Logistics issue in traveling to FSU

[Shadow]

Ronnie, you may not be biased, however you repeat some things that are well... globalist 
Most Russians are indifferent about politics, and have a tendency to stick with what they know. Probably the only president who was elected fully democratic was Jeltsin, however even he could not keep his principles against the strong backroom influences.
What I have found refreshing in both Ukraine and Russia is that the backroom influence are much less hidden as in our 'civilized' Western countries. Almost everyone in Ukraine and Russia knows where the money is coming from, and who eventually pulls which string.

The West 'won' because Russia got tired of being the enemy. Remember that there still is a powerful Communist country that is left unharmed.

[chivo]

First Chivo said my statement about visa's [sic] wasn't true, then goes on to confirm most of my points.  There IS a fee for registering a visa...if you use a visa agency like visatorussia.com you are paying the fee in the package price, i suspect.  The rule is that you must register in each city within 3 days of arrival.  And yes, you could lie to the cop but the burden of proof is on you. 

Because it wasn't totally true. There is about a $30 difference for the invitation from an agency for a tourist visa, a little more for a business. For a first time traveller I would strongly suggest for him to pay this upfront, come to Russia and get his registration handled in a day, and be on his way never having to worry about it or the police. As for someone like me who travels out of the country 3-5 times a year, a free registration everytime I reenter is well worth the "extra" money I pay up front and is MUCH less overall than initially getting a cheaper invitation and having to hassell getting it registered everytime I return, which will also take more time. If my paperwork is correct, I have my burden and no cop will trouble me about this. If he does, I'll just threaten to call the Embassy (if you're in the right do this and see what he does). Also, try playing stupid, which for some shouldn't be a stretch . Never offer up any extra information, lie, YES LIE when you have to (you think the police are being truthful with you), and never, ever speak in Russian to them should you know how.

In my case,  I had come to Moscow from St Petersburg, then returned to Petr, then came to Moscow again.  It was 3rd day and I was walking with my date near the Ohotny Ryad.  She got called for having a photo in her passport that had not been updated for a while.. I think there is a ten-year rule.  My train ticket fell out of my passport and it was the first one dated ten days earlier.  I figured I better pay up.

Again if you had just registered in the first place you would have had no problem. The police use all these "rules" figuring you don't know any better. Like I say always have Moscow on your list when filling out the application, register there and be on your way should you visit any other city. Moscow is the only place really that you'll be hassled about this (yes it happens elsewhere, but rarely)

What would happen if you refuse to pay the "fine?"  The Russian man who owned the agency I dealt with said that they take you to the police station where you will sit for hours while they "check things out."  Eventually you realize you'd be better off cutting a deal, as I did, and go on with your day.

Well, if your paperwork was in order, personally I would have threaten to call the Embassy and ask for the officers name. Remember you're a foreigner who is "obeying" the laws. Next time call the Embassy or threaten this and see what happens. I promise that you'll get back your passport very quickly (the American Embassy's # is 728 55 77 for any America headed this way, i have it on my mobile BTW)

This seems to be a common practice in Moscow particularly...other Russian cities maybe aren't so bad or not an issue at all.  Enforcement does seem to be spotty on exiting the country..you're supposed to show your registration(s).  I exited by train and wasn't even questioned (I never did register in Moscow) but I always worried about the cops..they stop everyone..especially in the metro and train stations.

Refer to above. To be honest I was stopped once this last year and when the officer saw my US passport he didn't even bother to open and look at it. He, with a smile on his face, handed right back to me and even said in English "goodbye". Really who you see being stopped about 95% of the time are the people from the "Stans", or people who look like they're from there. And no you give your registration back to the sponsor who returns it to the Ministry. You DO NOT have to show any registration when you leave the country. 

My point was not that visiting Russia isn't manageable, but that it's a hassle you don't have at all in Ukraine....no visa, no registrations, no shake downs from cops.

Point taken. My point is don't base your travels on the issue of a visa, because if done properly, which is incredibly easy, it won't be a problem and of little extra cost

Then there are economic considerations..  One of my Moscow dates was a former model.  We went to lunch...she picked the restaurant...salad alone was $30 per person.  Total tab for lunch...just under $300.    That was 6 years ago..it's worse today with the weak US dollar.  Moscow is now the most expensive city in the world. 

Any big city is expensive, especially if you don't know where you're going. I was just in Los Angeles. Me and my family went to a fast food Chinese restaurant and I paid almost $10 for a box of fried rice and a lemonade.

Again, to the original poster. As a first time traveller to Russia should you decide to go there, make life easier on yourself and pay a little extra to minimize your problems and inexperience in certain situations. Understand the REAL rules, and know that even in big bad Russia you have rights. Good luck

chivo

[chivo]

Pause one moment here please, for those of us who are cranially impaired...

Did I read this thread correctly that now, even with a multiple entry business Visa that the weary ow life foreigner is limited to 90 days inside the Russian borders in each 180 period??  Thanks

Dave

Dave,

Sorry, just read this and yes it's true. They officially changed the business visa rules back in October.  Good luck

chivo

[Daveman]

Dave,

Sorry, just read this and yes it's true. They officially changed the business visa rules back in October.  Good luck

chivo

Well just Ebay me sideways... guess I'll need to work on the alternate plan.. as long as Ukraine doesn't flip around it'll still be cool.

Thanks for the info, Chivo

Dave