Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Beibe · Guest

Dear Folks,

I heard many stories how it is dangerous in Moscow. How about your experiences ? I hear that if police tops you on the street to check your docs, they can take you to their office if you show blue passport and to get away you have to pay ? How much you need to pay ?

What is best way to for bringing money there ? cards or travel checks ?

B.

Criptus · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 1:39 pm Post subject: Re: Safety in Moscow

Hi Beibe!
I can tell you that most stories about Russian police are telling by people who never being to Russia but read it somewhere or hear from somebody.
As a Russian citizen I can tell you that if you are not doing something strange (for example crying out "God bless US! Fuck you Russians!" in night streets or in the Red square) nothing strange will happen with you in Moscow.
Moscow police have a lot of work and I think will not spend there time on you:))
About money - I think a credit card would be better (but you can use checks of cause).
If you have any more questions - dont hesitate mail me.
Best regards!
Criptus

NeverAgain · Guest

Hi Beibe
I just returned from Moscow.
I am of indian origin although similar in looks to persians.
I was with my wife so was stopped only once in front of a subway for documents. The policeman did not speak a word of english. But the moment he saw Canadian Passport, he said oh canada! ...cold...kold....
and we said yes very cold and that was it.
Took less than 40 seconds.
At every metro station and other tourist places we were looked at very carefully by gun toting policemen but I guess they did not stop us because we were a decent looking couple.
It was VERY intimidating as we were the only asians in most metro cars and people started at us in a very odd way. For the first time in my life I had to cover my face most of time while being in public.
Still its not very bad, just make sure to keep ALL your papers in one place in inner pockets and dont look too much in the eyes of people. Keep a few US $$ and in worse case just offer them to policeman in case ..... Remember to be cool and nice to them.

UsualSuspect · Guest

Beibe,
I've had mixed fortune on my trips. My first one was the "trip from hell". I was questioned in Vladivostok, detained and searched in Krasnoyarsk and finally fell foul of a corrupt policeman in Red Square. After all that I wasn't bothered once in St Pete. My subsequent trips have been far, far less dramatic. I have been asked to show my passport and Visa on 3 other occassions, but without any ensuing problems.
As for feeling "threatened"....no, never. Travel writers say that Komsomolskaya Ploschad is sleazy at night but I never noticed. I actually thought it had some atmosphere.
Mind you, if you wander off in darkened back streets it's your own risk.

Be cool, and you'll be ok.

Regards

lizka · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2003 11:07 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't worry. If you look American they most likely won't stop you unless you're doing something outrageous or something. Laughing

My friend has been there millions of times and lived there and she never had too many problems. And usually if they do give you lots of trouble for some reason be nice and give them some money. Shocked

Usually you can get alot of things/get out of things with a little money. Or so I've heard. Wink

Lizka

lizka · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2003 11:11 pm Post subject:

One other thing: about danger.. Eh, if you go looking for trouble you'll find it. So just keep your senses and don't go anywhere that you don't feel safe. And just the same as me in America: I don't go roaming the streets downtown or in the bad parts of town alone at night. It's just common sense. Laughing

Don't worry.

Lizka

sanmancan · Guest

Just wanted to add to your replies, I am currently working on the estate of a citizen that was killed in the Moscow theatre seige. He too felt safe.
good luck.

guest · Guest

Yeah. And I worked near world trade center in new york and never thought it would collapse one day in front of my eyes. Be carefuld out there. It is a dangerous world.

stop@red · Guest

hi
i think moscow's pretty safe for a big city. a lot of western city's are worse.
in london you might get shot for your shiny new cell phone.
in moscow they wear them round thier necks as a status symbol.

Jammy · Guest

I went to Moscow last April and the people there pretty much keep themselves to themselves. Not a lot to worry about really if you ask me Wink