Travel Preparations

[mendeleyev]

There are lots of things you may need to know before traveling, like how do dress for the time of year, whether to take gifts and what kind, should you stay in a hotel or an apartment, what are some helpful Russian phrases, how to make telephone calls, how to find something to eat, riding a train or a city Metro, etc.

All these things are important for the first time traveler and our members have good travel experience to share.

[mendeleyev]

Russia, Ukraine, and the other former Soviet republics are civilized countries, trust us. But not all things are the same as back home so we'll start with some handy packing advice:

- Pack securely.
- If anything is breakable, carry it on with you.
- Use clothing to wrap other items that might be damaged in handling.
- In your carry-on bag take a freshen up kit with travel size toothpaste and brush, comb, deodorant, etc. You'll have time before the end of your long flight to freshen up a bit.

Not every flight is a nightmare, but this passenger video from St Petersburg's Pulkovo (Пулково) Airport is one example of why you should pack securely. It is funny, right up to the moment that you realize, hey that is MY bag!

[mendeleyev]

Travelers from European countries are viewed a little differently than American travelers. Russians feel a continental affinity with other Europeans although of course there are some differences in language and cultures.

American and Russian relations have been all over the charts, up and down, and today that is no different. The USA and Russia had a long history of friendship right up to the Bolshevik Revolution and our sending troops to Russia to fight on the side of the White Army. The USA (along with allies Britain, Canada, France and Czechoslovakia) were defeated along with the White Army and sent packing for home. That did strain relations with Russia and each of these nations for a long time, but especially with the UK and the USA.



This photo is from Petrograd, the city that would be named Leningrad during the Soviet period and then back to the original name of Saint Petersburg as it is known today. Many believe it named for the founder Peter the Great, but that isn't quite accurate. Peter named the city for his patron saint, Saint Peter the Apostle.

At the top of the building is a sign that begins with the word товарищество. It means partnership and you are very likely well aware of a shortened form of this word товарищ, or "comrade." The next line says who are the partners: Russian-American. This was a facility that produced and sold all sort of Rubber products.

So, do not make the mistake of thinking that the USA and Russia have always been on opposite sides politically. I'd recommend an attitude of friendship and that will help you in most situations.

The point of this little nugget of history is to advise caution on how you present yourself, especially if an American. Depending on the political flavour of the year, you are either a good guy, the most evil person walking on the planet, or somewhere in between. Since you don't know how you are being viewed, take a respectful profile and don't flaunt your citizenship, don't flaunt your passport and don't flaunt your financial status. No matter what you've heard from family and friends, most Russians do NOT care about a blue passport and the only thing you'll catch by using your financial status as bait is a lady intent on seizing your wealth.

Russians (and Ukrainians) will invariably ask you what Americans think of their country? They just will. Have an answer ready and let your answer include a compliment. Compliments are easy when genuine and can range from the majesty of Red Square, to the beauty of their city, to the warmth of the people, to how you've always admired the wonder of the Trans Siberian, or that you'd love to someday visit Lake Baikal, etc. Unless you are in a group of strangers who've just met, follow up your comment by asking what they think of your country.

Ukrainians and Russians may not appear that friendly at first on the street but once you get to know them, you've found true friends for life. So make that your approach and you'll avoid many of the more common tourist problems.

[mendeleyev]

From Russian interviews on the street:





A Ukrainian viewpoint:

http://youtu.be/2HsWfSdx-yQ




Not surprisingly, Russian kids who have learned English in school have a better opinion of the USA:

[mendeleyev]

Hopefully this Ukrainian interview will load:

[mendeleyev]

If you can imagine the things we think without really knowing, imagine what happens when we speak!

Of course these pretty FSU girls are already in the USA, but maybe you can pick up some hints of what NOT to say when you meet Russian/Ukrainian girls:

[calmissile]

Ukrainians and Russians may not appear that friendly at first on the street but once you get to know them, you've found true friends for life. So make that your approach and you'll avoid many of the more common tourist problems.

How very true and misunderstood by many Americans that do not spend enough time in country to realize it. Once the ice is broken and you make friends, you can have a friend for life.

