Way to Russia Talk Lounge

rsvp63 · Just Starting Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Well I am once again of to Moscow - but this time I will be proposing to my girlfriend. I'm a little concerned about brining the engagement ring and I have the following two options:

Fedex it directly to my apartment in Mosocw - there is a reasonable chance that it will only be ready during my visit and I would need to get it sent over?

OR

If it arrives before I fly, bring it on my person?

Do any of these scenarios raise warning flags? Should I be concerned with customs? Will fedex even handle this?

Sorry to be asking the newbie questions - google is only turning up old information late 1990's Confused

Thanks in advance.

D.J

tuller · Talk Show Host Joined: 24 Oct 2004 Posts: 238

When I went to Russia to get engaged to my fiance now wife, I took her engagement ring in my carry on luggage.
On all my my trips visiting her and the twins I would always take the green line going through customs and never declared anything, nor was I ever stopped or had my luggaged xrayed going into the country.
On every visit to them I would always carry them gifts, some in my carry-on and some in my checked luggage.
I think theywere more concerned about what you carry out instead of carry in.
Some guys have worn the engagement ring on a chain around their neck.
If you're getting engaged and going to start the K-1 Visa process you may want to join this forum : http://www.visajourney.com.
It's the place to be on the internet for Immigration visa's.
Hope this helps and good luck with your new fiance .

Tuller

Elwood Blues · Frequent Guest Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

I am in Russia right now with my GF and she does not know I plan to propose.. So, I am writing this in secret as she sits across from me smoking and having some coffee...

I took my ring, ( and the other 2 ) in a soft ring bag that the jewler provided for me in my pocket. Didn't set off the metal detectors. No one asked, I did not tell.

I would keep it on you.. And besides, it is personal property.. Not like you are trying to sell them there. So, I don't think even if you were frisked it would be any kind of big deal..

GOOD LUCK!!!

Elwood Blues · Frequent Guest Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

Forgot to mention this.

I did a lot of planning for my trip using a combination of guide books, and Google Earth.

For those of you who have not used it. Google Earth is a world wide mapping program that uses commercial satellite photos as the means to display map information. Depending on the area the maps can show very good street level detail. More than enough to pick out tourist attractions and such. In the forums for Google Earth you can download map overlays of the Moscow transit system. Metro, busses, trolley, monorail.
( Though I turn off all options except for the Metro because the bus lines cause a lot of clutter and do not show as well the actually route they take.. )

The program will give you a accurate idea of distances between things you want to see ( like around the Red Square area ) It will also let you print maps so you have custom sized maps with recognizable landmarks.

HA. sorry if that sounded like spam. It isn't. Just found the program to be a very useful tool.

If you do happen to use it.. I am at 53.16912N x 45.00423E

kazanbound · Frequent Guest Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

Hi,

My advice is to bring the ring with you and declare it at customs. That is what I did with no problems. If you send it via federal express you will be charged taxes on the ring. Bring it along and keep it in your pocket.