Way to Russia Community and Forum

Cixelsyd · Frequent Guest Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 14

Just returned from Russia. I can't even begin to explain how much fun it was, I can't wait to go back. It was nothing like I thought it would be, but if you go with an open mind, you'll enjoy the entire experience.

I had a lot of questions about some small things while traveling to Russia. So I decided to write about my own personal thoughts and opinions on some things I think may be helpful. Again, this is my own experience and it's bound to differ from others.

Entering Moscow via Domodedovo airport
I had a lot of questions about filling out the migration card and passing through customs. It turns out it wasn't that bad at all.
Migration Card:
The migration card had English and Russian instructions on it. I filled mine out in English and didn't have any problems with doing so. You will need some information about your invitation letter though, so I suggest bringing a copy of it. Also, bring a pen.
Customs:
Even though the signs in Domodedovo have English written on them, it can still be somewhat of a maze to find the border control. There are two places to enter, one for Russian citizens and another for foreign visitors. They are in two separate locations, so if you're standing in line with people who speak much better Russian than you, you're in the wrong spot.
The actual process only took me 10 minutes, but this was during the winter and could differ from summer. Also, my flight was half full or less. You'll first pass through an area with people in glass booths. You'll give them your migration card and passport. Don't worry, they don't ask you any questions. Nobody in my group was even addressed, let alone questioned.
Next you'll collect your luggage and after doing so pass through a gate where I am assuming people could stop you and check your belongings. Again, nothing special was done here. They didn't ask any questions or stop anybody I saw.
In all, it was much less painless than I had expected. U.S. customs was much worse and I'm from the United States.

Moscow
I did find Moscow to be a bit expensive, it's prices seemed to be similar to spending time in New York city. In total, I only spent about 2 and a half days there. It really wasn't my thing, but that doesn't mean it won't be yours. I did however see Red Square and many other attractions and I think that's well worth everyone's time.
Express Train:
From Domodedovo, you could take a taxi if you wanted to get into Moscow, but I suggest the Express train. You can buy tickets for the train inside the airport (near the entrance/exit) and it's about 200ru (less than 10$) per ticket. I think the trains run every hour. The Express takes you right to the train station and near the Metro. It's about a 40 minute ride.
The Metro:
One word -Madness-. If you plan to travel on the Metro, then plan on bringing as little to carry as possible. This will also help when walking around Moscow to reach your destination of stay, as many walkways can be a non friendly terrain to anything without 4x4 wheels on it. If you have a bit of luggage, then just bite the bullet and take a taxi from the train station. I had a backpack and one pull along suitcase and it was still a nightmare. Anyway, the Metro is fast paced and you will likely have to traverse many stairs and fast moving crowds to get where you are going while moving between different trains. Also, if you have a fear of bumping and grinding with thousands of people you don't know, this is not your mode of transportation. Otherwise, prepare to have a lot of people in your "more than friendly" space. It's a bit difficult to deal with, but it's the cheapest method and not too bad once you get used to it. Also, take note that you can store your luggage at the train station if you just want to site see before catching a train.

Trains
If you're lucky enough to get to go out of Moscow via train, then I strongly recommend a berthing car. It's really not that expensive at around 60$ per person for a 20 hour trip. You'll also get a room with 4 beds in it, but get the lower, the upper can be a pain. Dining in the restaurant car can be a bit pricey though, so bring something with you.

Hotels
I can't speak to hotels in Moscow, as I stayed with friends, but I did stay in one in a town far from Moscow and it was actually quite nice. The price was somewhere around 150$ per night for 2 people.
Registration:
Registering in a hotel is also quite fast and painless.

Private Registration
I was lucky enough to spend most of my trip in a flat with someone I know. Registering in a private residence can be a bit of a problem though.
Things I didn't know:
Many people live in flats and most of them either own or live with a relative that owns the flat. Most people in the U.S. who are living in a flat/apartment are renting; not the same case. The person that owns the particular flat will be the one to register you if you are staying in a private residence.
In the guide to registering at a private residence, it talks about the landlord. For people in the U.S. trying to get a landlord to do something similar would be a pain, as it's more than likely someone who resides over or owns a large amount of buildings and would be reluctant to take time out of their day to register you. Again, it seems it's not like this in Russia, they don't seem to have these same type of landlords. Or at least it didn't seem that way to me.
My Registration:
I went with the people who were registering me to the Administration office. I would recommend doing the same as sometimes they may ask for more documents are questions. In my case, I was registering in a somewhat small town. The Administration officer didn't seem to like the idea that I was registering at a private residence while I held a tourist visa. He said I should be staying in a hotel in that case. Then he wanted to see my itinerary, so I gave him my invitation letter (see, it's a good idea to bring it for more than one reason). There was some dissatisfaction about the idea that I had gotten it through the Internet; since I had a copy and not the original he said something about anyone being able to do it. None the less despite the grumblings, I was finally registered. And everything else works the way the guide to private registration talked about.
It should be noted that the people registering you will need some documents showing their ownership of the flat. You will also need to talk to some clerk first who will fill out some papers before you talk to an administration officer.
In All:
So bring your migration card, passport and any other documents you have in case asked for it. Also be ready to deal with some people who may not like the idea of you staying there (especially an American). The whole process takes at least an hour and costs roughly 5$.
Is it Important:
Even though I was was never stopped and questioned, it was very good I did register. Although I did have a day or two between my hotel registration and my private registration, but this was never even remotely an issue.
I stayed in an average sized town/city. In places like that, people will eventually find out you aren't Russian. We actually found out the local police were calling and asking people I met questions about me and the people I was with. So, yes they are watching -register-.

