i have a question.

[volman320]

i was listening to a talk show and they were talking about Russian bride websites and it sparked my curiosity. I found this website and have been reading some of the post.  I was wondering, have any of you guys actually married women from these websites?  also, with all the computer tech, could you write a letter and have it translated on your computer before you sent it?

this is very fascinating and seem expensive.

[FredC]

Welcome Volman......The answer to both of your questions is yes. I met my wife through a website. We got married last month. There are several on line translation websites that you can use. The thing to be careful about is not to use any slang. Its not 100% accurate but it will get your message across.

[ace131]

yes, it is possible to find a wife through these websites.  but you should ask the members which ones are the best.
there are many e-translators online. but you should write not very long sentences and then the machine will translate it more or less properly. sometimes there are misunderstandings because of the e-translators.

[volman320]

yes, it is possible to find a wife through these websites.  but you should ask the members which ones are the best.
there are many e-translators online. but you should write not very long sentences and then the machine will translate it more or less properly. sometimes there are misunderstandings because of the e-translators.

do they get mad if you sent them a letter in their language? i figured it would have to be mandatory english so the translators would get paid.

also, i notice a lot of you guys visit for weeks, is it pretty cheap to stay in Ukrain and other places?

[shanew]

Volman, most of us who have partners/wives would have spent an amount of money equivalent to a nice car, so whilst it can be cheap to stay in these countries, getting there and covering all the costs in between is not. Phone, visas, hotels, airfares (several times to make it work), travel within the country, then supporting your partner to move. It adds up to a lot more than one might think when they first jump on a foreign singles website.

As for your other questions, yes and yes.

[Turboguy]

Lots of us have wives from Russia we met from a website.  I have been married for a little over 3 years to an amazing and wonderful gal from Russia. 

One thing I would caution you on is that there is a big difference in websites.  There are some very popular ones that are expensive and close to impossible to find a wife on.  There are also some very good ones and even free ones.  Reading the threads here will let you find the ones to use.

Most of us prefer to stay in apartments rather than hotels when we go someplace like Russia and Ukraine.  You can find apartments in the $ 60-120.00 a night range.  Some guys have had success without spending a lot of money.  I could buy two new Lexus's with the money I spent.  Hanging out on RWD can increase your chances of success and reduce your wasted spending.

There are a lot of costs beside finding the right woman.  USCIS fees hit and related expenses are a few thousand.  Some have done it cheaply but I think anyone getting into it should be prepared to spend 15 grand or so.  It can be done for less but if that scares someone they might be better off not starting.

[BC]

There are a lot of costs beside finding the right woman.  USCIS fees hit and related expenses are a few thousand.  Some have done it cheaply but I think anyone getting into it should be prepared to spend 15 grand or so.  It can be done for less but if that scares someone they might be better off not starting.

And that's with hitting a 'home run' the first time at bat, right Turbo?

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?pid=2

and

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?pid=21  especially 11 and 12

Both 'must read' material.

Don't forget the investment in time either.. I spent invested several months of non-working time on visits before and after marriage.  This after meeting the woman I married.  If I weren't the boss I'd have had a pink slip after the first couple weeks.

This is not an 'if you're man enough' venture.  I've tipped my hat to several gentlemen who opted out early on instead of putting their head between their legs and kissing their butt goodbye.

[tfcrew]

.... seem expensive.

So are American women. Some even more so.

Karl

[Turboguy]

Since no one really answered the part of your question about translation software, there are a number of online sites that will translate your letter into Russian for free.  They a far from perfect and as some mentioned avoid slang and complicated things.   It won't be a perfect translation but most of it will be understandable.   Personally most of the women know about those sites and many speak English so if it were me I would write in English and let her translate it unless she asks you to write in Russian.   Use the translation software for her letters.

Another thing that can help if you are going to translate your letters into English is to use the translation software, then reverse it and translate it back into English.  See if you can understand it and the parts you can't do again wording things differently. 

Yep, BC, that is for hitting a home run ball on the first try but you might be able to get struck out once and still do it for that but too many times at bat and it is going to be expensive.

[Shostakovich]

translation software -- google translate does a fair job.  Anyone else with impressions?

