera.  The other stuff probably not.   Notebook? Most don't, some do.

They are different airports.   There is a bus between them.  Read the FAQ and there is detailed instructions.

[Daveman]

Okay, I found the detailed info about transfer from SVO 2 to 1.  No problem there.

Much of the info in the FAQ speaks of FSU travel basically equating Ukraine to Russia. Perhaps this was true a few years ago, but not now. Travel to Ukraine is almost as simple as traveling to any city in the US. Russia seems quite a bit more complicated.

I have about 12 hours between flights, so there isn't much of a rush to get through.  Which reminds me, if I am going to have some time to kill, I may as well try to get some pics around Moscow.  Does anyone know of a recommended English speaking guide I could contact to zip me around to the landmarks?  If nothing else, I would like to see the Kremlin and at least stand in Red Square.

Ken,  I am staying in an "apartment near the river"  which she and I will stay together during my visit.  She rented this place for us, so it isn't a tourist flat. God, I love having such detailed information but I trust her to take care of things. We may not hit it off, but I am sure she will show and do her part.. I think my Visa is registered with a hotel but I was told by my Visa attorney (K1 visa, not my travel visa) and by the lady, and by the travel agent, that I don't have to actually stay there, that I can stay anywhere as long as I get my visa registered.  I read you had some problem leaving the country because a hotel didn't stamp the visa properly and you needed to show receipts. Hmmmmmmm,  This would obviously create a problem for me as I wouldn't have actual receipts from a hotel.  I guess I better concentrate on making damn sure the visa registration is properly done.

Anyone else stay in a flat instead of a hotel? Did you run into registration problems?

[catzenmouse]

This past Summer we got my visa stamped at the hotel even though we were staying at our flat. They charged something like $50 (but I really don't remember exactly) and it was no problem. This was at the Molodoushnaya <sp> but you can check with the Tourist which is down by the water as well as another one that I can't remember the name of now.

Only real difference is the visa requirement as far as I know. Check with Turbo or Groov maybe they might know of someone who would be willing to be a tour guide. Or Momus who is there now.

Ken

[Turboguy]

Yes, I know of a very good lady that would show you around for a reasonable fee.  I will PM you with some contact info in a few hours.   This is someone I have worked with many times and know well. 

[Daveman]

Well, I'm all set. Thanks for the info.  Got my guide for Moscow (Thanks Turboguy) so my layover will be interesting as hell.

Leave tomorrow for Saturday morning arrival.   Of course I'm looking forward to meeting the girl, and hope for the best there. But, also, I'm really stoked about seeing these places I've only seen in pictures and on TV.

I remember all those missiles and soldiers parading through Red Square, and now to actually have a chance to be there.  Well, it's just freakin' cool.

Take care gang, I'll see y'alluns on the flip side.
Dave

[Turboguy]

Have a great trip.    We are looking forward to hearing about it when you get back.

[catzenmouse]

Isn't it amazing how some folks have the ability to "get it" with what we are doing here?

Good luck Dave! We'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventures!

Ken

[jb]

Did anyone remind Dave to see the Diamond Fund or the Armory at the Kremlin while he's hanging around Red Square?    Must see places in my book.

[CaptB]

Good luck Dave. Make sure to get a little cash converted at the airport before you go sightseeing. If you want snacks, film etc. when you arrive a Sheremetyevo.........make your purchases in the bottom floor (where the natives go).........much cheaper than the upper floors.


Capt B

[jinx13]

Make sure to get a little cash converted at the airport before you go sightseeing.

 Nah, better to stop at some little shop on the way for your currency conversion, you'll get much better rates than the airport. You will see big signs in front of many shops, banks, etc with the current rates, ask your driver where the best ones can be found.

[Daveman]

I'm BAAAaaaaaAAAAAaaaaack!

Actually, I have been home for a few days, but I wanted to get good, uninfluenced grip on my thoughts and feelings before I begin posting.

I'll put up a trip report in a day or two. 

I will say that - because of the helpful members here willing to share their time and thoughts, especially the married/experienced ones, I had a much better understanding of Russian culture and "habits" than I otherwise would. 

Also, anyone thinking about traveling to Russia but still a bit apprehensive?  Just get off your ass and go.  Absolutely nothing to it.  Nothing at all. 

Thanks everyone, for all the assistance, direct and indirect.  It made a big difference.

Dave

[DKMM]

Don't forget to include a blurb about your layover in Moscow.  that sounds about like what I'm about to do.

[bigkahuna]

Hi Dave, hope to read great news about the trip!
I leave thurs for Ukraine 

[Daveman]

Hi Dave, hope to read great news about the trip!
I leave thurs for Ukraine 

Heya bigkahuna!  good luck on the trip!!! :-)  I see you are from Atlanta too.  Gimme a holler when you get back if you want and we'll hang out and shoot the breeze for a bit.  I'm out near 6flags, but we can meet anywhere around town.  We can share horror stories. :-)  Just kidding.

Do you have power converters to use your elec devices?  I have a couple converters and an Electronic Translator you can borrow if you need.  I'll zip you a PM with a phone number so we can hook up quickly since you leave tomorrow if you need any of this stuff.

Anyway, good luck!
Dave

[bigkahuna]

We can share horror stories

Ha! Yea, that would be from the first girl I brought over here.
I am in Marietta. Will give you a call...

[Daveman]

Ha! Yea, that would be from the first girl I brought over here.

Aw hell, you're an old hand at this then.  I done thunked you was a newbie. :-)

Seeya when you get back.. Be safe.

Dave