Getting On The Plane

[dgellis]

Hey All,

I'm getting on the plane tomorrow night.  I've never travelled internationally before.  So, if any of you have any tips to share, I'd be grateful.  Thanks!

-D

[I/O]

Getting On The Place

Prolly be good to decide where and how you are going.

I/O

[dgellis]

Hmmm.  Good point.  I'll review my tickets.

I'm flying out of BOS into SVO, via Ansterdam.

Darren

[I/O]

I'm flying out of BOS into SVO, via Ansterdam.

Oh Brother...!! Just stick with the airport codes, they're spellable.

Where to after SpaghettiMetro?

I/O

[dgellis]

After SVO, it's a 6 hour! car ride with my GF and her friend to Lipetsk.  Then I can crash.

-D

Hey, Mr. Admin/Mr. Moderator, could you correct my spelling error in the subject line.  It should be "Plane", not "Place".  Thanks.

[I/O]

After SVO, it's a 6 hour! car ride with my GF and her friend to Lipetsk.  Then I can crash.

After 10 minutes in a Russian car, or at least with a Russian driver you're going to wish you'd never said that.

Other than that, don't sneeze or fart in the customs line, those nasty Russians don't like it very much, they're strange like that. BTW, prolly not a good idea to pants the doll in the car on the trip home, give it a day or three first. Other than that, kick back, keep your sense of humour (You'll need it) and enjoy the ride, it's bound to be interesting.

I/O

[dgellis]

Other than that, don't sneeze or fart in the customs line, those nasty Russians don't like it very much, they're strange like that.

BTW, prolly not a good idea to pants the doll in the car on the trip home, give it a day or three first. Other than that, kick back, keep your sense of humour (You'll need it) and enjoy the ride, it's bound to be interesting.

Does "pants the doll" mean that I think it does?

I'll try to keep my bodily functions to a minimum while in the customs line.

What is the custom's procedure at SVO like?  What will I need to have ready?  What should I do or not do besides be human?

-D

[I/O]

Does "pants the doll" mean that I think it does?

If it doesn't, you prolly shouldn't be going.

What is the custom's procedure at SVO like? 

Others can answer better than me, I've been out that way 3 times, but never been in that way. If it's anything like the way out, it usually takes forever and is full of argumentive Russians.

What will I need to have ready?

Passport and poker face.

What should I do or not do besides be human?

Attend to nature before descent because it'll be a while between pit stops once you land.

I/O

[dgellis]

It's always good to learn a new expression.  "Pants the doll" has made me laugh since I read it.  I do not think there will be much opportunity for such things.  I don't think she is that type, and I'm sure that I'm not Volodya's type.

Thanks for the clues.  I'll be sure to hit the head before landing.

I'll remember to keep my carry-on luggage light.

-D

[I/O]

I'm sure that I'm not Volodya's type.

That's your version, he might see it another way. It seems to be quite fashionable in Russia these days. You'll be right, follow the mob and don't try to be among the first when you disembark the plane, the rest pretty much sorts itself out. You couldn't possibly do as many stupid things as I did the first time I went to Russia and yet I survived.

I/O

[Andrew]

Lucky bastard 
I still have to wait a month before getting on any stinking plan 
Have a great trip!!

[Faux Pas]

Does "pants the doll" mean that I think it does?

I'll try to keep my bodily functions to a minimum while in the customs line.

What is the custom's procedure at SVO like?  What will I need to have ready?  What should I do or not do besides be human?

-D

If your paperwork is in order you won't have any problem. Forget the preconceived ideas and all those old movies you've seen. Russian passport control and customs isn't any worse than US customs or anywhere else (although I have found the Brits to be quite pleasant until passport control). Forget smiling and being friendly. Your just another face to the customs, the people behind you hate you cause your ahead of them and the people in front don't know you exist. A good stern constipated look will serve you well.

[UTRO]

