First trip to Moscow coming.. a little wary

[shakespear]

As of now, when I ask her how she plans to get from airport to hotel back to airport (when I arrive) she says she will take metro. but I shouldn't worry because "It is my home land,I can get around OK" 

The Metro doesn't serve DME.  You have to take a marshutka from the airport to the Domodedovskaya Metro station on the Green Line.  It's about a 30 minute ride. 

Or you can now take the new direct train from the Paveletskaya Metro Station directly to DME.  The train will take you directly to the airport and takes about 40 minutes.   

This ones already said she cant cook

Dump her.   

If you have any questions you like to ask off list or handled in more detail, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at volgogradbrad@hotmail.com

[facetrock]

When they say they cant cook it really means they cant cook as good as their mother

[Chicagoguy]

FYI

Citibank has ATM's in Russia with no fee for their cardholders.

[Kunstkammer]

Or you can now take the new direct train from the Paveletskaya Metro Station directly to DME.  The train will take you directly to the airport and takes about 40 minutes.   

That train is pretty much the best thing about Moscow.  I hate this city (living in Piter I am biased I guess  )

I have always used my ATM/Debit Card and don't get charged any foreign exchange fee, and my bank doesn't even charge ATM fees.  Whoever said that their bank does that sounds like they are getting hosed by their bank, maybe it is time to look for a new one?  In other words taking cash to Russia to exchange is unneeded, and there is a bit of danger in it.  I don't think you can even exchange money before you get to Russia as it is a closed currency.  You are going to one of the largest cities in the world and it is very modern and always has tons of foreigners - you  don't think there isn't a way for them to get access to cash do you?

Don't worry about getting charged "$200" or whatever by the security service for bringing her up, she is registered and I doubt this is a common practice. 

Staying by the airport is really ridiculous, if you want to stay in a hotel and not a flat, and the hotels inside the ring are too expensive, I recommend the cluster of hotels that were used as housing for the 1980 Olympic Games.  They are named after Greek letters, not as expensive and like 4 metro stops away from the ring.  But a flat would be a better choice, although I understand as a first time traveler you would be weary of such an endeavor.

As for the language, if you haven't had actual classes on it, don't think you can "brush up" on it by listening to "Teach Yourself Russian" CDs or something.  It just teaches you to parrot phrases.  If you use a phrase you are going to get a really fast answer that you probably are not going to recognize.  When you are not with the person you are going to meet to talk for you, you are better off just saying " Я плоха говорю по-русский, ты говоришь по-английский?"  If you get a response with a ""нет" then they don't speak English, or don't want to.  Obviously speaking with her and showing an interest in her language to her is a different subject.

When you don't feel like taking the metro and you want to travel relatively short distances, and you have a native speaker, don't be afraid to take a 'black' cab.  In other words a regular person who will pick you up and take you where you need to go for around 100-300 Rubles.  I wouldn't suggest this if you are by yourself, not because of danger, but because you would get charged way too much, if you can even communicate with them.

Oh and remember for next time there is much more to Russia than Moscow!  Oh and if you want to show her American style food there are 2 authentic tasting American style 24/7 Diners called "Starlight"  I recommend that place.  The only bad thing is they are a magnet for expats, not necessarily a bad thing, but there is always that one guy who will hear you speaking English and want to talk to you.

[judnnc]

The hotel location is mainly due to cost and also an easy trip back to DME when I go home. Already paid the package through a TA, so it is what it is now. I dont mind taking the metro to Red Square.

Also, you can exchange currency prior to leaving. I traded a few hundred dollars already through TravelEx at RDU airport. They dont keep it on hand, but they will order it for you. However, they only gave me 25 rubles to the dollar, so I didnt do too much.

Ive been talking to drivers.. let me say despite what I have read about 'Moscow Rick', he really failed to answer a lot of my questions, was not very personable, and didn't budge on his rates.

Been talking to a girl Olyena (sp?) who will do a transfer from DME to Hotel Milan for 55 bucks. Thats the cheapest pick up rate so far. Some guy named Arthur in Moscow wanted to charge me 120. No way.

My fears about her scamming me are easing up alot. We talk daily on ICQ,email and phone quite a bit. Shes never asked for money and is knitting me a scarf so I will not be cold when I arrive. However, I'm still looking for a backup plan in case disaster strikes. I would hate to have 4 days in Moscow, knowing minimal Russian, and not knowing how to get around properly.

