Getting nervous

[JT]

I'm making the trip this upcoming weekend. This is my first trip, and I would appreciate any input from you veterans.

First, I've read mixed things about the use of US currency. I'm not going to a major city. Will I be able to use dollars, or do I need to exchange for Rubles?

Second, Moscow airport ...customs ...connecting flight via Aeroflot. I've read where people have had bad experiences with both. Can anyone tell me what NOT to do ? I'd like to stay as low key as possible, but am afraid to do something stupid. Is there any risk of getting in trouble for trying to bribe a customs person who finds "irregularities" with my visa, passport, or whatever else might be wrong?

I am planning on meeting 3 RW in 7 days. I have not been on this board long enough --and yes, I searched the archives -- but what are common cultural mistakes made by AM. in Russia ? I've tried to find as much information as I can, but am still confused.

Finally, and this is probably a stupid question, but would it be possible to pack for a 7 day trip with carry-on luggage only. While I think I could pull it off on the American flight, I checked with Aeroflot and am now thoroughly confused as to what is allowed on a Russian aircraft (i.e. are there more restrictions as to the size of the carry-on luggage). I'd really prefer to avoid checking in the luggage, given that I have 3 connections on 3 different airlines.

Thank you from a nervous new guy.

[BubbaGump]

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

If you wear blue jeans, T-shirts or tennis shoes you would stick out as an American.  Wear nice casual clothes instead.  Russians like to wear black a lot because they think it looks elegant and it doesn't show dirt.  I bought a coat in St. Petersburg just to fit in a little better (and because I forgot mine).  If you were going to a major city you might take a nice suit to go to the ballet.  

Check out what the temperature range might be before you visit.  Not many places I've been to have air conditioning, so if it's hot for your visit you might want extra changes of clothes.  Buy some clothes over there to help yourself look more local. Since you want to be low key, this will help.  

No telling what you'll spend on dinner.  I have spent between $6 and $60 eating at restaurants.  The normal range was $6 to $25.  You never know what they'll spring on you.  I think the $60 place was a test of my threshold of pain but I never flinched.    

Also take insect repellent because you're going to have to leave the window open where you're staying if it's hot.  

Some of the US foreign dating websites have a traveller checklist, so look through one of those.  We have similar checklists in our archives.  

Oh, guard your wallet, especially around gypsies (a St Petersburg problem for me).  I actually asked my translator if I could hit them if they bother me, she said no.  There were a lot of them but they were small so I though I could get away with it.  

Get plenty bottled water as some mentioned.  Most of the water over there either tastes nasty or is unfit to drink.

Have a good trip and take notes.  We'll be waiting for your trip report.

[Bobby Orr]

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

Try your best to be as confident as possible, especially in front of your girls.  FSU women are looking for real men.  I know it is tough in a new environment, without language skills or knowledge of culture.  However, appear confident at all times.

I have not had problems with connecting flights on Aeroflot throughout the FSU.  Make sure you get on the right lines (look at the numbers carefully on your ticket) when checking your bag.  Ask, and you will find many Russians will help you in English.  30 Kg is all you should check maximum ie. check 25 so you have room for 5 kg or so of presents.  Always have room for 2 bottles of Russian Standard, Gzelka, Istock special label or Crystal Russian vodka or Nemeroff Ukrainian vodka.  I recommend you take vodka on the last leg of your trip as carry-on duty free items.  

When transferring between Shermetevo II (International) and Shermyetevo I (Domestic) you will have a free transfer bus which is easily seen (blue signs) for directly connecting flights.  However, when if you have a significant delay hire a service in advance to make sure you get where you have to go.  

Do not give a girl an odd number of roses.  Walk on the outside of a street with a girl (girl on the inside).  Dress conservatively.  Get a haircut before you go.  Let the girl take your lead.  Use common sense.

Good luck.

[Oscar]

... in response to Be confident, posted by Bobby Orr on Aug 11, 2002

If you give her an even number of flowers it is considered bad luck..

Oscar

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to DO give a girl an odd number of roses-, posted by Oscar on Aug 11, 2002

Oscar is right, somehow I had a brain thinking one thing, typing another thing.

