Crime in the FSU

[Turkey]

The question of security came up in another thread and wanted to get your collective opinions on what the crime scene is like over there. 

When you all visited, did u feel safe enough to walk around?  At night? 

Anyone have any bad experiences?  Good experiences?

Were the authorities 'honest'?  etc..

[wxman]

I have never experienced any problems in Ukraine. Never been bothered by the police or anyone else. I never walked alone late at night, which is common sense anywhere. I also have never had problems anywhere else that I have travelled whether it was in western Europe or in the US.

[BC]

No problems encountered here. I didn't 'stick out' dress wise, only when I opened my mouth..  Like in any country there are probably some areas that a tourist might want to avoid alone.  Having a local along when delving into areas outside 'Tourist' zones is probably a good idea.  Standard precautions as in any country, probably a good idea not to load your pockets with cash, leave your cash card, expensive/flashy jewlery, unnecessary credit cards, some original ID, passport and CC copies in your suitcase or other safe place.

I always have maybe 50 bucks or so in my otherwise empty wallet in case someone decides to cause trouble.  I'll just hand it over and hopefully be on my merry way, unscathed, in short order.

[ScottinCrimea]

In over three years of visiting and then living in Ukraine, I have never had a single problem.  I walk anywhere day or night and don't worry a bit.  Even our teenage daughter walks around with complete safety.  I feel much safer in Ukraine than in the US.

You aren't going to see much in the way of violent crimes or armed robbery.  The thing you need to worry about are crimes of opportunity.  If you leave something laying around unattended, it will disappear.  You also may have some problems with pickpockets in crowds in some areas, expecially if there are gypsies around, so just keep your wallet in your front pocket at those times and no problem.

I think people in general will try to talk you out of your money rather than take it forcefully from you.

[Simoni]

In over three years of visiting and then living in Ukraine, I have never had a single problem.  I walk anywhere day or night and don't worry a bit.  Even our teenage daughter walks around with complete safety.  I feel much safer in Ukraine than in the US.

Scott's post says it all....Ukraine is quite safe.  I'll have to disagree on the last sentence, however.  I feel safe in Ukraine, but safer in the US.  But both are safe places.

Where is Bruno these days with his stats?  We miss him!

p.s.  You might also consider the remote area Scott lives in when considering crime stats, as compared to a big city like Kiev or Kharkov or Dnepr.  Likewise, if you compare crime in NYC to Austin, there is a difference.

[Gator]

Russia and Ukraine seem safer than the USA in general - but not my neighborhood.  The incidence of pickpockets and car radio theft may be higher there; however, you do not feel that someone would mug you, etc.

[Gator]

so just keep your wallet in your front pocket at those times and no problem.

That was where I had it when the SOB picked it.  Russian men keep their money and documents in a breast pocket inside their coat.

[I/O]

did u feel safe enough to walk around?  At night? 

Anyone have any bad experiences?  Good experiences?

Were the authorities 'honest'?  etc..

5 Questions ...(I think) 5 answers. Yes, yes, nothing drastic, many, no.

I/O

[55North]

In Kyiv, last week, a friend from the US (who is 4 years time-served visiting Ukraine) had his wallet lifted from his front pocket on a crowded metro train.  He got it back sans cash.
 
Two weeks ago I was ROBBED BY A BANK, in Kyiv.  A warning tale for all you guys who go to O'Brien's.
 
O'Brien's is one of two 'Irish' bars in town visited by nearly all US-UK expats eventually, even if it's just to catch the football.  On the lower semi-basement floor, to the side of reception is an ATM placed by the Nadra Bank.  On May 25, I used it, received my card back, but no money or receipt.  A complaint was made directly to the duty officer, but she explained that it was nothing to do with them (which I sort of understood).  As I had an unresolved password issue with my online bank, I was unable to learn the anticipated truth until I returned to the UK.  Yes, I had been taken for 1000 uah.
 
