Tips about Moscow

[chivo]

10) the airports: mostly you'll be dealing with both SVO 1 & 2, or Domodedovo. Both are easy airports to deal with so don't get flustered if its your first time. Passport control is easy if your papers are in order and English is prevalent at both airports, especially Domodedovo.

couple of things, don't go the VIP route unless you have money to burn or really need your hand held, its not that much faster for what you pay for and its not a big deal going through the airport customs. also, make sure your immigration card is completed. it will be what you need when you register your visa.   

you should also have a ride set up upon your arrival (you shouldnt pay more than $30-40 for this BTW), obviously for convenience and peace of mind. you will be bombarded with "taxi" services after you pass the luggage terminal, but while many find this intimidating or rude an aggressive, i find it funny. its all how you look at things. but, depending on your disposition, a quick, firm, and loud nyet will take care of any unwarranted solicitations. Bottom line, don't sweat the vultures.

transferring from one airport to another can be tricky, especially if its your first visit and don't expect much help from the locals at the airport (even if you know Russian). best to have all this taken care of in advance to ease the stress you'll feel otherwise.

11) money exchange: its always best to exchange a little money at the airport, but no more than $20-30 just to have some cash on hand. your best rates for exchange can be found all over Moscow away from the airport and city center, even though you can get good rates at a few places around the center. right now a good rate of exchange is anywhere from 26.65-26.80. 27 can be had at a few casinos around the New Arbat.

things to watch out for when exchanging money are 1) be careful that the price posted on the outside of the kiosk is the same price posted inside. this is an old scam they use to nickel and dime unsuspecting tourist (mostly).

another, more frequent scam is to put your money in the bin so that there is always 500-1000 ru. that mysteriously disappears (its doesn't, it just is hidden from view). so, just make sure you always count your money and double check the bend. you may think its normal to count and double check, but i have seen many a Russian leave money in the bin. just be sure.
good luck and peace out for now.

chivo

[happiness]

10) the airports: mostly you'll be dealing with both SVO 1 & 2, or Domodedovo. Both are easy airports to deal with so don't get flustered if its your first time.

Are you kidding?  I've never seen a more FUBAR airport situation than transferring between SVO2 and SVO1. Easy to deal with?  I would hate to see your definition of "hard to deal with" 

11) money exchange: its always best to exchange a little money at the airport, but no more than $20-30 just to have some cash on hand. your best rates for exchange can be found all over Moscow away from the airport and city center, even though you can get good rates at a few places around the center. right now a good rate of exchange is anywhere from 26.65-26.80. 27 can be had at a few casinos around the New Arbat.

I just got back from a trip and used ATM's exclusively.  In SVO2, the exchange rate at the Master-Bank ATM was 27.03 rubles to a dollar.  Obviously, this depends heavily on your bank in your home country.  If you do your banking at a corporate giant in the US (like Citibank, Bank of America, Wachovia, etc.) then prepare for a bad exchange rate plus additional fees for using ATM's.  But if you have a small bank, chances are you will get a better exchange rate at the ATM.  I consistently got rates above 27 with only withdrawal at 26.80 during the last week of June.  I also used ATM's during my trip last year and had the same experience.

[Turboguy]

Are you kidding?  I've never seen a more FUBAR airport situation than transferring between SVO2 and SVO1. Easy to deal with?  I would hate to see your definition of "hard to deal with" 

Anything is hard to deal with if you don't know the language and and don't know what to do.  There is a bus between SVO1 & 2 but I find it more convenient just to play hard to get with a cab driver until they agree to take me for $ 20.00.  Some guys have done it for less.  I do agree it can be very confusing and the information booth is not much help.

[chivo]

Are you kidding?  I've never seen a more FUBAR airport situation than transferring between SVO2 and SVO1. Easy to deal with?  I would hate to see your definition of "hard to deal with" 

I just got back from a trip and used ATM's exclusively.  In SVO2, the exchange rate at the Master-Bank ATM was 27.03 rubles to a dollar.  Obviously, this depends heavily on your bank in your home country.  If you do your banking at a corporate giant in the US (like Citibank, Bank of America, Wachovia, etc.) then prepare for a bad exchange rate plus additional fees for using ATM's.  But if you have a small bank, chances are you will get a better exchange rate at the ATM.  I consistently got rates above 27 with only withdrawal at 26.80 during the last week of June.  I also used ATM's during my trip last year and had the same experience.