[dbneeley]

Volman,

I've been married long enough that I did it when things weren't quite so expensive (soon it will be our ninth anniversary). I was incredibly lucky, too--so the amount I spent to find and marry my wife was laughably low--but since then of course many of the expenses have been higher. I now live in Ukraine with her and my stepson.

As for Internet sites--avoid the ones that charge by the letter or by the minute for video chat. Most of those, too, will be resistant to allowing contact away from the agency itself. Those sites have no interest in helping you save money--the longer you can stay on the hook, after all, the more money they make.

For early correspondence with a lady who does not already speak English, I would invest in a good human translator. I say this as one who has probably used computer translation more than anyone you are ever likely to meet--some thousands of letters by now. As others have said, writing simple declarative sentences and avoiding slang is a significant help--as is back translation. One site I have used is imtranslator.com, which you can set to do automatic back translation so you can adjust the letter until you get a comprehensible reverse translation.

One lady I briefly corresponded with had what I thought was a brilliant solution. She had a relatively long autobiographical piece translated competently, cut up into pieces that dealt with various phases of her life. Then, she included one of those pieces with a little individual narrative directed at the particular gentleman who was corresponding with her. That meant she had long, interesting letters with minimal amounts that had to be translated for a given exchange. Since most of us in this situation wind up sharing various parts of our lives and experience with anyone who might be a potential mate, this meant she only had to have the bulk of her story translated once. Of course, she was also wise enough to explain this up front, so the recipient was not surprised or put off by the fact. Since she also included responses to questions as well as questions and comments regarding the particular person she was writing, the result was quite charming and, I thought, very practical. I have never seen this before or since--but then, I also met my wife on the same trip I met her, so we only exchanged three letters each before my trip...and, obviously, I have not written others on the same basis since meeting Irina.

I was originally prepared for the prospect of making numerous trips should they have been necessary to find and build a relationship with the right lady. If you are not so prepared, you are probably looking at the wrong pursuit to begin with.

Good luck,

David

[JR]

NOPE, I wrote letters. The kind you put stamps on))

Google Translate does a good job.

Careful with which website you get hooked on, there's a big money making machine out there. Ok, it ain't that big but it'll suck your wallet dry before you get out of the candy store.

Elena's Models does a good job of keeping the posers (scammers) away. Lucky Lovers is pretty decent also.

Welcome, now hurry up and get yours before they're all gone!!!!

[ace131]

yes, dating business is a big milking machine nowadays.
there are sites where you can spend tones of money and never meet the lady you would like to spend the rest of their life with.
yes, google translators do pretty good job.  they are getting more "humanized" i would say.
if the lady does not speak English i do not think she will get mad at you if you send her letter in Russian or Ukrainian. if there is a chance get translators not from the dating agencies. it is better to get somebody who is independent and who will give you good advice.

[ace131]

also if it is possible try to get the direct contact info of a lady as it will be more simple  and cheaper to correspond with her and develop relationship.
 

[Muzh]

Volman, if you are a person of common sense you can use free agencies to find a GF. If, however, you are a stranger to common sense stay with the paid agencies. It will add up pretty quickly.

Some have mentioned about $15G give or take a few thous by the time she gets here. Just to give you an idea how expensive these sites can be consider this:

$1000-1500 R/T from US (East Coast) to Russia or Ukraine, cheaper in off season
$50-60/day for appartment, you can get cheaper.
If you go to Moscow or Kiev, about $50/day food (that's being cheap) Smaller cities about $5/day. If your girl takes care of you: Jackpot! Same with appartment.
Taxis and buses $50 - 100/day for being first first timer. Then you wise up.
Visa for her: I-129F $340 If you marry there then it is form I-130 $420 To register her after two years being here (aka Green Card) $1070.
Visa for you: Russia $30 if you do it yourself $50 - 150 if you cannot fill out the form.  Ukraine $0

IF you find your soulmate on your first try (Good luck with that, however, it can be done. I did it.) it will cost you:

$1500 Airfare during peak season
$ 840 apartment (2 weeks @ $60/day)
$ 700 food (on the cheap in Moscow/Kiev If you go to one of our member's favorite nightclub $7000)
$ 200 Taxis
$  30 Visa to Russia/ If you cannot use a pencil $150
$ 340 I-129F
$1070 Green Card
$4680 Total

Therefore, agencies will cost you around $10000

So, you have some thinking to do here.