[calmissile]

Russia, Ukraine, and the other former Soviet republics are civilized countries, trust us. But not all things are the same as back home so we'll start with some handy packing advice:

One thing you forgot..... it is possible and sometimes likely you will have your bag lost at some connection and it can take days to retrieve it.

Pack one set of clothes in a carrry on.  Also, bring your cameras, electronic translator, computer, etc. in a carry on.

[mendeleyev]

Excellent advice from a seasoned traveler.

[mendeleyev]

Traveling to Eastern Europe and Asia is a fun experience for most tourists. Making sure that you have your normal medications and health supplements is a smart part of your pre-trip planning experience.

Traveling around this time of year often means that you'll travel with some medications, prescription or otherwise.Those can range from over-the-counter cold and flu medications to things you take at home by prescription.

While Russia and Ukraine are very modern countries have likely have most of the medications you'll take along, the problem is that first you don't know their Russian names and secondly you don't have a prescription from a local doctor. As with any type of international travel there will be some medications that don't require a prescription in-country, and vise versa.



This is a medical centre/clinic. (фото Антон Балашов primamedia.ru)

Most foreign travelers never visit a doctor or pharmacy while in-country but we'll help you along if you do. In most cases you'll carry what you need with you. As these are developed nations, they do have drug control laws and with a little foresight and planning, you can avoid most problems.

Rarely is it an issue but if there is, 99.9& of the time the medications you carry will only be a concern at in-coming customs when arriving at your destination. Again, it is hardly an issue but if it is, you need to be prepared. In Russia there is a unit of the police whose work is for the ФСКН (FSKN) which are the narcotic police. These police are called the Наркополиция and the first 4 letters are NARK as in "narc" so you get an idea of what they do.

It is doubtful that this will be a problem but in the rare cases that it is a problem, the issue is serious.

So, let's prepare:

- All pills and medications should be in an original container with the prescription label securely attached.
- In the USA many pharmacies give you a receipt showing the prescription details, how many refills, name of the doctor, etc. When possible, take this too.
- Never combine various pills in one bottle to save space. (You can imagine a customs official trying to make sense of a bottle that has 20 cold/flu red pills, 30 short green pills, 26 white aspirin, 15 brown Ibuprofen, 18 yellow antibiotics, etc. We've all done this and never had an issue but are leaving ourselves open for the wrong customs officer who is having a bad hair day.)
- Over the counter medicines and supplement pills should also be in their original packaging if possible.


The US Embassy website contains the following information:

Prescription Medication: Russia also has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Russia prohibits certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs common in the United States. Large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny.

The Embassy recommends that all U.S. citizens carry a copy of their valid U.S. prescription(s) when entering Russia with prescription medication(s). There have been instances where U.S. citizens have been detained in Russia because they were not able to prove they lawfully obtained their prescription medication in the United States.

Drugs used to control seizures such as sedatives and tranquilizers are illegal to transport into Russia and most other regional countries. If you must travel with these you might wish to have the prescription and a certified Russian translation of the prescription. Never volunteer information on your medicines unless asked.

One of the more frequent causes of drug related arrests of foreign tourists is by picking up hitchhikers. The tourist rents a car and decides to pick up a hitchhiker, perhaps for someone to provide direction, etc. In a traffic stop if the hitchhiker is carrying illegal narcotics, you are an accomplice.




The sign says that this pharmacy is open 24 hours.

If you need medications, finding a pharmacy is easy. The Russian term is Аптека (aph-teka) and they're everywhere from street corners to ground floor shops in apartment buildings.


Hints should you need medications while in Russia or Ukraine:

- Most generics available in Russia are manufactured in India. They do follow the formula, usually. It is that "usually" that makes us recommend that if possible you buy the real thing.
- Many medications in Russia do not need a prescription but you'll need to ask. We recommend that you print clearly what you need on a piece of paper. That way if the pharmacy tech doesn't understand your spoken English they can look it up using the English name.
We'll list some of the more commonly requested medications:




Аспирин = Aspirin.



Анальгин = Analgin, pain and fever.