Bring a pen with you on the plane so you can fill out the Russian Immigration Form, which the Flight Attendant will give you before deplaning. Write using BLOCK letters! You'll need to write your Passport Number on this Form... so have your Passport on you, not in the overhead Bin. There are two sides to the Immigration Form, A&B. Fill out Both sides Identical. Upon arrival at Passport Control, look the Customs Agent in the Eye, no big Toothy Western Smile She'll keep side A of the Immigration Form and stamp side B, placing it inside your Passport. Don't lose this Form as you'll need it for Registration and you'll need to hand it over at Passport Control upon leaving the Motherland. When she returns your Passport, tell her 'Spasiba'. Walk a few meters to the Baggage Carousel, to your right, to retrieve your Luggage. Walking out of the Customs/Passport Control area, there are Two Exit options.... Option #1, GREEN CHANNEL 'Nothing to Declare'. Option #2, RED CHANNEL 'Items to Declare'. Exit through the GREEN CHANNEL! You'll see some Customs Agents lazing around this exit.... simply look ahead and walk past them like you know where you're going. Only stop if told to. You'll pass through a set of sliding glass doors, the only ones existing in Russia(!), and that's it.... you're in The Motherland!! Don't let the Taxi Mafia intimidate you...... they'll be pestering you as you exit. Simply say "Nyet".... if this doesn't work try "Utabis"!! Well, be careful with that one.... it's equivalent of FYou
Your Passport is the Key to movement within Russia... Planes, Trains, Buses, Hotels.... you need to show it whenever you use these Services. Keep it on you at all times. It's the law. Don't forget to Register your Passport within 3 Weekdays of Arrival. If you are doing this yourself, bring your Girlfriend as the Forms are written only in Russian! Do yourself a favour, don't go to the local Interior Ministry office to fill out your Passport Registration. Do it at a Post Office. The wait can be unbelievable at the Ministry!
P.S.... don't lose your Passport like I did last February............. 

[dgellis]

Utrobina, thanks for the tips.  She speaks little English, so she has taught me a smattering of Russian.  Yes and No, I am good with.  The Visa registration process is a mystery to me.  Nobody seems to agree.  The post office in Lipetsk sounds good.  What should I expect to pay for this?

-D

[UTRO]

Utrobina, thanks for the tips.  She speaks little English, so she has taught me a smattering of Russian.  Yes and No, I am good with.  The Visa registration process is a mystery to me.  Nobody seems to agree.  The post office in Lipetsk sounds good.  What should I expect to pay for this?

-D

You're welcome dgellis. Visa Registration cost 300R, about $12US, at the Post Office in Kirov. If you have a Hotel booked, they will do this for you. Sometimes it costs a little, but usually it's a free Service. What type of Visa do you have? Personal or Tourist?

[viking]

I had my passport registered at my hotel during my first trip. Cost was $0. Next trip the woman I rented my flat from did it for me and cost about $10. In both cases, I was without the passport for a day or two, but did not have any issues. No one ever stopped me, for anything, on any trips I took. Just be very careful where you carry the passport. Front pants pocket worked for me. PS. Before you leave, make a copy of it, keep it someplace else than your person. At the very least you can show some type of proof to the powers that be, or an embassy.

[Al_C]

I fully agree with all of the advice here, but I would like to add a few things:

1.  There is no search and seizure law in Russia.  The police there can stop you for any reason or even without a reason.  Usually, all they want is for you to produce your passport.  Once they see that it is in order, you are on your way.

2.  Set your baggage up for easy inspection.  I have been out through SVO but never in, but on the out route, they do hand search everything.  I don't know what they do on the way in, but it is best to be prepared.  Make your bags easy to search so you can get through quickly.  Boxes should be easily openable and not taped shut.

3.  If you have something that might show up on the x-ray as something that warrants a closer look, such as a U.S. to Russian electricity convertor, which shows up as a big suspicious metal object, pack it on top so you can take it out easily to show it to them without disrupting your entire suitcase.

4.  Don't worry if the customs agent doesn't smile.  Russians are not big on smiling.  Just stand there poker faced, let him or her do their job, and you will be on your way.

5.  I read something that a GPS device will curl a lot of hairs at customs and that it is better to leave it home.  Laptop computers are common and present no problem, or at least I never had a problem.  I did have a problem once with an MP3 music player because the security inspector did not know what it was and had to call two people over until they got somebody with enough knowledge of English for me to explain it to them.

[DKMM]

Curious about your last statement.  Just say "MP3 player" with a Russian accent and you just said "MP3 player" in Russian.  Maybe this was in the years before they had them?

Looking forward to the TR dgellis...

[dgellis]

Wow!

Thanks all, for the great advice.  I will "become one with my passport."  I'm traveling with two jars of peanut butter, a satin nightgown, a pair of children's adjustable roller blades and my bipap.  All are in the suitcase that I will check.  I will not carry them on with me.  Toiletries will be in the suitcase also.

In my carry on bag will be prescriptions, a change of clothes, aspirin and my camera.  The camera is easily accessible for inspection.

I already know how the laptop process works through TSA.

Thanks again!

-D

[Al_C]

Curious about your last statement.  Just say "MP3 player" with a Russian accent and you just said "MP3 player" in Russian.  Maybe this was in the years before they had them?

