visa, flight booked, what to expect/bring

[GoodOlBoy]

Thinking of a netbook.

I've got one (Acer-blue).

It is great (very light)!

It has a built in webcam for Skype.

My wife is taking it with her to Omsk.    

I was thinking of taking a plane to Kazan, as she bought her ticket to fly to Moscow.

Hey Phantom.

I've never been to Kazan.

If you go there, post a couple of pic's when you come back. 

My wife is leaving right behind you (this Friday) for Moscow/Omsk.

Good Luck!


GOB

[phantom]

Faux pas, I'll be leaving on 19 September.

Thanks GOB, I was actually looking at the acer, it seemed real nice.  I'll post pictures when I get back, and of course write a TR.  Looking forward to it and counting down the days. 

[phantom]

I should of asked before, what about vaccines?

[TwoBitBandit]

I should of asked before, what about vaccines?

lol

Just get on the plane.  Going to Russia isn't like going to India.  You'll be fine.

If you absolutely have to drink the tap water, you better boil that stuff before you drink it.  It really can make you sick.

[chivo]

Faux P --

To each his own.  I was in several bathrooms with zero toilet paper.

I got stranded in Moscow when my flight was canceled.  I couldn't find someone who could speak enough English to get me to a hotel.  Without the electronic translator, I would have spent the night in the airport (or who knows where).

If it's your first time in Russia I can see the problem but, I haven't been to any major city where there wasn't an hotel relatively close to the airport. All have shuttles too. Just walk outside.

Moscow is no different. There are 2 I know for sure, maybe 3 by SVOII that are within walking distance. SVO is more English friendly than it was even a couple years ago as most things are in English nowadays

They will have English speakers at the hotels who can assist you if need be.

If you absolutely have to drink the tap water, you better boil that stuff before you drink it.  It really can make you sick.

I think you'll be alright if you brush your teeth and wash fruits with "cold" tap water. I did it back in 2000 and do it to this day, so I doubt it will be a problem. If you want to be on the safe (paranoid) side, use bottled water. I wouldn't under any circumstance quench my thirst with the water coming out of the tap and can't imagine why you would have to.

If you have any problem with your stomach you can bring some imodium or buy it in Kazan. It's the same word in Russian (Iмодiум). While they have most of the drugs here, I would bring any that you are comfortable with or need, like advil for instance.

Phantom,

I'm not sure if you have been learning any phrases in Russian, but one phrase that I think is a must is "ya ni gavoru po russki" (I don't speak Russian) in case you find yourself in a situation where it's only you and people are asking you questions, like directions for instance. Russians can get somewhat aggressive if you just stand like a deer in the headlights. This will let them know you're not just an idiot , and they'll appreciate the effort.

Lastly, as far as having the hotel register your visa, this practice was eliminated back in 2008 when they changed the visas rules. Now if your staying at a certain hotel, and they are your invitation sponsor, it's still possible for a price, but if this is not the case, better just to go to the post office. It's pretty simple and only about 200 rubles. Good luck.

chivo

P.S. It shouldn't be a problem taking a few Cubans out of the country, just don't get carried away.

[GoodOlBoy]

I wouldn't under any circumstance quench my thirst with the water coming out of the tap and can't imagine why you would have to.

Very true!

Funny (true) Story.

The first time I went to Omsk to visit my wife, I was in total shock about the water quality.

I clearly remember the first thing that I wanted to do after being on airplanes for 20+ hours, was to have a nice hot shower/bath.

As soon as I arrived at Marina's flat I opted for the "bath", (since my wife didn't have a shower).

Well my wife, being the attentive RW she is, started drawing my bath water while I "peeled" off my grungy clothes.

Anyway, my wife announces that my bath is ready and I stepped into the bathroom to be greeted with a hot (steamy) tub full of yellow water!!   

I guess she saw the look on my face and said: "What's wrong"? 

I tried to pretend that everything was OK, BUT....She knew something was up.