P.S. In all my trips to Ukraine (including my wife and son, and bringing my outlaws twice, separately) I don't think I've spent $15,000 in airfare alone. Yet. That's ten years worth. Getting there though. Most probably this summer.

[BC]

3 trips to meet before proposing.. 600 each from EU  1800
1 trip to get married in FSU.. 600 plus wife with return fare 1200
1 trip visit back home to get our daughter 1200 (with free trip home)
marrige costs in fsu  3000
Extra trip to Moscow for documentation 400 airfare, 3 days 800
Taxi's to/from SVO and in Moscow 300
Food and entertainment for approx 3 month stay in RU, say 75 bucks a day 6750
Maybe 500 bucks local hotel, rest stayed at her apartment 500

Total 14350 and some change and she arrives on our doorstep.  Some of the trips were balanced by frequent flyer miles, but didn't include costs while dating so balance out a bit.  A good bit of misc expenses not even calculated.  Costs for immigration permits around 100 bucks.

15 K a conservative figure.

Then the real fun starts...
Clothing
Setting up a household, some furniture changes
Visits from inlaws
A baby
Insurance, drivers licence, car, etc etc

Muzh, you're trying to sell a car for the base price, not what the customer actually orders which can double.  The accessories add up quick.  Ask a dealer how often a client walks into the dealership for the first time, points his finger, says I want that car, pays cash and drives it off the lot..

[BC]

and Volman...  whatever you do, don't run up your credit card bills, get a loan or mortgage your house to try and pull this off.

Disposable income is what counts.. 

How much money do you have, today, that you can afford to just throw out the window or into your fireplace.

Responsible gambling is going to Vegas with a predetermined amount set aside to gamble.  Do the same with this venture and expect it to double or more once you're through.

[ace131]

if you are quite lucky and meet your future wife during your first visit to Ukraine/Russia it is very good. but the chances are not so high so you will need to travel here at least 2-3 times.

[Shadow]

Volman, regarding the cost it is like the price of a Rolls-Royce. If you have to ask, you probably can not afford it.

Translating software is imporving but will never be 100% accurate, as expressions are hard to translate. Some tips have been given, but I will try to run through them.

1. Use short sentences. They translate better.
2. Check your spelling. Twice.
3. Avoid expressions and proverbs that seem normal, but can confuse people being translated.
4. Send the original English letter with the translation. Most women dating international will find a way to translate, and this way if something is translated like garbage it can be checked.
5. When receiving a letter back, ask for it to be in Russian. When in doubt you can always ask specific sentences here, or find a translator to translate the full letter.
6. There is a difference between translating and interpreting. By online tools you get a translation, the interpreting is your job. If you have experience with foreign languages that might not be a problem, if English is all you know it can lead to a lot of misunderstandings.

[ace131]

if you have difficulties with e-translator here are people who would translate for you some sentences of letters.

[Muzh]

3 trips to meet before proposing.. 600 each from EU  1800
1 trip to get married in FSU.. 600 plus wife with return fare 1200
1 trip visit back home to get our daughter 1200 (with free trip home)
marrige costs in fsu  3000
Extra trip to Moscow for documentation 400 airfare, 3 days 800
Taxi's to/from SVO and in Moscow 300
Food and entertainment for approx 3 month stay in RU, say 75 bucks a day 6750
Maybe 500 bucks local hotel, rest stayed at her apartment 500

Total 14350 and some change and she arrives on our doorstep.  Some of the trips were balanced by frequent flyer miles, but didn't include costs while dating so balance out a bit.  A good bit of misc expenses not even calculated.  Costs for immigration permits around 100 bucks.

15 K a conservative figure.

Then the real fun starts...
Clothing
Setting up a household, some furniture changes
Visits from inlaws
A baby
Insurance, drivers licence, car, etc etc

Muzh, you're trying to sell a car for the base price, not what the customer actually orders which can double.  The accessories add up quick.  Ask a dealer how often a client walks into the dealership for the first time, points his finger, says I want that car, pays cash and drives it off the lot..

BC, I guess everyone has different experiences. Let's see.

Three trips to see her. Well, one is all you need. IF you have plenty of dough, then by all means enjoy the vacation.
You married in Russia and I bet she'll love you forever. I married here in NY and just this morning she told me she is in love with me. That's a tie.

