Way to Russia Talk Lounge

twan · Just Starting Joined: 11 Jul 2003 Posts: 1

I have read somewhere that it is not allowed to bring GPS (Global Positioning Systems) into Russia.
Can somebody tell me more about this ?

Does anyone has experience with GPS in Russia, about maps and workability.

Furthermore I am looking for detailed hiking maps of Altai, Tuva and Buryat Republics. Does anybody know a good map store in Moscow ?

WayToRussia · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2003 1:28 am Post subject: gps

I don't know too, it MAY be needed to declare it at least, that's sure, but recently i read about guys traveling through siberia by car in 1996 ad they had a gps with them

also, i saw it sold in travel shops in moscow

but

I heard that russians didn't want americans to have a precise map of our territory, so they managed to mess it up a bit, so it's not very precise, people here don't tend to trust it for russia...[/url]

David M Rowell · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2003 3:40 am Post subject:

There was a case a couple of years ago where a couple of Americans were arrested as spies, and spent several weeks in prison before being sent back to the US.

In that case, they were using a highly accurate professional GPS to help them survey and map out sites for new cell phone towers.

Based on that incident, taking a GPS into Russia has become a slightly problematic thing to do. If you have a GPS and detailed maps, then do make sure that your path doesn't take you near any military bases or other strategic locations! And preferably go with local guides who have 'relationships' with the local law.

onthemove · Guest

I read somewhere the other day, don't ask me where, I've been everywhere all over the net recently. Anyway I read something like if you bring a GPS into Russia you have to declare it through customs or go through some bueacracy and pay some cash.
And what's wrong with a compass, or don't worry where you are, just think of all those great explorers that discovered the world without a GPS. Smile