So while I was bathing, she brings me in a nice cup of hot tea (Earl Grey) and I started thinking to myself...."Oh God, they actually drink this sh!t to"?

Well it turns out that my wife and her family and friends use the "Brita" pitcher water system (you know the one that has the filter in the top of the pitcher and you just add water) for their drinking water needs.

So as a surprise, before I returned to Omsk for my second trip (this time for a 3 month stay) I visited E-Bay and picked up a 3 stage Culligan water filtration system.

It cost me around $150. and looked something like this one (only it had 3 filters instead of 1 filter):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q8OZMU

I got it mounted under my wife's kitchen sink, (somehow) and everybody got invited over to see and try it! 

Fast forward (4 years) to early last year and my wife is selling her flat.

When she returned home from Omsk, (with her money) I asked her: "How did the new owners like that water filtration system"?

She answered me: "Mom and Father like it just fine"!!! 

It seems that my FIL and BIL "moved" it, before Marina's flat was sold.


GOB


BTW.....She took several new replacement filter cartridges with her yesterday (can't find any in Russia that fit), when she left for Omsk.

[phantom]

Ok, I wasn't sure about the vaccine, had to ask. 

I won't be drinking any tap water, that's for sure.  Bottled water and soda.  Been studying Russian for awhile, know a few phrases and know the alphabet, and will also bring along a phrase book I picked up.  I'll let the post office handle the police reporting.  Wrapping up a few things here before I leave.  Gonna take the train to Kazan.  Bringing TP, to be on the safe side. 

I'm hoping things go smoothly with the lady.  But if not, try some others. 

[ScottinCrimea]

I'm not sure what the big myth about the FSU and toilet paper is.  Believe it or not, they really do have it there and good quality stuff is available in any store,  While it can be handy to have it on hand should you need to use one of the public toilets, God forbid, just buy it there and save the space in your suitcase for something you maybe can't get there.

[BC]

I'm not sure what the big myth about the FSU and toilet paper is.  Believe it or not, they really do have it there and good quality stuff is available in any store,  While it can be handy to have it on hand should you need to use one of the public toilets, God forbid, just buy it there and save the space in your suitcase for something you maybe can't get there.

Well is always good to have a pack of tissues with you in case a public toilet is needed.  I've seen ripped up newspapers in there before..

[phantom]

Ripped up newspapers, good God.  Sounds like the old outhouse where I lived as a child, for a year.  I'll bring one of them travel packs at any rate.     Hopefully, the situation for a public restroom won't arise.

Leaving this week and picked out an assortment of clothes, and a few gifts to bring, as well as grabbed some film and memory cards.  Write my TR when I get back.  Looking very forward to this trip, finally making it.  If things don't work out, but I'm optimistic about that.  Either way, it will be a great trip.

[Faux Pas]

Ripped up newspapers, good God.  Sounds like the old outhouse where I lived as a child, for a year.  I'll bring one of them travel packs at any rate.     Hopefully, the situation for a public restroom won't arise.

Leaving this week and picked out an assortment of clothes, and a few gifts to bring, as well as grabbed some film and memory cards.  Write my TR when I get back.  Looking very forward to this trip, finally making it.  If things don't work out, but I'm optimistic about that.  Either way, it will be a great trip.

Don't panick. It's just as common for the public bathrooms to have TP as to not. Pretty much the same in the US has been my experience. But it is advisable to put in your carry on bag a number of things. Tissues (not necessarily TP) would certainly top that list. Hand sanitizer and some wipes of some sort. Amodium AD is advisable as well, just in case. You can purchase all those things in Russia if you know how.

[groovlstk]

Ripped up newspapers, good God.  Sounds like the old outhouse where I lived as a child, for a year.  I'll bring one of them travel packs at any rate.     Hopefully, the situation for a public restroom won't arise.

Leaving this week and picked out an assortment of clothes, and a few gifts to bring, as well as grabbed some film and memory cards.  Write my TR when I get back.  Looking very forward to this trip, finally making it.  If things don't work out, but I'm optimistic about that.  Either way, it will be a great trip.