[Kunstkammer]

Dude, don't worry about changing money.  25 to the dollar is really bad.  Today I saw the rate was just under 30.  You are losing 5 Rubles per Dollar doing that, which adds up quickly.  For every 4 dollars you exchange you are losing 1 metro ride, just to put it in perspective. Your ATM card will be fine just check with your band and be sure to call them and tell them you will be in Russia so they don't block its use.

Red Square is alright and all, and is something you really have to see, the holiday lights are pretty nice (too bad you won't be there for New Year's) but there is more to Moscow, you might score some points if you tell her you want to see Patriarch's Pond (This was an important location in the book Master and Margarita - the book that influenced the Rolling Stones Song Sympathy for the Devil) but more importantly it has a bunch of statues around it that are scenes from very famous fables written by Ivan Krylov.  This is located near the metro station for the Zoo/American Embassy/ and near the Nigerian Embassy.  It is also very beautiful and is near one of those Starlight Diners.  In Russian it is <<Патриаршие пруды>> despite being plural there is only one pond.

[judnnc]

my thinking as far as changing money ahead of time was to have some on hand when I arrive at DME, as not to have to wait to exchange it at the airport.. figuring I will want nothing more than to be in my room ASAP after 19 hours of airports and planes.

Also, in case of a police 'shake down', what is a reasonable bribe amount, and is it generally negotiable?

[Kunstkammer]

my thinking as far as changing money ahead of time was to have some on hand when I arrive at DME, as not to have to wait to exchange it at the airport.. figuring I will want nothing more than to be in my room ASAP after 19 hours of airports and planes.

Also, in case of a police 'shake down', what is a reasonable bribe amount, and is it generally negotiable?

They have ATM machines at DME... in English and everything.

The likelihood of a "police shakedown" is extremely remote.  I mean you won't be driving, which is the easiest way to get stopped by police.  Or if you look to be in "Army Age" or very non-Slavic, however this isn't really recruitment levy season, and I doubt you look like a Caucasian and you will be in touristy areas, if you aren't breaking some obvious law and you are registered you will have no problems.  Your blue passport and inability to speak Russian will make police that do things like that move on to look for an easier target.  One they can easily communicate with that there is no chance will report them to the US Embassy or consulate.

[dogspot]

I recommend the cluster of hotels that were used as housing for the 1980 Olympic Games.  They are named after Greek letters, not as expensive and like 4 metro stops away from the ring. 

The Gamma Delta complex at Izmailovo. I highly recommend this place for a reasonable rate and comfortable stay in Moscow.

When you are not with the person you are going to meet to talk for you, you are better off just saying " Я плоха говорю по-русский, ты говоришь по-английский?"  If you get a response with a ""нет" then they don't speak English, or don't want to. 

I usually just ask (in English) "Do you speak English?" If they do, they will reply back in English. I have found that the majority of the time, in Moscow and Piter, the person will know at least a little English. If they don't, it is good to know enough to get around. But from my experience it takes a great deal of time to get to this point. But it's definitely a fun language to learn and your lady will be appreciative of your efforts.

[judnnc]

What is a reasonable rate to pay from DME to Hotel Milan (20 mins drive, near Domodoskaya metro stop)??

[shakespear]

Ive been talking to drivers.. let me say despite what I have read about 'Moscow Rick', he really failed to answer a lot of my questions, was not very personable, and didn't budge on his rates.

What do you expect?  Let's tell the whole story shall we?  Normally Ricky only provides airport pick-up and drop off services to people who rent apartments from him.  He offers this service as a "loss leader", that is, his posted airport transfer rate is discounted already assuming the customers that utilize this service are renting an apartment from him.  You contact him, you are NOT staying in one of his apartments, and are ONLY interested in a rate for airport pick-up and you want him to offer you a discount from his already discounted published rate?  And when he doesn't jump at the opportunity to provide you a service at a financial loss to him, you whine about it on a public forum?

Been talking to a girl Olyena (sp?) who will do a transfer from DME to Hotel Milan for 55 bucks. Thats the cheapest pick up rate so far. Some guy named Arthur in Moscow wanted to charge me 120. No way. 