What to do?  I have a tri-lingual friend in Kyiv who has already made further representation to OB's.  She gets the feeling (instinct she says) from staff, that it is not the first time.
 

[viking]

No problems in Kiev but did have an issue once in Saint Pete. There was a major parade and the streets were VERY crowded. My passport was in my left front pants pocket and my cell in the right. All of a sudden there were was a hand reaching into each pocket (two people). I managed to grab the hand of the girl on my left, but she brooke lose and disappeared in the crowd. Saved my passport but lost my phone.

[Mir]

So far I have not had any problems in several visits to Ukraine and one visit to Russia.
I have never been stopped by police, even late at night.
I have used cash, ATM and credit card with no problems.
Never used metro in Kiev so maybe that can be a problem.
Have been hassled by beggars and pest who walk along with and ask for money but they did not try to put their hands in my pocket.Several times I had given much more then required to Babushka and young men by mistake only for them to return the money.
I have been a victim of credit card fraud three times in last 2 years. Once in the US, once in Paris and last month in Dubai!

[ScottinCrimea]

simoni,  Simferopol is a city of nearly half a million and the capital of Crimea.  Not exactly a "remote" area.  However, there aren't as many foreignors here so those that tend to prey on them will go to more "productive" areas.  But even traveling in other cities, I have had not a single problem.  I have done business with the banks here and used the TAM literally hundreds of times with no loss of money or card. And like others, I have had people return extra cash that I paid by mistake or point out when I have dropped something,

I think if we asked about the same experiences we have had in the US or travel in other parts of the world, we all would have similar stories or worse.  There are people everywhere who are trying to separate us from our money, so Ukraine isn't unique either way.  It seems, though, that all of the third person accounts floating out there make it seem so.  It's nice to hear some first person accounts.

[BillyB]

I have been a victim of credit card fraud three times in last 2 years. Once in the US, once in Paris and last month in Dubai!

Be careful where you use your credit card and never let it get out of your site. People will write down your name and number and used it for internet purchases.

I bought a number of $1000 cameras off of yahoo auction for $500. I get a call from Amazon.com fraud department saying the merchandise sent to me was bought off stolen credit cards. The person was from Europe and was using credit cards owned by Americans. I suspect the Americans were tourists in the thief's country.

The FSU has lots of security at every dwelling. Usually two doors of Steel construction. I suspect it's done for a reason. Iron bars on windows at the lower level. To get into my apartment in St. Pete, I needed a key to get into the courtyard of the apartment, a key to get into staircase leading to my apartment, a key to get into the hallway where my an another apartment was located, a key to get into the first door and two keys to get into the second door. 6 keys to get into my apartment!

My fiancee never walks alone in the evening in Tashkent.

Although I lived only a small part of my life in the FSU, I encountered enough to not feel totally secure.

My luggage arrived late to Tashkent one time and the cosmetic kit for a gift was stolen.

My fiancee's phone was stolen.

I once rented an apartment within view of the Uzbekistan President's residence and a lady reported me and the apartment manager ended up paying the police a $100 bribe. Got to look out for the money hungry cops beside the thieves.

I did encounter honest people though. One lady said one bill of rubles was sticking out of my pocket as if to save me from losing it.

[Mir]

Be careful where you use your credit card and never let it get out of your site. People will write down your name and number and used it for internet purchases

Luckily you get the money back if it was a credit card fraud

[55North]

I don't think so.  It was a Debit Card.

[Simoni]

simoni,  Simferopol is a city of nearly half a million and the capital of Crimea.  Not exactly a "remote" area.  However, there aren't as many foreignors here so those that tend to prey on them will go to more "productive" areas. 

LOL 
I've been to Simferopol three times, and it seemed to me the pace was very differnent than Kiev (which is a good thing).  And yes, I do suspect crime is less there than in the bigger cities I mentioned (Kiev, Kharkov, Dnerp).

But really, you can be robbed anywhere in the world, so all of us should assume the worst and not be caught with a total loss because we were carrying all of our cash and credit cards with us.  Break them up on trips so you have backup.

