Planned trip to Omsk

[WhiskyNiner]

Hey all,

I have been lurking around here for months and trying to pick up as much information as I can. Anyway, in December I am planning on traveling to Omsk. I know, in the past, a few people had significant others from Omsk but I am not sure if they are still around.
I am definitely interested to hear more about it form the people that have been or that have significant others from the city. Yes I know to dress warmly 
One thing I would like some help with is finding a flat to rent. I plan on staying for a little over 2 weeks. I am sure in a larger city finding a flat is easy but the ones that I have seen from a quick google search seem to be very over priced. I talked to my lady about it and she agrees. Is this something that I need to have her help me with? I would appreciate some guidance about where to look for these kinds of things and how to get it done.

Thanks so much,
Joe

[Goombah]

Still here, with family.  Married over 7 years.  Was introduced to the lady via a mutual friend.

[Vaughn]

Welcome WhiskeyNiner. From all I've heard Omsk is a great place to visit and meet a nice lady if one is willing to make the journey. Goombah and catzenmouse are two shining examples. I don't know what your spending limits are, nor where you've searched, but in general, your lady - if you are willing (and she is able) to handle the arrangements, you'll probably get a better deal. Having said that, keep in mind the old adage: Never Send Money To A Stranger. That aside, there is a very comprehensive site that looks like they've borrowed the look and appeal of Century 21 that features many listings. Rates listed are by the month but with real estate, deals can always be worked out. This is where fluency will certainly come into play. See if some of these suit your needs. Many are priced around 7,000 rubles/month - approximately $230. Again, I always knew to keep my mouth shut and let my then-future wife handle negotiations once we shared a mutual level of trust. Only you can determine if you're at that point or not.
 
http://www.22vek-omsk.ru/rent_flats.php

This second link provides a Google (rough) translation into English.
 
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.22vek-omsk.ru/rent_flats.php&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25D0%25BA%25D0%25B2%25D0%25B0%25D1%2580%25D1%2582%25D0%25B8%25D1%2580%25D1%258B%2B%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BC%25D1%2581%25D0%25BA%2B%25D0%25B0%25D1%2580%25D0%25B5%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B4%25D0%25B0%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1093%26bih%3D521%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=uSJXUKCVHoP88gScsoE4&ved=0CDMQ7gEwAg

[Olly]

One thing I would like some help with is finding a flat to rent. I plan on staying for a little over 2 weeks. I am sure in a larger city finding a flat is easy but the ones that I have seen from a quick google search seem to be very over priced. I talked to my lady about it and she agrees. Is this something that I need to have her help me with? I would appreciate some guidance about where to look for these kinds of things and how to get it done.

Hi Joe
Im sorry but why your lady don't help you to find a good apartment? She lives in this city!

[Daveman]

...
One thing I would like some help with is finding a flat to rent. I plan on staying for a little over 2 weeks. I am sure in a larger city finding a flat is easy but the ones that I have seen from a quick google search seem to be very over priced. I talked to my lady about it and she agrees. Is this something that I need to have her help me with? I would appreciate some guidance about where to look for these kinds of things and how to get it done.

Thanks so much,
Joe

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum.


I take it you are doing a VO (visit one) trip?  Have you been communicating long enough to feel comfortable with her?  If so, then yeah, let her help you get an apartment if you feel comfortable with that.  I'm a little surprised that she didn't demand insist on choosing t it for you.  Anything, really, that you rent from the internet will be more expensive than something a local could find. 


Also keep in mind that sometimes the cost is less to rent by the month (which is what I do if possible though that usually requires the assistance of someone there). When you do that you'll generally pay for utilities separately but still far less overall than the daily rate.  Other factors in the price are available amenities and location - generally the closer to the city center you go the higher prices become. 


I was in Omsk in 2007.  I loved it.  Fun city, great people, very 'laid back' atmosphere.  Others here have far more Experience with Omsk than I do. 


