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Theomach
Just Starting
Joined: 08 Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:45 am Post subject: A little help for a first time visitor? |
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During February next year (2010) I am going on a school trip to Russia and St. Petersburg. It is the first time I have been to Russia, and I wanted to know if there was anything I should know before I go that I may need when I get there, and I also have some things I want to check that I've heard. A final point would be if there was anything I should take advantage of while I'm in Russia, such as buying good winter clothes cheaper (I know Moscow isn't cheap) and better than I might get here in England.
As for Passports, Visa's ect, the school will be taking care of that, so hoping my teachers aren't useless will I have any problems getting into Russia as a 17 year old Englishman? (I'm not bringing in drugs or anything before anyone makes a joke about that). Given my only other experience is the lax border control at English, French and Belgian borders (which may be attributed to it being school parties on coaches) and American Border Control (Where my iris and thumbprint were scanned) where would Russia relation to those?
As for the things I want to know are or are not true:
> In Moscow do they really have prices for Muscovites and prices for tourists? How much more expensive are tourist prices if it's true?
> Do the police actually charge for their service, or is it a scam, or are reports of this complete rubbish?
> Are tourists in as much danger as they are reported to be (muggings, scams etc)
> Is Lenin's tomb really only open to members of the Communist party?
I appreciate that I sound incredibly naive, but to be honest I am 17, and this is the only time I will have travelled so far, at least to a foreign speaking country, and so I thank you for your help. |
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greg222
VIP
Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 599
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:01 am Post subject: |
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| Theomach wrote: | | where would Russia relation to those? |
Chances are that you'll walk through customs without a word being said to you and without having your bags checked at all. But don't bring in anything you're not supposed to have - simply not worth the hassle if you do get checked.
| Theomach wrote: | | In Moscow do they really have prices for Muscovites and prices for tourists? How much more expensive are tourist prices if it's true? |
There used to be separate prices for Russians and foreigners at tourist attractions. But someone on this forum recently said that this no longer happens. Prices are definitely not higher for tourists for anything else.
| Theomach wrote: | | Do the police actually charge for their service, or is it a scam, or are reports of this complete rubbish? |
No, they don't.
| Theomach wrote: | | Are tourists in as much danger as they are reported to be (muggings, scams etc) |
I didn't realise Russia had a reputation as being dangerous for tourists. But, no, it's not a dangerous destination.
| Theomach wrote: | | Is Lenin's tomb really only open to members of the Communist party? |
No, it's open for all. |
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Rutol
Just Starting
Joined: 04 Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Moscow, Zelenograd
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:49 am Post subject: |
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Hi Theomach
If you plan to visit Russia next year then you have a lot of time for preparing your trip and even to learn Russian a little. 
As I here on this forum) to have English practise, you can send me your questions and I will answer an it (not instant, but for a several days or for a week).
As a result we are having useful result - I have language practise, you have info from native people. |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 189
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | In Moscow do they really have prices for Muscovites and prices for tourists? How much more expensive are tourist prices if it's true? |
In shops, restaurants, and the like, there are no special prices for tourists. Of course, if you are shopping for souvenirs on the street, the seller may try to get as much as you will pay 
However, for major cultural attractions (the great museums, palaces, theaters etc.) it is customary to have two admission prices, one for Russian citizens and residents, and another for everyone else.
A quick web search showed me this is still in effect at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, and the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg (where the price differential is now 3 to 5 times). Though I don't know whether this has changed, as recently as 2007 or 2008, there were higher prices for foreigners in St. Petersburg at the Ermitazh Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral (museum), and Peterhof Park.
I would be surprised if this has changed -- the more expensive tickets for foreigners help to keep tickets more affordable for Russian citizens.
It is also normal for museums to have an extra charge (usually a second ticket) for those who wish to take photographs.
| Quote: | | Do the police actually charge for their service, or is it a scam, or are reports of this complete rubbish? |
Police in Russia are famous for "shaking down" tourists - usually, this takes the form of demanding to see your passport (which they are authorized to do at any time), claiming to find some fault with your papers, telling you that you are in such big trouble, and then suggesting that the problem can be solved by paying some money on the spot.