It was 2004 in SVO.  By then, half of the kids here in the U.S. were already walking around with ipods.  But these guys acted like it was something out of Star Trek.  They made me open up the battery compartment, and all three of them passed the batteries around like they never saw one.

However, since I am an Arab, I suppose I should not be too surprised when I get singled out for extra security concern, especially in Moscow.  That was right around the time they were having problems with Chechneya.

[Misha]

5.  I read something that a GPS device will curl a lot of hairs at customs and that it is better to leave it home.

Unless Russian laws have changed in the last year or so it is still illegal to bring in a GPS unit into Russia (though you can get them in Russia).

The rationale according to Russians: before the NATO intervention and bombing of Serbia, foreign "tourists" had used GPS units to identify and map with precision future targets. I don't quite buy it as spy satellites would do a pretty good job of finding bridges, but it was still a no-no to bring in a GPS unit the last time I looked into it.

[Faux Pas]

Unless Russian laws have changed in the last year or so it is still illegal to bring in a GPS unit into Russia (though you can get them in Russia).

The rationale according to Russians: before the NATO intervention and bombing of Serbia, foreign "tourists" had used GPS units to identify and map with precision future targets. I don't quite buy it as spy satellites would do a pretty good job of finding bridges, but it was still a no-no to bring in a GPS unit the last time I looked into it.

I didn't realize this.  Is this also the case for Ukraine? I remember in a trip report by Taz he made several references to a GPS unit and even offered it for sale if I remember correctly. I do know that on Google Earth there are many areas of Russia pixeled out. I don't know exactly how that is done but it is nonetheless.

[Kuna]

I didn't realize this.  Is this also the case for Ukraine? I remember in a trip report by Taz he made several references to a GPS unit and even offered it for sale if I remember correctly. I do know that on Google Earth there are many areas of Russia pixeled out. I don't know exactly how that is done but it is nonetheless.

I had no problems taking a portable GPS device into Ukraine (twice) but my luggage ws never searched inbound.

I'd check the RU Embassy site to check on Russia but I've heard this before.  Maybe it's an urban myth, changed now or still the same.  You shuld check it out yourself to be sure.

Kuna

[Misha]

I had no problems taking a portable GPS device into Ukraine (twice) but my luggage ws never searched inbound.

Ukraine, of course, is not Russia.

This is one of the warnings of the Canadian Embassy in Russia:

"The import and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, such as those used for geological mapping. Visitors may bring in regular cellular telephones; however, satellite telephones and other transmitting and receiving equipment (aside from consumer AM/FM radios) must be certified by the State Supervision of Communications (Glavgossvyaznadzor), Second Spasnailovkovsky 6, Moscow, Russia 117909 (country and area codes: 7-495/ tel.: 238-6331/ fax: 238-5102). These procedures are subject to change without notice. We recommend contacting the Russian Embassy or one of Russia’s consulates for specific information regarding this or other customs regulations."

This is what one of the American consulates in Russia has to say about the issue:

"Information on Using GPS Devices in Russia

Note: This information is subject to change without notice

The importation and use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and other radio electronic devices are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. In general, mapping and natural resource data collection activities associated with normal commercial and scientific collaboration may result in seizure of the associated equipment and/or arrest. The penalty for using a GPS device in a manner which is determined to compromise Russian National Security can be a prison term of ten to twenty years.

In December, 1997, an American citizen was imprisoned in Rostov-na-Donu for ten days on charges of espionage for using a GPS device to check the efficacy of newly-installed telecommunications equipment. He and his company believed the GPS had been legally imported and were not aware that nearby government installations were considered secret.

No traveler should seek to import GPS equipment in any manner unless it has been properly and fully documented by the traveler in accordance to the instructions of the Glavgossvyaznadzor and is declared in full on a customs declaration at the point of entry to the Russian Federation."

I agree, it has been ten years since the last American was arrested for having a GPS unit, but would you really want to risk being the new precedent?

[Kuna]

Ukraine, of course, is not Russia.

What the hell is wrong with you???  Look at Faux Pas' question and stop being such a child!

I didn't realize this.  Is this also the case for Ukraine?

I'll also repeat my earlier advice in this thread:

I'd check the RU Embassy site to check on Russia but I've heard this before.  Maybe it's an urban myth, changed now or still the same.  You shuld check it out yourself to be sure.

There, I've just posted it again INCLUDING ALL MY TYPO's,... HAPPY?

What a waste of time...  and no, I refuse to debate the price of cabbage with you in the other thread!