[Rags]

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

WOW, seven days is a pretty short trip! Good luck.

Here's my tidbits of wisdom:

#1 Use some melatonin or Lag-Ex to combat jet lag. You are not going to have a minute to waste and you sure don't want to be walking around in a fog for three days after you get there.

#2 Take some bottled water with you on the flight to stay hydrated. Don't drink alcohol or take sleeping pills on your flight over.

#3 I assume from your post that your connection in Moscow is on Aerofk which means that you will be leaving via SVO 1 in all probability. Hopefully you have a long layover there as Aerofk is consistantly 3-4 hours late getting in to Moscow. You should be able to use the Aerofk transfer shuttle to get to SVO 1 which will save you some time and a lot of hassles but maybe not because you are flying internal to Russia. Stop at the transfer desk and ask. It is on the same level as you disembark on (not the downstairs which is where Passport Control and Customs is). If you have to take a bus/taxi to SVO 1, the domestic flights are at the far end of the terminal as you drive up.
Have fun here finding your way around, fighting the crowds, and standing in line only to find out that your flight has not been posted (check monitors closely) as being ready to be ticketed which is usually no earlier than 30 minutes before the flight before you can get to wait at the boarding gate. There is not much to do while you wait except people watch and absorb some culture (drenched in cigarette smoke). I would not take off to Red Square as you may get caught in any number of traffic FUs and miss your flight.

#4 As stated before, take PRISTINE $100 bills as most places won't exchange a bill that has any marks whatsoever on it. Many times they won't even take it if it has been folded in half. Good luck trying to explain this to your bank cashier. And beware of getting too many 500 ruble notes when you exchange your money as they are hard to get change for.

#5 Carry your money/CC in a front pocket. If you carry a wallet in your back pocket you may end up with a big hole back there where some thief took a razor to it while you were squashed in some bundle of humanity (in a line, on a bus, waiting to cross the street).

#6 ALWAYS carry your passport and visa with you. Its not a bad idea to include a 500 ruble note in there if you put yourself into the position of possibly getting hassled by the police. Make a copy or two of your visa and passport to put in your luggage.

#7 Take some Imodium AD with you, just in case. There are not many public restrooms over there.

#8 Forget about taking seven days worth of clothes in a carry on. You aren't going to have time to wash clothes in the bath tub and there aren't any laundromats. Take a change of clothes in your carry on though as you don't know when your luggage if or will catch up with you.

#9 HAVE FUN !!! And post your adventure when you return.

[Mark H]

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

THe guys are giving you great information, heed it. Another important point is this...how much time do you have between your incoming flight and your next leg of your journey, the domestic flight? WHen I flew into Moscow on my first trip, I had a 10 hour layover waiting for my next flight into Samara. There is nothing in the Domestic Airport, #1. Nothing. A small cafe that is hardly open it seemed and no one spoke english. If you have a long layover, I suggest hanging out in Red Square like WMGONNNADOITRIGHT said or in #2. (Sometimes I confuse the numbers of the airports even though I've done it twice to Russia).

As for the bus to the other terminal, it is a little green bus, can't miss it. However, be prepared to be SWARMED when you clear the customs area and enter the general population. There will be one little door you exit from, into the main lobby of the airport. THere will be approximately 173,000 russians surrounding that door, some looking in...it's like a gauntlet getting out of there, kind of weird. Also, the Taxi drivers will be all over you immediately. They want $40 or $50 bucks to drive you around the flight line to the other terminal. The two terminals share the same runway, just on opposite sides! My first trip I took the $40 taxi ride, now I know better. However, my first trip was BEFORE finding this board, 3 years ago.

Change some money in the airport so you have cash. If you do take a taxi, they take american cash. Just about every grocery store, ie little shop, has a change kiosk in it to exchange dollars. In the smaller russian towns, no one wants AMerican dollars...that was my experience.

Lastly, Have a blast.

Mark H.