I can attest that this does happen, but the chances of anyone seeing this on your visit are quite small - I wouldn't worry about this. I've spent about 3 months wandering city streets in Russia and Ukraine, and experienced it only once - it cost me about 5 minutes, and $20.
| Quote: | | Are tourists in as much danger as they are reported to be (muggings, scams etc) |
If you are hanging around drunk guys at night, there is some genuine risk of violence. However, I believe that assaults on tourists are quite rare. I feel safer over there than in many American cities, for sure!
This being said, pickpockets and purse snatchers are a big problem in St. Petersburg and Moscow, as in other cities with lots of tourism (like Rome). This happens in crowds, no worries when you're out in the open. I had my wallet pinched in St. Petersburg once in the middle of a street, in a crowd of crossing pedestrians. It is highly recommended to keep your wallet and passport in front pockets (harder to pick). I've made a habit of positioning my hands so I keep at least one finger on my wallet and passport when in a crowd (riding the metro, e.g.).
Without going into details, it is much worse to lose your passport, than your money -- guard it with care!
It is also possible to have gypsies come after you (dressed just like in the movies!) but this is rare (though it happened to me on my first day in Russia). And there is a famous scam where someone drops some money in the street, and when a tourist picks it up, claims that the tourist has robbed him.
For the most part, "street smarts" that you would apply in any big city, will serve you well on your trip. |
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Ender
WayToRussified
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 498
Location: Urals
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:38 am Post subject: |
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| romdur wrote: | | It is also possible to have gypsies come after you (dressed just like in the movies!) but this is rare (though it happened to me on my first day in Russia). |
Do not talk to them. Never. Otherwise they simply overload your I/O channels with their babbling and you'll find yourself giving them money a few seconds later. |
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tm33398
Just Starting
Joined: 10 Sep 2004
Posts: 4
Location: Detroit
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject: Interacting with the Natives |
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I visted the Mother Country once to meet my wife and, I sure wish I knew Russian then, it would have made my experience 1000 times more enjoyable.I could have had conversations with real people and they could ahve experienced me!! So, I would study as much Russian as you can before you go, and study more than privet and poka.  |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 189
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | So, I would study as much Russian as you can before you go |
Amen to that! Studying Russian is a big investment of time, but if you are really interested in the country, it will greatly enrich your experience there. Even if you only learn the alphabet, you'll be glad you did - but I hope you will learn as much as you can. |
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romdur
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 189
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:08 pm Post subject: Off-Topic Travel Info |
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@tm33398:
| Quote: | | How can I find who to speak to, to find air tickets from Moscow to Cheboksary? |
From a quick search, RusLine appears to be the only airline that serves Cheboksary. They have scheduled flights from Moscow's Vnukovo airport every day except Saturday. And you may be comforted to know that the service is on modern western-made jets  Here is the timetable:
http://www.rusline.aero/item110/
The English-language version of this site seems to be broken. If you can read Russian OK, it's quite clear, and gives a phone number for a booking agency. If you don't know Russian, hopefully you can get help from a Russian speaker. |
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Flosfur
Frequent Guest
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:03 am Post subject: Re: A little help for a first time visitor? |
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| Theomach wrote: | .....
.....borders (which may be attributed to it being school parties on coaches) and American Border Control (Where my iris and thumbprint were scanned) where would Russia relation to those?
As for the things I want to know are or are not true:
> In Moscow do they really have prices for Muscovites and prices for tourists? How much more expensive are tourist prices if it's true?
> Do the police actually charge for their service, or is it a scam, or are reports of this complete rubbish?
> Are tourists in as much danger as they are reported to be (muggings, scams etc)
> Is Lenin's tomb really only open to members of the Communist party?
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My wife & I just visited Moscow & St. Pete and had a great time.
No probelm at the passport control even though we are of South East Asian descent (but american citizens). I mention this because we only saw handful of brown skinned people in Moscow and even less in St. Pete.
We found Moscow to be very safe. In central Moscow, there are a lot ofuniformed officials at every corner, metro & railway stations etc. I could not tell if they were police, military or just private security. They were always in a pack of 3 or 4, never just one.
There are separate admission charges at the museums, churches etc for Russians and non-Russians and the difference huge. For example, at the Hermitage museum in St. Pete, Russians pay 100 rubles Vs 350 for non-Russians. Other than that everyone pays the same.
For brand named clothes at a discount (40%+ off) and no haggling, shop at ISON - they have many branches.
Lenin's tomb is open to everyone and admission is free (only place with no admission charge) - no cameras allowed. |
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