Ricky's posted rate is $60 and you're shopping around to save $5?  What a cheap-ass.  I'm beginning to regret I made the referral.       

 Name-calling is off-limits.

[judnnc]

shakespear,

I'm sorry you feel that way. I certainly do not appreciate your calling me names. The deal with Mr. Rick is that I had asked him several questions about the area, to which he did not respond. In addition, I had inquired not only about an airport transfer, but also about driving to and from city center, and back again to airport.. multiple trips.

Perhaps you have plenty of money, and are plenty experienced with visiting Russia, but I do not and am not. I believe I can find transit from the airport to my hotel for less than 60 dollars (it is a 20 minute drive). In fact I have already done so. I have a limited budget so I am trying to make the most for my dollar, and did not feel that he was very personable, plain and simple.

And it strikes me as interesting that you would accost me of 'calling out someone on a public forum', when you turned around and did that very same thing to me, with the added bonus of a personal attack.

I'm sorry that it upset you so much.

[shakespear]

I certainly do not appreciate your calling me names. 

Dude, if the shoe fits, wear it.   

In addition, I had inquired not only about an airport transfer, but also about driving to and from city center, and back again to airport.. multiple trips. 

I see.  So you wanted him to compound his loss by providing you multiple transfer services at rates below his published tariffs?  I can see why you'd be offended that he wasn't overly friendly while entertaining your generous offer that he negotiate a price below his breakeven level for the privilege of providing you with multiple service opportunities.   

Perhaps you have plenty of money, and are plenty experienced with visiting Russia,

Enough that I don't have to waste time trying to save $5 on an airport transfer in Moscow.  25+ trips to Russia and a 7+ year marriage to a Russian woman gives me a bit of credibility anyway.   

I believe I can find transit from the airport to my hotel for less than 60 dollars (it is a 20 minute drive). In fact I have already done so. I have a limited budget so I am trying to make the most for my dollar, and did not feel that he was very personable, plain and simple. 

If you are so cheap that you're worrying about saving $5 on an airport transfer fee, then it is absolutely certain that you are not well enough capitalized to be undertaking this quest in the first place.   

I certainly can't speak for Ricky, but I can speculate that he probably wasn't as "personable" as you liked because he determined early on in his conversation with you that you were wasting his time. 

I'd suggest you do some more research; especially about the topic of "cheapskates" and how Russian women generally react when confronted with this type of behavior.  Otherwise, in all probability you will be setting yourself up for a rather unpleasant surprise once you finally meet this lady you've been corresponding with.   :brightidea:

Good luck.  I really have come to believe you're gonna need it.   

And it strikes me as interesting that you would accost me of 'calling out someone on a public forum', when you turned around and did that very same thing to me, with the added bonus of a personal attack. 

I call 'em as I see 'em.  You weren't providing the whole story.  You were lying by omission.  Ricky wasn't the one being unreasonable; you were.   :crackthewhip:

[judnnc]

I'm not bothered by you. I'll hold my tongue from calling you a name because I reported your childish name-calling post to admin, and I wouldn't want to be a hypocrite. However, looking over the forums it is pretty obvious you are a notorious ... person... so I have no need to waste anymore of my time bickering with you over this. You seem to be a pretty high strung guy, and if you care to exchange verbal (or other) barbs that would be more appropriate off of this forum, I will be in Moscow on those dates.

I would advise you to not exert so much energy arguing with people on internet forums. But then again, anonymity is a very safe barrier, so have fun.

But I won't indulge you any further with this foolishness.

[Kunstkammer]

I just think you might be overlooking the fact that others and myself have been trying to get at.  A hotel closer to the city center would be a little more expensive, but you will be spending the money you are saving on transportation, and losing time doing that traveling.  So really you aren't saving any money in the long run.

I can't speak for others, but I have been here a lot, and I live here and plan to continue living here, Shakespeare has told you his time spent there.  You asked for advice.  Best advice, instead of trying to hire an airport shuttle driver to drive you to the city and your hotel every day: Stay at Delta Gamma.  I stayed there a week or so ago when I had business at the US Embassy.  It cost like 7600 for 3 nights.  You can spend 250 for a train ticket to the metro station, then spend like 100-200 on a metro card, ride the metro for 4 stops and come right out at your hotel.  You will be staying right on the metro line 25 minute metro ride from Red Square (avoiding traffic waiting times and waiting to get picked up and can leave and return to your hotel on your schedule not a drivers)

So instead of paying $55 dollars a trip to the city center you are paying $7.50 to get to the city from the airport, $0.90 to get to the hotel, and $3.60 cents round trip for both of you to the city center from your hotel.  Make sense?