[JT]

... in response to Re: Getting nervous, posted by Mark H on Aug 11, 2002

My connection time from International to domestic is a little over 3 hours. Do you think this is enough time ? In the event I miss the connecting flight, do I need to purchase a new ticket ?

BTW .. Do many of the Aeroflot employees speak English ? I was assured by aeroflot that this would not be a problem, but I'd hate to be stuck in a terminal armed only with a Russian/English dictionary. Again, thanks for all the help.

[Zink]

... in response to connecting flight, posted by JT on Aug 11, 2002

When I missed my flight I was allowed to fly standby on the next flight. Aeroflot did not make me buy new tickets. 3 hours should be enough time unless you hit Rags' worse case scenario. I also have the knack of picking the slowest moving lines in passport control. I use the green line in customs because I don't carry anything major with me. That speeds things up when it's possible. If in doubt as to whether you can use the green line or not, look for someone in uniform who's lounging around(there's usally a few). Show them your customs declaration and ask if you can go through the green line.

Be prepared to get stuck armed with only your dictionary. Chances are it will happen eventually, especially if you travel outside of Moscow and St Pete. But don't worry, I've found Russian civilians to be helpful to stupid tourists like myself. I'm not fond of their police. Avoid the militsia if possible

[Rags]

... in response to connecting flight, posted by JT on Aug 11, 2002

GOOD LUCK! You may make your connection fine but if you don't you will need to go through Passport Control, pick up your bags (assuming that they get off loaded and not checked on through), fill out a Customs declaration, and go through Customs. Next, you fight your way through the taxi mafia mob scene and go upstairs to the departure level. When you get to the top of the stairs (facing the ticket booths) go to the far left end where you will find a little office (no signs or anything) with cubicle like walls. This is where you can explain to some totally unconcerned Aerofk person all your woes and exchange your tickets.

I have found that most Aerofk personnel do speak at least a little English, however if your flight is going to be over an hour late getting into SVO 2 I would get one of the stew's attention before you leave the plane for advice as to what you should do. Maybe they can help get your bags offloaded or contact the transit desk to get you expidited to SVO 1. I can't see you running the gaunlet of Passport Control, Customs, taxi, Customs again, get your boarding pass, and make your flight in anything less than two hours. Nice of Aerofk to tell you all of this, eh? DON'T STRESS over this, it won't help. Enjoy the adventure and remember, you aren't in Kansas anymore!

[Mark H]

... in response to connecting flight, posted by JT on Aug 11, 2002

No, they don't all speak english. As a matter of fact, few did. I got by okay though. 3 hours is plenty of time, depending on how long it takes to clear customs. If you're pressed for time, it's better to spend $40 bucks on a rip off taxi than to miss a flight!

Mark H.

[Ryan]

... in response to connecting flight, posted by JT on Aug 11, 2002

It is strange I was told to purchase my tickets for the connecting flight when I get into Moscow it is cheaper and you also don't have to worry about missing the connection.

[Zink]

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

It will be difficult for you to use US dollars most places. Things are generally cheaper than what you will have the bills for. $20 US is a decent amount of money for most people in Russia. I've found it hard to get change for 500 rouble bills at times. Do what the others have already said: exchange a small amount at the airport and go to a bank at your destination city to exchange more later.

With customs. Write down all the major things that you plan on carrying out of the country. Camera, cd player, computer and how much cash you have. Don't worry about inexpensive items or things you will leave behind in Russia. Be sure to have plenty of time to clear passport control and customs and transfer to SVO 1. I missed my flight last year because of incredibly slow lines in passport control and a short layover time.

I wouldn't attempt to bribe anyone. Most of the time they will give you a fine which amounts to a bribe anyhow. Stay cool and usually things will work out. I've been harrassed twice by officials in airports in Russia. Once everything was in order but they still shook me down for $50 US. Once I knew I didn't do things properly and it cost me 500 roubles. Keep some money in your wallet for emergencies but don't carry a lot. I've said ,"I don't have that much" and showed them my almost empty wallet to get out of fines. They took what I had but it was usually less than they wanted.

I can usually get 1-2 days of clothing and some small gifts in my carry on. And it is heavy. 7 days I think is a little too much.

