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First time visitor to Moscow

Way to Russia Talk Lounge Forum Index -> Travel Advice (Practicalities)

Author	Message
Kowboykarl Just Starting Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 1	Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 12:47 am    Post subject: First time visitor to Moscow Hello! Planning my first viist to Moscow. Have questions and would appreciate replies. >Used UNISEL NETWORK for my visa. They tell me I do not need to register in Russia. Can anyone verify? >Should I have my bank transfer money to a Moscow bank? Or should I just rely on credit cards? How much cash should I take, I want to be in a position to not worry. >I will be visiting Kovrov, Vladimir, Suzdal- any comments on these towns? >Do you suggest I buy a cell phone there? Is it reasonable to call the States on the cell phone? >Would like to have some American contacts there just for safety, would anyone give me there local phone numbers in case of problems? >Should I visit the American Embassy? To check in? >How do you hide money from thieves or pickpockets? arm bands, money belts, leg bands, otehr? >I made copies of my passport photo on my copier, will these be acceptable? Very much appreciate any replies. Best, Karl
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Rick Moderator Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 854 Location: Касабланка	Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:11 am    Post subject: Please do some research on the site and forum before posting all these questions at once. They are easily answered if you use the bulletin board's search funtion. About your visa: how long are you staying and when? You need to register if you are staying longer than 72 hours, holidays and weekends excluded. Money: you can use ATM's in Moscow. Regular traveller's safety precautions will do. Moneybelt or hidden bag would be good. Emergency phone nr: If it matters to you, write down the consulate one's Visiting the American consulate: why would you bother? There are probably better sights in moscow
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overseas_expat VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 741 Location: Moscow	Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:19 am    Post subject: Do NOT bring a wad of credit cards. Bring one and an ATM card. Russia is largely a cash economy, get money from ATMs and try to pay for most purchases in cash. In places like Suzdal, your credit cards will be useless. Always carefully review credit card reciepts. Most Russian machines will print off your entire credit card number and the expiration date. This is enough information to give someone the opportunity to heist your credit card account. On the receipt the customer signs and returns to the vendor I always ink out part of the card number and the expiration date. This always makes them mad, but that's their problem, it's my account I'm protecting. We've lived here for 2 years and rely completely on ATM withdrawls to pay for everything. I've used my credit card maybe 5 times. Pickpockets are less of a problem in the winter. Keep your wallet and stuff in one of your front pants pockets or down your boots. That's what I do. Copies of your passport are of course sensible. Be sure you also copy the visa--it will be glued into your passport. I don't have a cell phone so I can't help you with those questions.
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kloid Frequent Guest Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 46 Location: Milwaukee	Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:05 am    Post subject: >Used UNISEL NETWORK for my visa. They tell me I do not need to register in Russia. Can anyone verify? Everyone has to register within 72 hours, except weekends and official holidays. >Should I have my bank transfer money to a Moscow bank? Or should I just rely on credit cards? How much cash should I take, I want to be in a position to not worry. Bank transfers and ATM's can be costly, I take about 2 or 3 thousand with me and a credit card and ATM card. If your in a hotel, take your cash and cards with you. Remember in Russia its about 29 rubles for each dollar, so if you change $1000.00 your going to have 29,000 rubles to carry around. I changed $3000.00 one time and I had a damn briefcase full of rubles. But I stay with a family I trust and could take with me only what I needed. >I will be visiting Kovrov, Vladimir, Suzdal- any comments on these towns? N/A >Do you suggest I buy a cell phone there? Is it reasonable to call the States on the cell phone? See if any friends there have a spare, calling card is much more affordable for calling states. >Would like to have some American contacts there just for safety, would anyone give me there local phone numbers in case of problems? N/A >Should I visit the American Embassy? To check in? You don't check in at the American Embassy, they won't even let you in unless you have some compelling reason. >How do you hide money from thieves or pickpockets? arm bands, money belts, leg bands, otehr? Money belt, I don't even carry a wallet, passport goes in money belt also or in coats secret pocket. >I made copies of my passport photo on my copier, will these be acceptable? Acceptable for what? If your talking about the VISA application then maybe and maybe not, I guess it would depend on the quality and the mood of the person processing your application. You can make these photos with a digital camera and then use the digital processor at any local store that does photos.
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