[Rvrwind]

I got to agree with Scott, don't matter where you gou there are those who wil try to take what you have. I find it no better & no worse than back home.
Most of what I have experienced is I guess you could call White Collor Crime. Business people trying to screw me over. Only had the one incident a couple of months back when some punk tried to relieve me of my cell phone. His grandchildren are probably still feeling the pain I inflicted on that  dirtball.
Better to always be wary of your surroundings. I have also had incidents where I have overpaid & they have returned my money. Not all people here are thieves but those that are should be treated the same way as those back home, at least thats the way I treat them, I repay their kindess with like kindness & a whole lot of pain. Only of course if I can get my meathooks on the culprit. Nothing more satisfiyin than catching a thief in the act & metting out the apropriate punishent to suit the crime!

[DKMM]

I used my credit card all over Moscow, Tver and St. Pete.  I checked everything when i returned and it was all accurate to the ruble.  I even left my card at one place and a waiter followed me out to give it to me.

I never had the slightest bit of trouble although there were moments where I felt nervous for sure.

[ScottinCrimea]

Yes, Simoni, the pace is indeed different from Kiev.  It's one of the things I love about the place.  Having lived for several years in the Los Angeles area, it was a much welcomed change.  I'll admit there isn't much to do in the city as far as tourist things, but I also like that about it.  Heck, if I want to go to someplace touristy, there are a bunch of them within 45 minute's drive and I don't have to pay for a hotel.  If your purpose in coming to Simferopol is to meet a RW, there is more than enough to do here, expecially if you know your way around.

[Mir]

Break them up on trips so you have backup.

Good advice.

I usually hide a card in the apartment and one in some clothing in my bag when I go out.
Still it is possible to lose everything.

[Yulz]

When you all visited, did u feel safe enough to walk around?  At night? 
Anyone have any bad experiences?  Good experiences?
Were the authorities 'honest'?  etc..

To be honest, I never really felt safe back there during the day, leave alone walking outside at night time. Pickpocketing is very common; just make sure you don't carry a lot of cash on you; and more importantly, never flash it. Keep an eye on your bags at all times. Cell phones are probably the first ones to fall victim to pickpocketing
People will try to rip you off if they know you are a "foreigner"; especially if they know you are from the US.
I would not recommend walking outside past 9pm; especially in poorly lit areas. If it so happens that you do have to walk outside, make sure you are around people and can call for help if anything happens.
I've heard too many stories about someone getting stabbed walking outside past midnight.
Ironically, I've had more "bad experiences" in Canada than I did in Russia But that's probably because I let my guard down here

[macman]

What about certain clothes that blend in vs. American tourist type clothing - Any suggestions? 

mm

[Gator]

Macman,

No insult intended, but from reading your posts I imagine you can not help but look American. 

If you wish to try to look local, wear dark clothing, especially black leather shoes.  Do not smile.  Have the same facial expression as if you have been constipated for a week and now something new is annoying you (such as your boss is demanding you work late to attempt the impossible).  The expression is not a frown nor anger nor impassive, but the look of a displeased man walking around on a gloomy day.

Even more is required because there is a demeanor that you must emulate.  Pick one of the following as a model follow:

http://www.exile.ru/field_guide.html

[macman]

No insult taken Gator. . .  You are right - I'd stick out regardless and possibly pass for CIA operative depending on what sunglasses I wore! lol

BTW, that was quite humerous - Mayonnaisus Infinitas . . .  I had to laugh.  Too funny. . .

I'll stick w/ black on black and leave the Italian threads home.

mM

[Mir]

If you wish to try to look local, wear dark clothing, especially black leather shoes.  Do not smile.  Have the same facial expression as if you have been constipated for a week and now something new is annoying you (such as your boss is demanding you work late to attempt the impossible).  The expression is not a frown nor anger nor impassive, but the look of a displeased man walking around on a gloomy day

Ahh now I get it why they kept mistaking me for a Ukrainian in Kiev and a Russian in Budapest