Phantom, I almost envy that feeling of excitement and adventure that you're experiencing now. There's no feeling like it in the world. I was bouncing off the walls in the days leading up to my first trip and, even though all the relationships w/women I met fizzled, it was by far one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of my life.

[phantom]

Thanks Faux Pas,  I'll be adding those to my carry on and the Amodium AD, as you never do know.  

[phantom]

Yes, I'm very excited Groov, counting down the days to leaving and thinking of all that I'm going to see and experience.  My first trip there, first lady going to meet, all so exciting.  Getting anxious for the day to arrive.  The first of many trips I'm sure, even if it works out, going back for visits.  But right now, I'm just concentrating and excited on this first trip to the FSU.

[phantom]

The day after tomorrow, I'm taking off!! TR soon after getting back.  Got everything I need to go.  hygene, personal, and clothes for different weather, and also film, meds, and digital film as well.  woo hoo!!

[Dave13]

Phantom, Have a great trip and best of luck!

Dave

[Johnny2009]

Hi

This may be the most obvious piece of advice, and judging by your post that your young lady will be meeting you at the airport, but please "DO NOT take a taxi from the the sharks at Moscow airport"!!! If you need to take internal transport there are lots of buses to whatever destination you wish to go to.

Maybe obvious advice but hopefully useful!!

Have a great time and good luck with everything.

John

[phantom]

Thanks Dave!

Thanks John, that was something I didn't think of.  Usually here, leave the airport, grab a cab.  I'll take the bus. 

Everything all set to go, suitcase packed, personal bag, yada yada yada.  Long flight, I'm sure I'll sleep most of the way there. 

[chivo]

Thanks John, that was something I didn't think of.  Usually here, leave the airport, grab a cab.  I'll take the bus. 

Yeah nothing impresses a lady more than throwing her on a bus headed for the metro. Nevermind that it takes about 30 minutes just to get to Rechnoi Vokzal Metro station by bus from the airport. I can see this if you're by yourself (but not on the first trip), but get a taxi, even if it's to the train station. You'll also be carrying luggage, so a taxi is much more convienent and worth the price.

Even if you're by yourself, it's your first time in Russia. Not recommended at all.

This is another myth about Russia, the taxi drivers. The last time I came back from America In August, I negotiated a price of 1500 rubles (less than $50) to my apartment here in Moscow by the Rizhskaya Metro station from SVOII.  That's the going rate if you hire a driver off the internet, and about what you would pay in any big American city mile for mile. No aggression, and the car will always be nice.

Usually I ask what kind of car, but it doesn't matter because the car will be nice. One time the guy put me in a brand new 733i BMW. You think the bus would be better?

The drivers at the airport can be 'assertive', but they're very easily handled. Be firm. My last negotiation lasted about 10 seconds and I was on my way. If you don't want to deal with them, have your lady arrange a ride back before you arrive. I can only imagine that you're either going to the center, or Kazansky Vokzal (also in the center) to catch the train to Kazan. Both shorter distances than my apartment.

If you really want to impress your lady, learn how to say the phrases you need in Russian. It really doesn't matter what he says, just say your destination (Kazansky Vokzal for instance) and say тысяча пятьсот (tiscysa pyatsot). If he doesn't accept it (he will) just walk away, or let your lady do the talking. Bottom line, take a taxi.

chivo

[Johnny2009]

Yeah nothing impresses a lady more than throwing her on a bus headed for the metro. Nevermind that it takes about 30 minutes just to get to Rechnoi Vokzal Metro station by bus from the airport. I can see this if you're by yourself (but not on the first trip), but get a taxi, even if it's to the train station. You'll also be carrying luggage, so a taxi is much more convienent and worth the price.

Even if you're by yourself, it's your first time in Russia. Not recommended at all.