So, to sum it up, you can always get a better deal on a flat if you let your lady do the deal.  If it is your first meeting, you have to decide whether you trust someone else enough to handle that for you - and have a plan of action just in case for some reason she didn't show up... you also need to keep in mind that all of this communication, expectation, etc, can evaporate within seconds of meeting if there is no 'chemistry'.  What would you do if that were the case?  Put together some kind of contingency plan so you're not sitting at the airport trying to figure something out on the fly.


Good luck!

[Ranetka]

December in Omsk...Can easily get to -35 C...It's - 31 F by the way. Hope you are prepared for it.

[I/O]

Mrs I/O's home town is Omsk - get your lady involved in the flat hunting process, there is plenty of privately owned units available for a week or so - you shouldn't be paying more than about $100 per week in the 'burbs and about 2- 3 times that in central.
 
And yes, it'll be cold.

[GoodOlBoy]

My advice: Get your RW to help you. 
 
Otherwise:  http://forum.omsk.com/viewtopic.php?t=258592&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
 
Also: http://omsk.mlsn.ru/arenda/list.html?rooms=1&period=1
 
GOB

[WhiskyNiner]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome.

The reason my lady had not helped me is because I had not yet asked her. Since this is my first visit I am just exploring all the options. As soon as I asked her though she was happy to help and has already started doing some searching for me. This is also her first time having someone come to visit which is why she did not immediately suggest it. She still thinks I am planning really far ahead of time haha.

On the flat search (so far), she definitely found things cheaper than just an internet search but she has explained that renting by the month pretty much always involves an agency charge of ~$150 so it really seems like it depends on how long a person stays. I really appreciate all the links those are really helpful!

The lady and I definitely have a healthy mutual level of trust. Thanks for the suggestions of a contingency plan, I think it would certainly behoove me. As I said in the first post, I have been lurking for a while and done plenty of reading so I have seen it advised many many times to have a back up plan and read what seemed like a good number of stories where people either resorted to their back up plan, had to make a back up plan on the fly (usually did not seem to go smoothly), or just sacrificed a trip with a woman that clearly was not right.

Yes, I know it will be very cold . I will be certain not to underestimate it. I am also not a southern guy so while I may not be "cold hardened" to -35, I think I will manage and not let it influence my time

Again, I really appreciate all the help with the flat (and now that I know to just let the lady take care of it, that is what I will do).
The next thing is the visa. It is my understanding that this process somewhat recently changed. I found a couple of people recommended just letting these guys take care of the visa

http://russia.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=RU&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS

I do not live in a city with a consulate so while I could go to DC if I HAD to, it would be a bit of a voyage. Is this the company that most people would recommend using? I just want to go through someone that has a good reputation of making sure everything is well organized. Also, using these organizations means they are the ones extending you the invitation, correct?
Maybe this will become more clear once I start working on this (I will be purchasing my ticket this week and then I will start on the visa).

Thanks again for all the help and advice!

Joe

[GoodOlBoy]

I found a couple of people recommended just letting these guys take care of the visa

http://russia.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=RU&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS

I have been using them for 8 years Joe.
No problems here.
Good luck!
 
GOB

[Faux Pas]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome.

The reason my lady had not helped me is because I had not yet asked her. Since this is my first visit I am just exploring all the options. As soon as I asked her though she was happy to help and has already started doing some searching for me. This is also her first time having someone come to visit which is why she did not immediately suggest it. She still thinks I am planning really far ahead of time haha.

On the flat search (so far), she definitely found things cheaper than just an internet search but she has explained that renting by the month pretty much always involves an agency charge of ~$150 so it really seems like it depends on how long a person stays. I really appreciate all the links those are really helpful!

All good positive signs. My first trip to Siberia I was going to handle it all myself as well, I could only find 2 flats online for rent. Neither looked very appealing. The woman (now wife) finally asked he where I would stay. I told her what I'd found and she went to look at them both. Her response to those flats were as I suspected, they were dumps. They seemed reasonable enough at about $50 bucks a night. She found me a much better one which I also stayed in the next two trips for less than half that. Drop the macho BS and let the lady help you for anything where you lack knowledge.