Фервекс = Feverex, good for fevers and colds. Made by Bristol-Myers Squibb.


Нитроглицерин = Nitroglycerine



Карболен = carbon (charcoal) tablets, great antacid.




Имодиум = Imodium.



Парацетамол = Paracetamol, an Acetaminophen said to be good for flu/colds.


Finally, if necessary you can find a local medical clinic often called a медицинская клиника, a polyclinic/doctor's office. Depending on the area, these can range to very modern to a trip back into another period in time. Don't forget that most doctors do still make house calls.

[JayH]

I have a small point--supermarkets have near enough the same products you will find in the west--certainly the case in Ukraine-- so you do not need to get ridiculous in what you carry or take as gifts.
A key point at this time of the year on-- for those not familiar with really cold conditions-- you need on arrival an appropriate coat,headwear and probably shoes with thicker soles-- to keep feet dry etc. It will be warm to hot inside--and being able to take outside wear off immediately inside makes life easier!!
Winter clothes really weigh for flying-- so you need to wear or carry for that reason- and also in situation that  bags do not arrive!!

[Ooooops]

One of the more frequent causes of drug related arrests of foreign tourists is by picking up hitchhikers. The tourist rents a car and decides to pick up a hitchhiker, perhaps for someone to provide direction, etc. In a traffic stop if the hitchhiker is carrying illegal narcotics, you are an accomplice.

You are talking about Russia, right?  Or is just a generalization? 

[mendeleyev]

I'd think it a generalization, Ooooops, but the US Embassy in Moscow has a warning about this issue.

[Ooooops]

I'd think it a generalization, Ooooops, but the US Embassy in Moscow has a warning about this issue.

You've living in Moscow forever, right?  And in this case you know that "gipsy taxi" is a common thing?

[mendeleyev]

The State Department warning pertains for both those foreigners who use a gypsy taxi and for those who rent cars and pick up hitchhikers.

The city outlawed gypsy taxis in Moscow sometime back, both to promote licensed taxi services and in preparation for the upcoming Olympic games, thinking that the practice made Moscow both less safe and appearing backwards. However while it has slowed the practice somewhat, it has not stopped it.

[Chicagoguy]

One thing I would like to work around is flight cancelations or changes and the terrible problems with our luggage. Once with my wife and last year with me our flights out of Chicago were changed after we had already checked our bags.
She was promised that her bags would follow her to her home in a small city 350 miles from Moscow. Once in Chicago and again in Moscow. They arrived 3 weeks later. There is modern airport where she lives or an overnight direct train so it should not have been a problem. You must go back to the airport once they do arrive. They do not deliver like in U.S. I was calling for help for he from U.S. and she was calling from Fathers flat.
Last Spring it was my turn. At the gate in Chicago they said not to worry, they were being transferred as we spoke. Lie. In Moscow three different people promised [ lied ] that my bags would arrive in her city the next day. 7 days and 15 phone calls later they did arrive. Only one thing stolen. I had small lock on bag but I think this only attracts more attention.
Of course my toilet kit and meds + more were always with me in separate carryon bag.
Anybody have any ideas on this?

[steveboy]

Traveling to Eastern Europe and Asia is a fun experience for most tourists. Making sure that you have your normal medications and health supplements is a smart part of your pre-trip planning experience.

Traveling around this time of year often means that you'll travel with some medications, prescription or otherwise.Those can range from over-the-counter cold and flu medications to things you take at home by prescription.

While Russia and Ukraine are very modern countries have likely have most of the medications you'll take along, the problem is that first you don't know their Russian names and secondly you don't have a prescription from a local doctor. As with any type of international travel there will be some medications that don't require a prescription in-country, and vise versa.



This is a medical centre/clinic. (фото Антон Балашов primamedia.ru)

Most foreign travelers never visit a doctor or pharmacy while in-country but we'll help you along if you do. In most cases you'll carry what you need with you. As these are developed nations, they do have drug control laws and with a little foresight and planning, you can avoid most problems.

