Getting nervous

[Philb]

... in response to Re: Getting nervous, posted by WmGo on Aug 10, 2002

Aeroflot's international flights offer the same carry on size limitations as Delta, American, etc..  It is the flights with in Russia that have different standards.  I have a 21" by 14" by 8" piece of luggage that I can carry on every airline I have ever flown except on Aeroflot flights with in Russia.  On these flights I must check this piece.  

Also,  on domestic Aeroflot flights the luggage allowance is only 30 kg.  Anything over this you must pay an excess baggage fee.

[WmGo]

... in response to Carry on luggage and aeroflot, posted by Philb on Aug 10, 2002

Thanks, I couldn't remember what the rule was. I do remember a lot of RM carrying a lot of stuff and having fussing matches with the stewardesses who invariably eventually rolled their eyes, threw up their arms and gave up! RM crack me up. It's kind of like "by golly I'm the man and I'm gonna do what I want to do when I want to do it!"

I certainly don't recommend a foreigner doing this though.

[Zink]

... in response to Carry on luggage and aeroflot, posted by Philb on Aug 10, 2002

Sometimes I have had to pay an excess baggage fee. But other times I was told it was okay because I was connecting to international flights. Be prepared for either case. It isn't a major problem.

[CFonde]

... in response to Getting nervous, posted by JT on Aug 10, 2002

Dear "nervous new guy",

  Your inquiry did not list many specifics, but having made the trip twice, I will try to answer a few of your concerns.

  You did not mention what city you are traveling to. In any case, you will probably need to exchange your dollars for rubles at some point. Chances are, there will be an exchange bank wherever you are going. I'm sure one of your RW's can help you with that. Technically, its still illegal to use anything other than rubles in Russia.

  As for bribing any officials, US Dollars will be just fine! I've personally never had ANY problems with Customs, Militsia, or any other bribe-worthy individual. My guess as a long-time reader of these boards is, you probably won't have a problem upon entering the country. Most problems I've read are encountered upon exiting the country. Just be certain to have your passport & visa in order upon exiting. Some guys don't bother to register their visa. I think this is playing Russian Roulette though. Spend the extra $20.00, and get your visa registered, or if you're staying at a hotel, they might do it for nothing.

  Packing for a 7 day trip using only carry-on baggage, is a call only you can make. I think it can be done, but the Santa Claus in me always has me traveling there, with no less than 3 crammed-full pieces of baggage. A small gift for each of your ladies, AND their children (if any), is practically a MUST! If you must travel with only a carry-on, make certain it is a large as possible.

  Another potential hangup could be your flight connections in Moscow. At the very least, you'll probably be transferring from SVO2 to SVO1, which is NOT really the same airport. SVO1 is a short bus ride, (or $20 to $40 taxi ride, depending on your negotiating skills). A bigger problem would be a flight out of Domodedovo airport, which is ALL the way across Moscow, from SVO2. I'll assume this is NOT the case, or I'm sure you'd have mentioned it.

  However, the BIGGEST problem I see (& I speak from personal experience here), is you're meeting 3 RW's in only 7 days! Dude, I admire your willingness to consolidate your trip, and get the most use of your time, but this is really cutting it close in my opinion. I traveled to meet 2 RW's in 7 days, and fortunately for me, the choice was somewhat easy, but I see a big potential problem here. 7 days is hardly enough time to get to know 1 RW, let-alone get to know 3! For the sake of honesty, I hope that each RW knows of your situation, and is understanding.

 
Chris

[JT]

... in response to Re: Getting nervous, posted by CFonde on Aug 10, 2002

I have been forthright with all 3. Perhaps that is too much. The problem is that my job, and income, won't allow me to travel very often, or for more than 8 days at a time. Ideally, if one of us hit it off really well, I'd like to meet her in another country next time. We'll see. I'll let you know how it goes, and thanks a lot for sharing this information.

[WmGo]

... in response to Re: Getting nervous, posted by CFonde on Aug 10, 2002

More is better

[Philb]

... in response to Getting nervous, posted by JT on Aug 10, 2002

Where are you going?

[JT]

... in response to A question, posted by Philb on Aug 10, 2002

Togliatti.

[Philb]

... in response to Getting nervous, posted by JT on Aug 10, 2002

You are going to need to exchange your dollars for rubles.  You can exchange $40.00 dollars or so at Sheremtyevo (what ever you need to get by untill the next day).  The exchange rate is not very good in the airport so exchange the bulk of your money at a bank when you get to where ever you are going.

I have never had any problems with my passport or visa (4 trips).  Just be sure to get your visa registered.  I do this right in the airport, costs me $20.00, and then I do not have to worry about it.  I would not recommend offering the customs people and passport control a bribe.  That said if there is an irregularity (say you did not have your visa registered) there is a fine involved.  Upon entering the country if you do not have a proper visa, passport, etc.. they will not let you enter.  A friend of mine with a multi entry visa forgot it and was sent back to Frnakfurt Germany until it could be fed-exed to him.

As far as carry on luggage, Aeroflot (internal flights) has a much smaller size limit then any other airline I have flown.  The Tupelov 154's that they use just do not have the storage room above your seat.  I would find it impossible to pack for 7 days with there allowable carry
on.

As far as cultural mistakes my advice is dress conservativly, be polite,  don,t be loud and obnoxious, and have a good time.  Russian service usually is no where near western standards, so don't expect things to be the same as in the U.S. I guess what I am saying is don't let the little things bother you.

One other thing,  Russians have a completely different line etiquette then we do (a guy I met on my first trip called them the worst line cutters in the world).  So, when clearing passport control do not worry to much about personal space and niceties or you will find your self pushed to the rear quite quickly.

Be smart and enjoy your self.