The lady and I definitely have a healthy mutual level of trust. Thanks for the suggestions of a contingency plan, I think it would certainly behoove me. As I said in the first post, I have been lurking for a while and done plenty of reading so I have seen it advised many many times to have a back up plan and read what seemed like a good number of stories where people either resorted to their back up plan, had to make a back up plan on the fly (usually did not seem to go smoothly), or just sacrificed a trip with a woman that clearly was not right.

Back up plans while a good idea if you need one, are way overrated. It can be the phone number of an agency in your pocket or some set meetings with other ladies. You and the woman have a high degree of communication and trust, this is good and as useful as a "back up" plan. There are many different opinions around here on this subject but, my advice is, you know the woman to some degree. If you feel both of your feelings are genuine and you've communicated enough to validate those feelings, you won't need a back up plan. Don't plan to fail.

Yes, I know it will be very cold . I will be certain not to underestimate it. I am also not a southern guy so while I may not be "cold hardened" to -35, I think I will manage and not let it influence my time

I am a true "Son of the South" and my first trip was in February. I was well prepared to the fact that it was serious overkill. I bought the down coat, boots rated to -65 F, Armour underalls, thick flannel shirts, I was ready. It was cold and I knew, it was a cold I had never experienced when I got off the plane but, it was very tolerable. I was never cold one single time in fact quite the opposite. I wished my coat and clothes  wasn't so thick. I sweated profusely especially indoors. I didn't need all that crap. Half the coat I had and a decent pair of boots with my regular attire would have easily sufficed. I am usually hot natured anyway. The Siberian winter didn't affect me like I expected it would.

The next thing is the visa. It is my understanding that this process somewhat recently changed. I found a couple of people recommended just letting these guys take care of the visa

http://russia.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=RU&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS

I have used them at least a half dozen times and highly recommend them. Visas are not hard to do but they are a PITA, it's worth the fee to let someone else do it

Maybe this will become more clear once I start working on this (I will be purchasing my ticket this week and then I will start on the visa).

When is your trip? Don't buy your ticket too early. Too early is as expensive as too late

[lakeShoreMark]

since you'll probably want to visit more than once you may want to apply for a business visa. it's good for 1 year and you can visit as many times as you want.

[Anotherkiwi]

since you'll probably want to visit more than once you may want to apply for a business visa. it's good for 1 year and you can visit as many times as you want.

Assuming he's from the USA he should be able to get one of these new three-year visas, shouldn't he?  Or are they on hold?

[lakeShoreMark]

Assuming he's from the USA he should be able to get one of these new three-year visas, shouldn't he?  Or are they on hold?

i'm not sure. i got mine in the beginning of august before this new 3 year visa became available.

[WhiskyNiner]

Thanks Faux. I certainly don't plan to fail and I was not thinking to have other ladies lined up as a backup plan. I have been communicating exclusively and for long enough that I have a high level of confidence. Still, since the unexpected does happen I was thinking maybe something basic like having my laptop and some ideas in my head of alternatives even if it was just to travel around. Still, I am going to see the lady with an open mind.

The trip is in December. I have been watching ticket prices and they have remained fairly steady. I don't THINK they are going to drop any more but if the general consensus is that I should wait, perhaps I will.

Thanks for the information about the business visa or even that new 3 year visa, I will see if travisa offers that (although it would not surprise me if they didn't or it cost a lot more).

For those that have traveled to Omsk (or Siberia through Moscow) did you also have to do the ~12 hour layover in Moscow? It seems like all the flights I am seeing have the long layover in Moscow and since it is during the day, I figured it would be good to do some sight seeing. I would just need to figure out what to do with my luggage.

Joe

[Faux Pas]

Thanks Faux. I certainly don't plan to fail and I was not thinking to have other ladies lined up as a backup plan. I have been communicating exclusively and for long enough that I have a high level of confidence. Still, since the unexpected does happen I was thinking maybe something basic like having my laptop and some ideas in my head of alternatives even if it was just to travel around. Still, I am going to see the lady with an open mind.