Rarely is it an issue but if there is, 99.9& of the time the medications you carry will only be a concern at in-coming customs when arriving at your destination. Again, it is hardly an issue but if it is, you need to be prepared. In Russia there is a unit of the police whose work is for the ФСКН (FSKN) which are the narcotic police. These police are called the Наркополиция and the first 4 letters are NARK as in "narc" so you get an idea of what they do.

It is doubtful that this will be a problem but in the rare cases that it is a problem, the issue is serious.

So, let's prepare:

- All pills and medications should be in an original container with the prescription label securely attached.
- In the USA many pharmacies give you a receipt showing the prescription details, how many refills, name of the doctor, etc. When possible, take this too.
- Never combine various pills in one bottle to save space. (You can imagine a customs official trying to make sense of a bottle that has 20 cold/flu red pills, 30 short green pills, 26 white aspirin, 15 brown Ibuprofen, 18 yellow antibiotics, etc. We've all done this and never had an issue but are leaving ourselves open for the wrong customs officer who is having a bad hair day.)
- Over the counter medicines and supplement pills should also be in their original packaging if possible.


The US Embassy website contains the following information:

Prescription Medication: Russia also has very strict rules on the importation of medication. Russia prohibits certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs common in the United States. Large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny.

The Embassy recommends that all U.S. citizens carry a copy of their valid U.S. prescription(s) when entering Russia with prescription medication(s). There have been instances where U.S. citizens have been detained in Russia because they were not able to prove they lawfully obtained their prescription medication in the United States.

Drugs used to control seizures such as sedatives and tranquilizers are illegal to transport into Russia and most other regional countries. If you must travel with these you might wish to have the prescription and a certified Russian translation of the prescription. Never volunteer information on your medicines unless asked.

One of the more frequent causes of drug related arrests of foreign tourists is by picking up hitchhikers. The tourist rents a car and decides to pick up a hitchhiker, perhaps for someone to provide direction, etc. In a traffic stop if the hitchhiker is carrying illegal narcotics, you are an accomplice.




The sign says that this pharmacy is open 24 hours.

If you need medications, finding a pharmacy is easy. The Russian term is Аптека (aph-teka) and they're everywhere from street corners to ground floor shops in apartment buildings.


Hints should you need medications while in Russia or Ukraine:

- Most generics available in Russia are manufactured in India. They do follow the formula, usually. It is that "usually" that makes us recommend that if possible you buy the real thing.
- Many medications in Russia do not need a prescription but you'll need to ask. We recommend that you print clearly what you need on a piece of paper. That way if the pharmacy tech doesn't understand your spoken English they can look it up using the English name.
We'll list some of the more commonly requested medications:




Аспирин = Aspirin.



Анальгин = Analgin, pain and fever.



Фервекс = Feverex, good for fevers and colds. Made by Bristol-Myers Squibb.


Нитроглицерин = Nitroglycerine



Карболен = carbon (charcoal) tablets, great antacid.




Имодиум = Imodium.



Парацетамол = Paracetamol, an Acetaminophen said to be good for flu/colds.


Finally, if necessary you can find a local medical clinic often called a медицинская клиника, a polyclinic/doctor's office. Depending on the area, these can range to very modern to a trip back into another period in time. Don't forget that most doctors do still make house calls.

Your making it sound as though every guy here planing to travel to Russia to find his "Bride" is an OAP! All this talk of medicines , what about any guys who need to travel with a colostomy bag? and what about mentioning the toilet situation in Moscow ? If you have a weak bladder and many do after 65 you need to be prepared, the public toilets are a far cry from what you are used to. There is also little wheelchair access to many underpasses. Reminds me of that classic movie "Cocoon" 

[SANDRO43]

Steveboy, just a suggestion: when you quote somebody's LONG post, you CAN cut out its irrelevant parts and save your readers' some scrolling time .

[JayH]

Travelers from European countries are viewed a little differently than American travelers. Russians feel a continental affinity with other Europeans although of course there are some differences in language and cultures.