SVO1 is a little more to deal with but it shouldn't be a problem. hopefully visiting Russia isn't the first time outside your neighborhood. even if it is...

do you ever plan your trips? i find it helps. there are dozens of services that will pick you up, deliver you to any of the airports from SVO2, or any other place you want to go, and pretty much arrange everything for you if you so desire.

set this up before you come and you should have no problems especially 1st timers.(maybe it can be had for less depending and what service you use, and how you use them).

a ride from SVO2 to SVO1 will cost you around what turbo suggested give or take $5 with the cabby's there at SVO2 if all else fails. just learn how to say the airport's name, many cabby's at SVO2 speak decent English anyway. 

as far as ATM's go, yes they're around of course, but many have their own built in fee that will be charged back to your bank as well as the bank fees normally from most banks. if your bank allows you to use ATM's free of charge worldwide thats great, but most don't as you said.

for some ATM's, this can mean fees in excess of $6usd (162ru.). i find it extremely hard to believe most banks that people use will let them use ATM services around the world for free, your situation aside (yes, i sure some do depending on the account).

i suspect that someone might want to bring a few hundred dollars of pocket change as well that they might want to exchange also, but call me crazy. just a headsup to some that will exchange money, as im sure it will happen.

look, im sure the first time you come to a country like Russia its going to be a little stressful. and no matter how much we plan, we're all going to get nickled and dimed to death, and unexpected things will happen, especially the first time. but if you can't deal with SVO2, and how to get to SVO1 from there, or any other place in Moscow in this day and age, not to mention that many of the posters here on this website who could help you if that be the case, then all i can say is god help you, you're going to need him when you finally get to the women. good luck, peace out.

chivo

[happiness]

as far as ATM's go, yes they're around of course, but many have their own built in fee that will be charged back to your bank as well as the bank fees normally from most banks. if your bank allows you to use ATM's free of charge worldwide thats great, but most don't as you said.

...

look, im sure the first time you come to a country like Russia its going to be a little stressful. and no matter how much we plan, we're all going to get nickled and dimed to death, and unexpected things will happen, especially the first time.

True, about half the ATM's that I tried to use wanted to charge a 2% transaction fee so I just pressed the Cancel button and took my card to another machine.  The best machines were connected to banks or inside of the airports.  The stand alone machines seemed to consistently want the transaction fee.

I was just trying to say that it's not a well planned, efficient transfer system between SVO2 and SVO1. It's not an easy transfer unless you have done it a few times, and then you will still have to haul your luggage around, ride in a bus or cab without air conditioning and sit in airport traffic for at least an hour.

I would compare transferring between SVO2 and SVO1 like transferring between the JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York.  It's a pain in the A**.  Sure, you can take the free transfer bus if you're flying on Aeroflot or take a public bus between the terminals or take a taxi or plan for the VIP transfer before arriving.  I used to think that connecting in Atlanta (the world's busiest airport) or walking around the horseshoe in Dallas was a royal pain, but Moscow is now at the top of my list for worst airport.  Maybe things will improve when Aeroflot opens terminal 3 next year?

[jb]

Moscow's Sheremetyevo II airport is badly outdated.  IIRC, construction was begun on the *SVOII* terminal back in the late '70's in preparation for the 1980 Olympics, and was never completed according to the original plans.  The next time you are in the SVOII arrival hall stop for a moment and look up into the overhead, it is still in it's unfinished condition with 75% of the lighting still not working. I had always wondered why it was so dark and gloomy so I asked and that was the answer I was given.

If you are old enough to remember back to that time frame, internal domestic air travel was an oddity for most Russians, and still is to some extent, principal domestic travel was done by train, not air.  SVOI was considered to be adequate for the city's needs at that time.  SVOII was to be the *new* International Terminal and was supposed to be the Crown Jewel to impress foreign travelers with the modernity of Moscow.  Not many western travelers, especially Americans, had visited behind the Iron Curtain prior to this event and for most, SVOII would be their first glimpse for the *real* Russia.  Typical of the Soviet mentality of the time, they were merely polishing a turd.

Sheremetyevo II still handles 60% of all international arrivals and departures, so your odds of having to go through SVOII are good if you are coming from the west, however, Domodedovo International Airport is the leading airport in Russia in terms of passenger throughput, but those are mostly passengers from coming and going to points to the south and east. 

Down in the FAQ section, Muckraker has written up an excellent piece on SVOII - SVOI transfer, it ought to be required reading for anyone whose travel itinerary has Moscow on the list.