If you have been communicating often and thoroughly enough, you know what to expect as far as personal chemistry goes. If you have any doubt, don't go. That said, absolutely it can go south even though the both of you have the best of motive and intentions. That's the risk you take. Taking your laptop is a good idea. For those that haven't traveled in the FSU there is a shroud of mystery I think, relating to the brainwashing of the cold war days. Seriously, it's not a lot different than traveling anywhere else that you don't speak the language. If you happen to find yourself alone, it's not a big deal, you'll get through it. If you are good "on the fly" meeting and socially interacting at home, you'll do just as well there. Don't sweat it. You'll have a wonderful time if you like adventure, no matter what happens with you and the lady,

The trip is in December. I have been watching ticket prices and they have remained fairly steady. I don't THINK they are going to drop any more but if the general consensus is that I should wait, perhaps I will.

My experience is, the best time to purchase a ticket is the 28-34 day window. Anything before the 34 days or after the 28 day, you'll pay to much. Sometimes you can find a deal inside the 40-45 day but little is more disheartening when one does that than to see it a couple hundred bucks cheaper a few days later

Thanks for the information about the business visa or even that new 3 year visa, I will see if travisa offers that (although it would not surprise me if they didn't or it cost a lot more).

I don't know if that is available yet, ask your Travisa guy. Rest assured it will cost considerably more up front

For those that have traveled to Omsk (or Siberia through Moscow) did you also have to do the ~12 hour layover in Moscow? It seems like all the flights I am seeing have the long layover in Moscow and since it is during the day, I figured it would be good to do some sight seeing. I would just need to figure out what to do with my luggage.

It's a given. Most air traffic from the west will arrive at Moscow well before noon each day and little departs toward Siberia until much later at night. IIRC, I had one flight arrived at 7 am and the next didn't depart until 11:55 pm. FWIW, I prefer DME for an airport to fly into.

[WhiskyNiner]

So I purchased my ticket. Perhaps the price will drop as the date gets closer but I just did not see it dropping much from where it was. Since then the price has gone up significantly. Perhaps due to the proximity of the holidays? In any case, I am pretty happy about that step.

Regarding the Visa... I came across a thread a while back where the discussion of Tourist versus Business visa came up. Now I cannot find the thread again but as I recall the general consensus was that a business visa is better/easier? Looking on the travisa website it seems the price difference is enough to make me want to be sure I am going the best route.
Also, I do not think I will do the long term 3 year deal since this is my first time and who knows what will happen. Maybe a multiple entry for a shorter period of time? It really depends on what makes the most sense. Some help on what is regarded as the best route will be much appreciated though.

Thanks,
Joe

Also meant to ask, has anyone ever been to an Avangard game? (Their professional hockey team)

[Anotherkiwi]

So I purchased my ticket. Perhaps the price will drop as the date gets closer but I just did not see it dropping much from where it was. Since then the price has gone up significantly. Perhaps due to the proximity of the holidays? In any case, I am pretty happy about that step.

Regarding the Visa... I came across a thread a while back where the discussion of Tourist versus Business visa came up. Now I cannot find the thread again but as I recall the general consensus was that a business visa is better/easier? Looking on the travisa website it seems the price difference is enough to make me want to be sure I am going the best route.
Also, I do not think I will do the long term 3 year deal since this is my first time and who knows what will happen. Maybe a multiple entry for a shorter period of time? It really depends on what makes the most sense. Some help on what is regarded as the best route will be much appreciated though.

Thanks,
Joe

Also meant to ask, has anyone ever been to an Avangard game? (Their professional hockey team)

Well done on the price - hopefully your ticket remains at the low end of the cost spectrum. 
 
 
If you're not looking at the three-year deal, what visa is best for you depends on how long you intend to stay in Russia.  If you're there for more than 30 days, or wish to go in and out multiple times, with your arrival and departure days being more than 30 days apart, you have no choice but to try for a business visa.  If you're there for less, then the tourist visa is the way to go.  It is cheaper than a business visa, the invitation process is much easier, and the Russian Embassy won't require an original document.
 
I'm sure I read somewhere that Russia won't issue a business visa to a first-time traveller, but I can't see how that would work in the case of a genuine business visit.  I got a tourist visa for my first trip and a business visa for my second, based purely on the time I would be under Russia's influence.  The latter was so much hassle because of misunderstandings with the visa company that I nearly lost my chance to travel.

