Way to Russia Talk Lounge

tdk2fe

Greetings to all. This is my first post on the WayToRussia forums, so please bear with me. If this is the wrong forum to be posting this in, I apologize in advance.

I am currently studying the Russian language in the US, and this summer will be attending classes at Saratov State University. I had a couple of questions regarding my etiquette in Russia and was also looking for some advice.

My first question is that of a fiscal concern. What is the best way to bring money in to Russia? I currently have a debit card connected to a checking account in the United States sponsered by Visa. Would it be possible to use this at ATM's in a city like Saratov? I've done some research, and much of what i've found is that check cards aren't widely used in smaller towns in Russia. In this situation, would it be best to bring a large amount of cash with me and exchange it when I reach Russia? If this is the case, what is an appropriate service fee on this type of transaction, and where are appropriate places to exchange currency. I've found several people giving advice to avoid Airport kiosk's, but aside from that where should I go?

The next question I have is with phone cards. What is a good phone card to get, and also what is a reasonable price to pay per minute?

The final question is one of etiquette. Are there any things that Americans do casually which are considered rude in Russia? The last thing I want to do is piss the people off with whom I'm staying (a host family).

I'm simply trying to get the most out of my visit to Russia, and any tips or suggestions anybody would have for me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Intourist · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:45 am Post subject:

tdk2fe,

All good questions. Here are my answers that I hope others will agree with (or clarify if I've made any mistakes).

1. Money - Foreigners can bring in on your trip over up to over $3,000 without declaring it. You can bring in substantially more and declare it (like up to $50,000) without paying duties. Saratov (if you're in the center) has PLENTY of ATM machines all over town. If you're in the center, there's probably one within a 5-10 walking distance. What you should be careful of is that not all establishments accept them as payment. Some of the more 'Soviet' type stores and restaurants will not accept them.

What I'd say ? If you're in the center, then get all your money here by ATM. As a foreigner, you're a more visible target for pick-pockets, and the like (as you would be anywhere else in the world--think Japanese tourist on the NY metro, for example), so I don't recommend bringing in a huge amount of dough. If you're gonna be in the center of Saratov, the only inconvenience you'll have is the $3 commission you pay for not using your local bank's ATM network.

2. You'll see loads of phonecard providers here. No problems. I can't make any specific recommendations, but I'm sure if you ask once you get here, you'll find ample choice at the newspaper or regular kiosks.

3. Etiquette. This is a tough one. There's nothing that you can do that can be overtly offensive. People will know you're a foreigner, and give you some leeway, of course. But there are little things I would try to do that might score you points along the way:
a. Be very chivalrous to women. Help them with their coats, give 'em a hand out of cars/buses, hold doors, etc. If you're out with one, don't leave her to get home on her own if it's late. When you're introduced, DON'T shake hands with them. They think it's weird.
b. Don't shake hands over a doorway jam/threshhold with anyone. Just bad luck.
c. A bouquet of flowers should alway have an ODD number of flowers except for funerals. If it's a funeral, bring an even number. This actually IS universally done here and not just a guideline.
d. Avoid the loud American tourist sterotype (speaking English loudly in public, etc).

I'm sure there are others I can't think of right now. Maybe others can add suggestions as well.

Hope that helps,
Intourist

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

Intourist is always right on. I would say that you should not bring great wads of money. Discover a safe ATM machine here and try to always use the same one. There is some ATM fraud in this country (the machine steals your account number and PIN) so watch your receipts very carefully. This way you will always have access to your money but it won't be on your person or in your belongings. Travelers Cheques are useless here. Russia is largely a cash economy so unlike the States, you often cannot use your ATM debit card for daily purchases. You will find that Russia has a zillion currency exchange stores. They usually post their rates outside on the sidewalk.

Good manners vary little from place to place. Ány courtesies you would consider normal and in good taste at home will be the same here. Russians do have their idiosycracies and superstitions, but they are not different from any other people anywhere else. Please and thank you go a long way in any country. Of course you will pay your fair share of expenses to your host family, not leave any messes for them to clean up, nor squander their resources. This is a poor country. Offer a special treat once in a while. Flowers, meals, gifts, entertainment.

You'll be fine.

kiwiguy_os · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:52 am Post subject:

1. Plenty of ATM's that accept the PLUS or Cirrus cards in Russia. Try to use these ATM's. The reason is you can use your normal ATM cards in them instead of credit cards. Most Western banks issue PLUS or Cirrus ATM cards with your standard saving accounts. Last thing you want to have happen to you is losing your credit card in an ATM machine. A debit card is not too much of an inconvenience to lose but a credit card can be a very inconvenient loss.

2. A couple of other options to consider. First is Skype. Go to www.skype.com and check out the internet telephone there. You can call back to the US for 2 cents a minute. Simply purchase yourself a headset before you leave and take it with you down to an internet cafe. Second, for local calls you should consider taking your mobile with you. Mobile phone calls are very cheap in Russia. I still had credit after a month on a $25 sim card and I made plenty of calls.

3. Ditto for everything Intourist suggested with one addition. Do not take any advice whatsoever from Winston Wu.

tdk2fe · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:49 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thank you all so very much. And don't worry, i've read a few of Mr. Wu's musings about this and that, and he seems more like somebody whoring for attention than somebody who tries to give constructive advice about Russia.

And one last thing. If anybody has actually been to Saratov, any advice on places to eat / see / dance / etc.? Thanks again,

tdk2fe

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

One more thing for you to consider - don't wear the baseball hat turned over, like some many American students do here in the US. Even though you will be recognized as a foreigner anyway, that would give you away from a mile and would look weird to many people.

I would also suggest, like in any lower-income country, be careful not to display your dollars. I.e., being in a western country you are probably used to taking out a pack of dollars from your pocket and then thinking how many you actually need.

Also, it's common in America, especially in small town to greet people on the street with smile and "How are you?" or look strange people in the eye and smile. That is not common in many countries in Europe and is definitely not common in Russia.

If you want to blend in with Russia crowd a bit better, wear dark (brown/black) leather shoes and don't wear sneakers - very few Russians wear them. The same goes for very bright coats/jackets and trendy/hippy clothes.

Intourist · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Thanks

Babuschka · Frequent Guest Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 28

Hi tdk,

do take seriously the advice about www.skype.com
The service they provide is superb and it is really cheap.
Worthwhile more than a try, you will see that you won?t have to worry for high telephone costs and by the way discover a marvellous tool to connect with many people in Russia, America and the whole globe!

Best wishes for your stay in Russia Cool

!!!