This is another myth about Russia, the taxi drivers. The last time I came back from America In August, I negotiated a price of 1500 rubles (less than $50) to my apartment here in Moscow by the Rizhskaya Metro station from SVOII.  That's the going rate if you hire a driver off the internet, and about what you would pay in any big American city mile for mile. No aggression, and the car will always be nice.

Usually I ask what kind of car, but it doesn't matter because the car will be nice. One time the guy put me in a brand new 733i BMW. You think the bus would be better?

The drivers at the airport can be 'assertive', but they're very easily handled. Be firm. My last negotiation lasted about 10 seconds and I was on my way. If you don't want to deal with them, have your lady arrange a ride back before you arrive. I can only imagine that you're either going to the center, or Kazansky Vokzal (also in the center) to catch the train to Kazan. Both shorter distances than my apartment.

If you really want to impress your lady, learn how to say the phrases you need in Russian. It really doesn't matter what he says, just say your destination (Kazansky Vokzal for instance) and say тысяча пятьсот (tiscysa pyatsot). If he doesn't accept it (he will) just walk away, or let your lady do the talking. Bottom line, take a taxi.

chivo

Sorry, I don't agree with this advice! If you are experienced in visiting FSU you can negotiate with the local taxi mafia, if not you will get ripped off, 100%.

Your lady will not be offended if you wish to take a train or bus, mine never was, she married me!!

I am not cheap or poor, I just do not wish to waste my money on people who are intent on extracting vast amounts of cash for little or no service. Most taxis there are no more comfortable than the buses! Enjoy spending your money on having fun.

Anyway, you will have a great time and we will all look forward to hearing about your trip!

Take care and safe journey!

[chivo]

Sorry, I don't agree with this advice! If you are experienced in visiting FSU you can negotiate with the local taxi mafia, if not you will get ripped off, 100%.

I have never been ripped off by the taxi drivers, my first time, or now. Were you?

Your lady will not be offended if you wish to take a train or bus, mine never was, she married me!!

It's not about offending, it's about convenience. Just what bus are you suggesting he take from the airport? To where? You think on his first visit he'll know? His lady is from Kazan, think she'll know? Maybe she will, maybe not.

My lady is never offended either when we take a bus or train, but I know for a fact she appreciates a car, much, much more. I pay $15 just to get her to my apartment instead of having her take the metro. You think she would rather take the metro? Believe me, she asks me for nothing in the way of money. She loves it when I offer to do this, and even when she tells me it doesn't matter, I know it does. 

I am not cheap or poor, I just do not wish to waste my money on people who are intent on extracting vast amounts of cash for little or no service. Most taxis there are no more comfortable than the buses!

This is a joke right? I'll take your word on cheap and poor, but all the cars I've taken from the EVIL TAXI MAFIA have been late model sedans that were very, very nice cars. The buses OTOH, have been shit boxes at best, at least from SVOII to where I was going. And since you've "never" used them, how can you compare?

My last negotiation couldn't have been any easier. In case you didn't realize it, there's a crisis in Russia. Business is down everywhere, and that includes the evil taxi drivers. Offer them $50 or less and they'll drop you off at the doorstep of where you want to go. His lady can speak to the driver should their be a problem. Very, very easy, even (especially) for a first time visitor.

At worse, have your lady hire a driver beforehand.

I know you went the bus route, and hey, that's your choice. But $50 in the grand scheme of things on the first trip, is 4 beers and a pizza. IOW, it's nothing.

Phantom, step up and hire a driver or deal with the evil taxi mafia, but don't take the bus, even if this guy did.

chivo

[Johnny2009]

I have never been ripped off by the taxi drivers, my first time, or now. Were you?
It's not about offending, it's about convenience. Just what bus are you suggesting he take from the airport? To where? You think on his first visit he'll know? His lady is from Kazan, think she'll know? Maybe she will, maybe not.