[Chicagoguy]

Don't overdo the warm clothes. Ask yourself "how long will we be outside". The last time I was in Omsk we went snowmobiling and I needed everything but most of the time you will be inside.

[WhiskyNiner]

If you're not looking at the three-year deal, what visa is best for you depends on how long you intend to stay in Russia.  If you're there for more than 30 days, or wish to go in and out multiple times, with your arrival and departure days being more than 30 days apart, you have no choice but to try for a business visa.  If you're there for less, then the tourist visa is the way to go.  It is cheaper than a business visa, the invitation process is much easier, and the Russian Embassy won't require an original document.
 
I'm sure I read somewhere that Russia won't issue a business visa to a first-time traveller, but I can't see how that would work in the case of a genuine business visit.  I got a tourist visa for my first trip and a business visa for my second, based purely on the time I would be under Russia's influence.  The latter was so much hassle because of misunderstandings with the visa company that I nearly lost my chance to travel.

It seems that for a tourist visa (at least if you are using travisa) you have to be staying in a hotel. There is apparently a form for invitation from a private residence but if travisa offers it, I did not see it. So I guess it is going to be a business visa. I hope first time travelers can get a business visa (the directions for the invitation form do not say otherwise). I also hope I don't run into the situation where misunderstandings tie me up like you. We will see I suppose.

Chicagoguy, I had the same thought. I doubt we will be playing in the snow much if any at all so a few provisions for layers and I think I will survive. You of course are used to the bite of the icy wind in your city 

[Vaughn]

Also meant to ask, has anyone ever been to an Avangard game? (Their professional hockey team)

Joe, FSU hockey is dynamite. Here's the home schedule (in English !!) for Avangard...
http://eishockey.wettpoint.com/en/matchschedules/99844-home.html
 
I never sweated the details of "where to stay" when getting a tourist visa. Never used Travisa though, I went with gotorussia.net (Atlanta-based). They handle everything, but unless you plan to spend time in a major city before arriving Omsk, I would decline the pre-registration offer (for a fee, of course) and take care of registration in Omsk, if your travel schedule allows you time before the deadline.

[WhiskyNiner]

Joe, FSU hockey is dynamite. Here's the home schedule (in English !!) for Avangard...
http://eishockey.wettpoint.com/en/matchschedules/99844-home.html
 
I never sweated the details of "where to stay" when getting a tourist visa. Never used Travisa though, I went with gotorussia.net (Atlanta-based). They handle everything, but unless you plan to spend time in a major city before arriving Omsk, I would decline the pre-registration offer (for a fee, of course) and take care of registration in Omsk, if your travel schedule allows you time before the deadline.

Thanks for the link! That is awesome! What is not so awesome is that there are no home games while I am in town missed one by a day. Well now that I have that bookmarked I will check it for any future fall/winter travel I might do.
Hmmm, maybe I will look into those guys. I only plan to spend the day in Moscow since I have the layover, would that be a problem?

Thanks again!
Joe

[Vaughn]

Don't quote me on this, but in the past one had three days (72 hours) to register. Pay very careful attention to the local office hours where you plan to take care of that. Some offices, even in medium sized cities, aren't open every day - and take it from me, you do not want to walk in late. A rather unpleasant administrative nightmare will unfold, and spoil your entire afternoon.

[WhiskyNiner]

I was wrong, you can do a home stay visa on travisa. I just did not see it. It requires the host to get the invitation though. I guess my lady will have to help me out with that as well.

[Daveman]

I was wrong, you can do a home stay visa on travisa. I just did not see it. It requires the host to get the invitation though. I guess my lady will have to help me out with that as well.

You can do that, yes, but the pain in the butt factor may not be worth it.  I would suggest to just get the normal tourist visa and the go to pretty much any hotel and they'll register it for a fee.  Or, a nearby post office or police station. Certainly the former is preferable.  Your lady will be the one who would take your visa to be registered at either of those places. You don't even need to be present. 


Unless things have changed recently, the home stay visa, at least in the past, was just more of a pain than it was worth when compared to the standard tourist visa route.