Food and entertainment in Moscow for three months! Hoo-ha. The longest I've been in UA is 4 weeks. You beat me hands down.

So, since I went once to meet her and once more to go to her visa interview and then here, that's about $1200 less. Also, as I already mentioned I married here not in FSU so another $3800 difference. And the THREE months in Moscow (you lucky devil) beats my 3 weeks I spent there the first time and another three weeks when I went to pick her for the visa. That's almost 7 grand difference.

Basically I did the same as you for about $13K less than you. Did I mentioned that everytime I fly out there I bring between $1000 and $1500 and always have about $400 before I return which I leave there? Trust me, I don't live the monastic life there. I spend and spend. I just not pay for hotels. And the cabs out of Borispyl are around $25 for a newbie. I have to run, but I can chat more about this later.

[BC]

Muzh,

Nobody said dating is cheap..  Marrying is the cheapest part and per your list you skipped that part... LOL

Had I skipped all of it would have been 600 airfare to get there (we would have met in Moscow to do the paperwork), drag ourselves to the airport instead of relaxing at the Novotel downtown (Red Square visit next day) and some lousy sushi..  Not to mention 200 bucks for the intern that visited us sickly folks at the hotel.

Add another 600 for her RT here, and a hundred for immigration

Yeah.. could have got off cheap for 1500 bucks so you definitely got screwed...

 

[GQBlues]

Muzh said…
” Some have mentioned about $15G give or take a few thous by the time she gets here. Just to give you an idea how expensive these sites can be consider this:

$1000-1500 R/T from US (East Coast) to Russia or Ukraine, cheaper in off season
$50-60/day for appartment, you can get cheaper.
If you go to Moscow or Kiev, about $50/day food (that's being cheap) Smaller cities about $5/day. If your girl takes care of you: Jackpot! Same with appartment.
Taxis and buses $50 - 100/day for being first first timer. Then you wise up.
Visa for her: I-129F $340 If you marry there then it is form I-130 $420 To register her after two years being here (aka Green Card) $1070.
Visa for you: Russia $30 if you do it yourself $50 - 150 if you cannot fill out the form.  Ukraine $0

IF you find your soulmate on your first try (Good luck with that, however, it can be done. I did it.) it will cost you:…”

BC said…
” 3 trips to meet before proposing.. 600 each from EU  1800
1 trip to get married in FSU.. 600 plus wife with return fare 1200
1 trip visit back home to get our daughter 1200 (with free trip home)
marrige costs in fsu  3000
Extra trip to Moscow for documentation 400 airfare, 3 days 800
Taxi's to/from SVO and in Moscow 300
Food and entertainment for approx 3 month stay in RU, say 75 bucks a day 6750
Maybe 500 bucks local hotel, rest stayed at her apartment 500

Total 14350 and some change and she arrives on our doorstep.  Some of the trips were balanced by frequent flyer miles, but didn't include costs while dating so balance out a bit.  A good bit of misc expenses not even calculated.  Costs for immigration permits around 100 bucks.

15 K a conservative figure…

Holy serious mother of gawd!

IIRC, I was out roughly 15Gs, all things considered, even before I left the house for my first trip and I wasn’t even fully convinced if I was about to meet someone/anyone worthy of a prolonged correspondence let alone a relationship. 

[BC]

Holy serious mother of gawd!

IIRC, I was out roughly 15Gs, all things considered, even before I left the house for my first trip and I wasn’t even fully convinced if I was about to meet someone/anyone worthy of a prolonged correspondence let alone a relationship. 

Dunno about Muzh, but we met quite unplanned.  Didn't have a clue about all this RW stuff and marriage was last thing on my mind.

Guess that mad some difference maybe?

[Muzh]

BC, actually I was convinced I was marrying her on my first trip. I wouldn't say the same about her. Our first day together was the determining factor and not because what you are thinking, you bad boy.  :evil:

Also, I'm not much of a planner. The irony is that by trade I'm a research scientist. However, all my training does not apply to my personal life. AND I LOVE IT THAT WAY! Yea!

Back to how much you will spend, that all depends on the person and his circumstances. You showed the high end and I went economy class. I bet you that there are many in between. Bottom line is that it worked. Count us as one of the lucky ones.