[jb]

Incidentally, the first time I ever did this cost me 10 Ru, (about 20 cents), and I rode in a mini-bus around the airport sitting on my luggage for about 15 minutes.  SVO 1 and SVO 2 share the same runways and are just two different terminals sitting on opposite sides of the same airport.  I was so happy with my "Russian " experience I tipped the driver a buck and he almost had a heart attack. That was prolly more money than he made in a week.  But that was 20 years ago.

If you know a bit of Russian you can still do this the "Russian Way" and not have your wallet raped by the Moscow Taxi Mafia.

[Manny]

As JB said............... that was 20 years ago................

Yes when you arrive @ 2 you will be ambushed by taxi drivers hoping to score a quick $50 from you for a 10 min taxi ride.........You only have to say 'nyet' and keep walking outside....

Walk past them and outside you will find the bus........that will connect you to all terminals for a very small price, dont expect the drivers to speak english and expect to get buffeted on the turnstyle on the bus, as people with better Russian and/or passes barge past you pulling their luggage, but struggle (and not with a 1000 Rouble note) and you will get there on the bus for peanuts!

Yes the airports are sparse but were you expecting JFK? Of course not! This is Russia, language is fast and so are the scams.... start here at Moscow 2   

[Jooky]

Places to eat:

I can't believe Rostiks was recommended. ;-) That is some nasty chicken. If KFC revamps the place it will be a major improvement! Sbarro also completely sucks. Worst two places to eat in Moscow in my opinion.

For a quick snack I recommend a blini cart or Kartochka potato stand. Not great but not too bad. Elki Palki beats all for a chain restaurant. Moo Moo (also a chain) is pretty good for a Russian style buffet. Might as well eat some Ruskki food in Russia right?

What I really recommend is Genatsvale (Georgian food) between Old and New Arbat (Arbatskaya metro). Very tasty food and great interior design and atmosphere.

I also recommend Pancho Villa (strange but tasty Mexican food) at Oktyabrsky metro station for something different.

Or drop in just about anywhere and get some cheap shashlik (shish kebab).

Stop by the Hard Rock, TGIF or other random American restaurant and pick up a copy of the Exile for a list of decent restaurants of all kinds. There are many good restaurants of every cuisine in Moscow.

JB, SVO II has been undergoing some major changes this year, and it's starting to look alright. That hideous ceiling is gone for starters and it's not so gloomy anymore. ;-) I wish there were more flights through Vnukovo! That's the closest airport to the city I've used, and it's not too shabby.

[Turboguy]

I think it is all a matter of taste.  Sbarros is actually my favorite place in Moscow if I am just looking for some food.  I will agree with you about Elki Palki, good cuisine, good atmosphere, good prices and there are lots of them.

The last time I was in SVO2 I was a little shocked.  It actually has turned into a decent airport.  It even has a new internet cafe so you can catch up on RWD.

To me Vnukovo is the nicest Moscow airport.   Despite the distance it is the hardest to get into Moscow from.   The plans are to triple the flights into that airport and to enlarge it.   They have big expansion plans and I think you will see it used more in the future.  Right now a lot of flights from Ukraine land there.  I was supposed to land there this morning.

[wiz]

Chivo

Looks that I wil be coming to Moscow and then to Tula much earlier than expected due to my Russian friend that I met in Greece.

I will be staying in Moscow for 3-4 days and she refuses for me to rent a flat because she has arranged for us to stay at her married sister's flat!

Can you please give me some advise and idea of what present should I bring from the UK, for her sister and husband to make sure my G/F is pleased with me as also her sister and husband?

Thanks

[Elen]

To me Vnukovo is the nicest Moscow airport.   Despite the distance it is the hardest to get into Moscow from.   

I didn;t get what you meant telling "ther hardest to get into Moscow from) but there are buses to subway station Ugo-Zapadnaya, there are trains to Kievskyi railway station (~35 minutes), there are mini buses, there are taxists if you wish - what else would you want for to get into Moscow?

[BillyB]

Wiz,

A few gifts I found out that is appreciated is fine chocolates and scenic books of your homeland. A good rule of thumb is whatever you buy, make sure it's made in the country you're from. So for you, made in England gifts only.

[Elen]

Now it's hard to find something wich would not have a tinny sign "made in China" even matryoshka 

[wiz]

Now it's hard to find something wich would not have a tinny sign "made in China" even matryoshka 

Elen

Agree with you but as a Greek Living in the UK I still can find, Greek oil and cheese made in Greece....LOL

[Elen]

Well then bring her some cheese (I got one like a gift from Holland  )

[Ste]

Now it's hard to find something wich would not have a tinny sign "made in China" even matryoshka 

Reminds me of Volodya in the movie 'Moscow on the Hudson' after he'd successfully defected from the USSR to USA and called his mama in Russia.....