American and Russian relations have been all over the charts, up and down, and today that is no different. The USA and Russia had a long history of friendship right up to the Bolshevik Revolution and our sending troops to Russia to fight on the side of the White Army. The USA (along with allies Britain, Canada, France and Czechoslovakia) were defeated along with the White Army and sent packing for home. That did strain relations with Russia and each of these nations for a long time, but especially with the UK and the USA.

So, do not make the mistake of thinking that the USA and Russia have always been on opposite sides politically. I'd recommend an attitude of friendship and that will help you in most situations.

The point of this little nugget of history is to advise caution on how you present yourself, especially if an American. Depending on the political flavour of the year, you are either a good guy, the most evil person walking on the planet, or somewhere in between. Since you don't know how you are being viewed, take a respectful profile and don't flaunt your citizenship, don't flaunt your passport and don't flaunt your financial status. No matter what you've heard from family and friends, most Russians do NOT care about a blue passport and the only thing you'll catch by using your financial status as bait is a lady intent on seizing your wealth.

Russians (and Ukrainians) will invariably ask you what Americans think of their country? They just will. Have an answer ready and let your answer include a compliment. Compliments are easy when genuine and can range from the majesty of Red Square, to the beauty of their city, to the warmth of the people, to how you've always admired the wonder of the Trans Siberian, or that you'd love to someday visit Lake Baikal, etc. Unless you are in a group of strangers who've just met, follow up your comment by asking what they think of your country.

Ukrainians and Russians may not appear that friendly at first on the street but once you get to know them, you've found true friends for life. So make that your approach and you'll avoid many of the more common tourist problems.

I have made the point a few times that  leaving the American superiority complex at home  will enhance the travel experience generally.  Having an open mind about things being "different" does to equal "inferior" or a reason for arrogance .The rest of the   world does not see the USA in the same way as US citizens mostly do-- so being sensitive to that will only be helping themselves.

[Ooooops]

The city outlawed gypsy taxis in Moscow sometime back, both to promote licensed taxi services and in preparation for the upcoming Olympic games, thinking that the practice made Moscow both less safe and appearing backwards. However while it has slowed the practice somewhat, it has not stopped it.

Yep, that is my point.      But then, of course, I've been away from there such a long time and in short trips my friends usually drive us around, so I haven't done that for a long time, but back when I was living there catching a "chastnik" was pretty much a norm. 

[mendeleyev]

what about any guys who need to travel with a colostomy bag?

Steve, sorry but I didn't know about your condition. I'll try to cover that in a future post. 

[Daveman]

Your making it sound as though every guy here planing to travel to Russia to find his "Bride" is an OAP! All this talk of medicines , what about any guys who need to travel with a colostomy bag? and what about mentioning the toilet situation in Moscow ? If you have a weak bladder and many do after 65 you need to be prepared, the public toilets are a far cry from what you are used to. There is also little wheelchair access to many underpasses. Reminds me of that classic movie "Cocoon" 

Really? Only those over 65 get headaches, colds/flu, food related stomach problems, or perhaps could need an emergency clinic? 




As far as toilets go.. I do believe any tree, shrub, or reklama signage would suffice in an emergency.     Except for Steve, who it appears carries his own... 

[mendeleyev]

All this talk of medicines

Things like aspirin and pain medications are among the most requested items by foreign travelers. Traveling can be stressful and especially younger and more inexperienced travelers forget to bring along some of the basics that more experienced tourists pack as part of a routine.

At this time of year it is prudent to either pack cold and fever meds or at least know what to ask for when you come down with the flu.

[JayH]

Things like aspirin and pain medications are among the most requested items by foreign travelers. Traveling can be stressful and especially younger and more inexperienced travelers forget to bring along some of the basics that more experienced tourists pack as part of a routine.

At this time of year it is prudent to either pack cold and fever meds or at least know what to ask for when you come down with the flu.

Band aids,suncreams ,toothpaste,toothbrush -- all day to day items easily forgotten  etc. It was why I posted that supermarkets are much the same. Some have some strange ideas about a "new" world !!
 

[Ooooops]

BTW, Mendy, about Карболен = carbon (charcoal) tablets, great antacid.

Charcoal is good for upset (bloated) stomach, not for the heartburn relief.