[judnnc]

I thought I had clarified, maybe not, and if so I apologize, that the travel package I purchased from my travel agent can not be changed, so therefore my hotel location is not negotiable. I realize, and appreciate the fact that staying in a flat at city center is the best way to go, and I will look into that option should I return again after this trip.

But I will be staying nearer to the airport, and the advice I'm asking at this point is what is a reasonable taxi rate from DME to the hotel itself.

Thanks for the advice on the train/metro.. I surely plan to use it as much as possible to save money.

[Kunstkammer]

This is probably why the hotel was cheaper.  There really isn't a 'reasonable' rate for what you are trying to do.  The prices you are being quoted are the norm.  You are going to be in one of the most expensive cities in the world, sounds to me like the TA sensed your inexperience and hosed you because they had a quota to fill or got a bonus for this booking.  Take it as a learning point.  Also next time - go to Piter 

[judnnc]

thank you ^

[shakespear]

But I will be staying nearer to the airport, and the advice I'm asking at this point is what is a reasonable taxi rate from DME to the hotel itself. 

If you weren't so busy trying to haggle that last $5 out of legitimate service providers, you would have read further up this thread that I already told you that you can take a marshutka from DME to the Domodeovskaya Metro Station for about 35 pyb, or $1.50, then walk to the hotel.  You really don't need a taxi.

Or if you check trip adviser about the Hotel Milan, they'd tell you that the Hotel offers a FREE (that ought to really excite you) shuttle service to DME

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298484-d661896-Reviews-Milan_Hotel-Moscow_Central_Russia.html

And I'm serious, the BEST ADVICE you've received in this whole thread is to undertake further research about how RW react to men they perceive as "cheapskates".  I'm sure that's what Admin will privately confirm when they respond to your complaint.     

[Kunstkammer]

^ Not trying to be a dick, but do you think it is good advice to tell a person who has never been to Russia before in their life and tell them their first "Russian" experience should be riding a marshutka with all their luggage when they don't have a clue how it works?

[shakespear]

^ Not trying to be a dick, but do you think it is good advice to tell a person who has never been to Russia before in their life and tell them their first "Russian" experience should be riding a marshutka with all their luggage when they don't have a clue how it works?

The guy seems to be worried more about saving a nickle than personal comfort.  But in this instance it's a "get on-get off" ride with no intermediate stops.  I've done it myself several times.  Before the train, it was the fist stop in the transfer process from DME to SVO.  Plus it will allow him to get "up close and personnel" with a random selection of the Russian populace   :evil:

[Kunstkammer]

Heh, well I was thinking more along the lines of he is going to have 1000s and maybe 500s.  I can just imagine the joy of trying to give that to some Uzbek marshutka driver for a 35 rub fare, while not knowing what is being said about change.  Wouldn't be a very good first impression 

[brave girl]

Heh, well I was thinking more along the lines of he is going to have 1000s and maybe 500s. 

Do not be concerned about greedy foreigner!!
shallow pockets always have MANY small money :evil:  brave girl

[shakespear]

Heh, well I was thinking more along the lines of he is going to have 1000s and maybe 500s.  I can just imagine the joy of trying to give that to some Uzbek marshutka driver for a 35 rub fare, while not knowing what is being said about change.  Wouldn't be a very good first impression

So true.  Heck the guy just exchanged money here in the states at a rate of 25:1 losing close to 15% in the exchange in spite of everyone telling him not to bother.  He would have gotten screwed less had he just exchanged it at the airport kiosk.  Hell, I have a supply of rubles that I would have sold him for current market value if he'd just have asked.  I would have even included some small 100's, 50's and 10's notes.    

[shakespear]

Do not be concerned about greedy foreigner!!
shallow pockets always have MANY small money :evil:  brave girl

So brave girl, what's your opinion?  How long will this girl stay with the op in Moscow if she determines he's a cheapskate?