"Mama, I got my first pair of American Shoes today, they were made in Italy...."

That's a great movie BTW, sympathetic towards Soviets and even slightly anti-USA, certainly not the usual East is crap, West is great movie.....

Some old Soviet actors in it, no doubt real defectors themselves, like Samely Kramarov, as the KGB man in the movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087747/ 

Ste

[chivo]

Jooky,

the last time i was in Rostiks (the one by Oktabraskaya) just to meet someone, i couldn't find a place to sit it was so crowded. i ate there once and while not exactly the best, ive had worse chicken in the US. just mentioning a cheap alternative. also, when did McDonald's become good? when I'm in the US, the only time you'll find me in one of these restaurants is when I'm in the middle of nowhere asking for directions . yet i've been to free concerts in America with less people at them than your average Moscow McDonalds . different strokes.

also Pancho Villas is not bad, but if you want a quiet atmosphere where you can ACTUALLY talk to your lady, this is not it. if you want to eat to the beat of loud salsa music and watch drunk Russians try to dance to it...this is your place .

Ive also dropped in to some places and had shaslik that tasted like a boot, so while most places offer up decent shaslik, let the buyer beware.

heres the exiles website as the paper is not always available around town. Great paper for anyone coming to Moscow (and not a bad read period!!).

http://www.exile.ru/

Wiz,

buying gifts for other people has always been tough for me even when i know them. since i don't know the people you're buying for, its a tough call. but...some of the things that were well received from me here were clothes with names on it, i.e., I'm from LA so sweaters, shirts with Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara or Hollywood, etc written on them, and as mentioned, anything with a local flavor from your area, regardless of the china emblem (like a coffee mug with London on it, or something similar). For a man, if you know him and his likes, maybe a nice swiss army knife or something like this might be well received. i think as long as you bring something of decent quality and up, you'll be OK.

Now as far as airports go again, when was the last time you saw something built or renovated quickly in Russia? they've been dealing with that third terminal at SVO off and on for years. the little building by my apt some company is remodelling for what seems like a year now still looks remarkably the same as when they started. hell the hotel they're building in place of the old Intourist on Tverskaya has been going on for how long now? and you think America has a lot of red tape.

while they'll expand by necessity, don't go thinking anything major will happen anytime soon, so get used to SVO1&2 and Domodedovo (which is quite nice in and of itself BTW) because thats what you'll be mainly dealing with for the time being. and while some places are on the improve, things just take a lot of time to get accomplished here. remember one of the oldest and oft used lines here when it comes to dealing with things...."hey what did you expect, this is Russia". peace out.

chivo

[chivo]

Jook,

when you coming to Moscow BTW? thought it was in the near future. give me a headsup and you can but me a drink a Panchos and we can watch the drunk Russians (women) dance to the salsa... . ciao.

chivo

[wiz]

Jook,

when you coming to Moscow BTW? thought it was in the near future. give me a headsup and you can but me a drink a Panchos and we can watch the drunk Russians (women) dance to the salsa... . ciao.

chivo

Thanks for the advice regarding presents....I hope I can come up with something good for them.

Anyway next month on the 12th ME and my G/F Olga we are meeting at the Greek island in Corfu for a 7 day holiday and I am sure together we can find something there that they will like it.

She has not told me how much she is earning but looks that the ministry must pay her well as she is refusing help for the trip! On the other hand she got the taste of good life in Greece........and plan also to meet me in Kos, again in October!

I think it will be around the middle of November that I may come to Moskow and Tula......and of course i will let you know so we can have another argument about Americans........errror....watch the girls dancing!...LOL

Regards
Wiz

[BillyB]

Chivo,

I've noticed the construction is slow in Russia too and most likely it's the norm in all the FSU. The cranes are antique and covered in rust most of the time. Many projects are delayed possibly due to lack of finances or abandonded. I've noticed, especially when I was in Novosibirsk in 2004, there were many half built buildings with nobody working on them. The re-bar sticking our of concrete slabs or columns have been rusting for years. I remember in Uzbekistan 3 apartment building 2 were finished and one 75% completed but I noticed in the apartments with no windows, paint or interior finishings, there were people(possibly homeless) living in there regardless. I would say that project was abandoned a decade or so ago. Nobody has any intent on completing it.