People
Despite one unhappy administration officer and the fact that to us Americans, Russians look like they are mad about something, they are really quite nice. Almost all the people I met were very nice and liked to know what I thought about being in Russia. I think most people are more curious about Americans/foreigners than they are unhappy about them. Of course like in any culture they would think otherwise if you didn't make an attempt to be polite. You are of course bound to run into the occasional drunk person who will try and talk to you, so just be cautious and aware when in public.

Exiting Russia
Again passing through border control/customs was quite easy. Just make sure you choose the green line, the red line means you have something to declare which you are taking out of the country. Unless you really do need to declare something. Again, the whole security process probably took me about 10-15 minutes. Nothing special here, just follow the crowd and do what other people do.

American Customs
Even though this is about going to Russia, I wanted to complain about American customs. I'm not anti-American, especially because I am one, but watch out for our customs. If you are bringing anything back into the country. Don't tell them. I was questioned about quite a few things and even lectured about some things I brought back into the country. It was a nice "welcome home". My recommendation, don't tell them what you have and just play dumb if somehow they catch you, but I doubt they would if you don't declare anything special on your customs sheet (which you have to fill out on the way back).
Passing through American customs took a lot more time and was a lot more annoying.
Rotten bastards...

Final Thoughts
Like a bad Jerry Springer show, I would like to submit my final thoughts on the whole experience.
I could write a book on how many fun experiences I had in Russia. I was already planning when I would come back before I left.
I do suggest getting out to the smaller towns/cities though. Not only is it so much cheaper, but I think it was a lot more fun.
Also, fear the Russian Beer. I can hold my own with drinking, but Russians sell beer in about a liter size and for less than a dollar. They'll catch up to you and kick your butt in no time.

And many thanks to all those people who answered my questions on this website and thanks to WTR for making the whole trip possible.

Gustavo · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:10 pm Post subject:

this was an awesome review.

thanks a lot for sharing!

Christa · Just Starting Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Posts: 8 Location: USA

This was a wonderful review. Thank you so much for the tips!
I really do appreciate your sending me this!

Christa, in New Hampshire, USA

Home E mail: eudokov@isp.com

19 February 2009

hpesch · Frequent Guest Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 35

In Russia every official expects to get some money from you. So when registering put forward a bill and see if things speed up. It is a good idea to spend the first night in a hotel, after that you are at least registered properly.
Yes, Russians look angry, smiling is reserved to people they know well. But dont tell them, because they believe Russians are the kindest people in the world.

Bulletguy · Frequent Guest Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 16

Ender · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 7:50 am Post subject: Re: What I learned on my trip.

branboy1077 · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:13 am Post subject:

What an amazing testimonial for Moscow. I found out today that I will be going back to Moscow on July 1 to visit my in-laws. I'm so excited to go back, and this will be the first time we are flying into Domodedovo. The best part about flying into Domodedovo is that their apartment is one Metro stop away from the airport. We don't have to drive 90 minutes to Sheremetyevo, which will be HUGE.

You were right on with every single point that you made. One thing that I would suggest is that any visitor carry their passport and visa anywhere you go. My last trip about 2 years ago, I was stopped by police and questioned and made to be a victim of possible extortion by the cops. Luckily, my wife was with me, and she ended that nonsense in a hurry. Just beware, it's out there.

I'm an African American, and I've had nothing but positive experiences from Moscovites. They see me, and they know that I'm an American right away. You're right about the questions from Russians about how I enjoy their city. They take massive pride in their country, and most of them haven't been outside of the country, so they have incredible curiousity.

I'll admit, it's going to be strange to celebrate the 4th of July in another country, but I'm sure that it'll be fun. I'll tell my father in law to BBQ some burgers and log onto MLB.com to get a quick taste of Americana with a Baltika 3 in hand. Should be a good time.

DITTRICH · Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:14 pm Post subject: Re: What I learned on my trip.

Ah! Mr Bulletguy,

I sympathise and know exactly what you mean!

Though I've travelled all around and the UK customs only ever stopped me two or three times in 20 years. Happy memories...

1 Getting "selected" at Gatwick airport on returning from the oilfields in Nigeria. Unshaven, dirty jeans, teashirt! All my stuff out of the case on the counter. But they gave up after 20 minutes because there wasn't anything to find. I did helpfully tell them that before they started but they were having such fun and didn't listen.

2 Getting "selected" at eurotunnel departures leaving the UK with my wife and son in the car. Luggage out... waving "magic" wands about and so on. They also habitually run all number plates through ANPR. And I take great delight in telling them I'm driving to Moscow.

But statistically I've been lucky and I guess it's just part of the experience.

However, Finnish, Latvian and Russian Customs are much more enthusiastic at the land border crossings. The Finns even have sniffer doggies.

Bulletguy · Frequent Guest Joined: 21 Mar 2009 Posts: 16

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We are currently moving the old forum to Facebook, so what you see below functions as an archive. If you have a question, please, post it on Way to Russia Facebook Discussions Page

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If you have a question or want to help someone, please, go to
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We also invite you to join our Facebook community, where you can meet other travelers and read interesting news on topics ranging from visa regulations to culture and music.

We are currently moving the old forum to Facebook, so what you see below functions as an archive.

If you have a question, please, post it on
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