My lady is never offended either when we take a bus or train, but I know for a fact she appreciates a car, much, much more. I pay $15 just to get her to my apartment instead of having her take the metro. You think she would rather take the metro? Believe me, she asks me for nothing in the way of money. She loves it when I offer to do this, and even when she tells me it doesn't matter, I know it does. 
 
This is a joke right? I'll take your word on cheap and poor, but all the cars I've taken from the EVIL TAXI MAFIA have been late model sedans that were very, very nice cars. The buses OTOH, have been *snip* boxes at best, at least from SVOII to where I was going. And since you've "never" used them, how can you compare?

My last negotiation couldn't have been any easier. In case you didn't realize it, there's a crisis in Russia. Business is down everywhere, and that includes the evil taxi drivers. Offer them $50 or less and they'll drop you off at the doorstep of where you want to go. His lady can speak to the driver should their be a problem. Very, very easy, even (especially) for a first time visitor.

At worse, have your lady hire a driver beforehand.

I know you went the bus route, and hey, that's your choice. But $50 in the grand scheme of things on the first trip, is 4 beers and a pizza. IOW, it's nothing.

Phantom, step up and hire a driver or deal with the evil taxi mafia, but don't take the bus, even if this guy did.

chivo

This is a very passionate reply, are you a taxi driver or taxi rank owner??

Answer to your question, have I ever been ripped off? Answer, no, I do my homework!!

And also, don't get personal, you are welcome to your own opinion, even if you are wrong!

I'm out of this tread!!

[Shadow]

If you do want a driver, do not stop at the taxi drivers.
Get a black Jeep with a guy in a black suit with a big lump under his arm.
Yeah its more expensive as the bus, but who cares in the big picture of already spending $4000 or more on your trip.

[chivo]

This is a very passionate reply, are you a taxi driver or taxi rank owner??

Answer to your question, have I ever been ripped off? Answer, no, I do my homework!!

And also, don't get personal, you are welcome to your own opinion, even if you are wrong!

I'm out of this tread!!

Good, maybe he can get some better advice.

I hope i didn't make you cry. Really, not a very passionate reply either. You want to see passionate, believe me, i'll show what passionate is, and you'll definately see the difference.  You do give hope to all the others if indeed you got a RW to marry you.

I failed to see how I was so personal also. Show me where I personally attacked you? And no, I am not a taxi driver, just someone who has travelled here many times. My first time in Russia in 2000 I hired a driver.

Again, I thought these guys were evil mafia guys too, until I started to deal with them. They're harmless, and many now speak some English.

If you can't hire a driver, then deal with the taxi drivers there. They're not so bad. Yes, if you are a fucking moron, you'll get ripped. But if someone tells you not to spend over $50, or 1500 rubles to get into town, how much trouble is this? How are you going to get ripped off? This isn't 2001. Really, seriously.

I've never been ripped off, the price is set beforehand so no surprises and you pay before you leave so you just get out at your destination. You'll probably find yourself in the backseat of a BMW, or at the very least a Ford Mondero, with all your attention on your lady. Or, you can get on a dirty Russian bus with 50-100 other Russians, hopefully find a seat, hopefully know where you're going, and take 2 to 3 times the amount time getting where you want to go, and then have to walk with your luggage a small distance after that. Am I missing something here?

You know, the mafia do drive nice cars  .

You never answered my questions. What bus? and to where? Just any old bus? Maybe he should have his lady carry his bags also, yeah.

You either hire a driver beforehand, or if push comes to shove, deal with the taxi drivers. Tell them what you'll pay, and if they don't like it, fuck'em, and move on. What do you think they will do, kill you? 

If anyone here, who is going to Russia and thinks that loading your lady and your bags into a Russian bus that you have no idea where it's going (probably to the metro, and then what?) is the right thing to do, then heaven help you.

chivo

[chivo]

If you do want a driver, do not stop at the taxi drivers.
Get a black Jeep with a guy in a black suit with a big lump under his arm.
Yeah its more expensive as the bus, but who cares in the big picture of already spending $4000 or more on your trip.

This is too esoteric    .