Don't sweat about little cultural mistakes. If you meet decent people they will forgive small errors. If they don't you don't want to associate with them. There are many very nice and decent people in Russia. Don't waste your time on the bad ones. Be polite and courteous. If you want to blend in keep your mouth shut as much as possible. But don't worry about it too much. Let your Russian friends do most of the talking unless you can speak Russian. Speak softly. Russians talk very softly when in public. Act like you know what you're doing and most people will believe that it is so. Don't gawk and stare around. This will be difficult at times. The Russian female is an amazing sight. Especially in warm weather. Be prepared to make snap decisions. Every girl I've met liked a decisive man. It drove them nuts if I hesitated for very long when deciding something.

My take on the pushing and cutting in line that many people comment on. I've rarely seen it. Stand your ground and they don't tend to push. But they will cut in if you leave a large space between you and the person in front of you.The only time I was pushed around in almost 4 months of living in Russia was by a horde of babushkas trying to get out of the rain.

My theory of survival in Russia is: Relax. Enjoy yourself. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. Don't start trouble but don't let them push you around. And expect them to try and take take on prices if you do your own haggling. But if you know your stuff you can keep them in line. Have fun!!!

[Ryan]

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

I am also going to Togliatti. but in November.  I have been to the Ukraine before and did it all myself with no problems.  To find my women I have always used a internet personals.  This time I went to volgagirl to find my women friends that I will go and see but I will not be using any of their services, not because I don’t agree with the price or anything (I think volgagirl is cool and I respect what they have done for so many) but because I like the adventure and like to know I can do it on my own.  In saying this I have done some research.  Transferring from SVO2 to SVO1 just push threw all the crap and get outside and you will see a bus that this bus to SVO1 it will cost little but I think you will need some money exchanged before this point.  It should only cost about 50 cents in U.S. money.  Now you will probably be freaking a little if your new at this (I sort of was my first time) so do what you have to do pay the $20 if you want.  

Best advice is to have a peace of paper with what you want to do printed out in Russian on it.  For example “I want to find the Bus to get to SVO1” in Russian. (Have your RW friend write these out for you don’t use a translator program, you can check it with the program but I would not use on exclusively for this purpose).  Have one for everything like “I want to buy a ticket to Togliatti” go to the bathroom what ever you can think of you can never be too careful.  (have the English spelled out near it so you know what it says, I know common sense right?)

If you want someone to register you Togliatti for about $25 these guys can help.  If you need more hand holding like a ride from Summra airport to Togliatti they can also help or if you want someone to hold your hand these guys will also help but they will charge you a fee.  They have a web site….Your probably know this…  
Office address is Topolinaya Street 24-7, Togliatti
Ask any taxi to take you to the Green House building and they will know where
You wish to go. Our office is in the newer part of town, known as The New Town district.

As for the rest listen to the guys in the other posts as it is great info and I am also using it…  Good luck and try and think and act Russian…  It’s a blast! (Especially if you do it on your own, but that is my opinion, troubles add to the excitement)

[WmGo]

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

You are going to be ok.

1. Always act like you know what you are doing and everyone will assume such.

2. American dollars are welcome with just about everyone from cowboy taxis to restaraunts. Make sure all bills are clean, crisp new bills. Only use official exchangers. You will probably come out better using Rubles. Learn how to say "skolka" ( how much ) and "doraga" ( too much) - many things will be subject to negotiation and they will add 500% just because you are a Westerner, so don't be afraid to negotiate with taxis, street vendors, etc.

3. Shemeroyetyevo is easy. Don't worry - see #1 above. Don't pay more than $10 for a taxie to take you from the international terminal (Shemet 2) to the domestic (#1). If you have the time - say at least 6 hours or so between flights, go straight to Red Square and hang out for a couple of hours.

4. I have flown Aeroflot three times and no problems. You can probably carry on enough for 7 days. The overall weight limit is 45kg - but anything over that you just pay a little extra. Paying a little extra generally permits you to do just about anything in the FSU regardless of the normal rules. I cannot recall the carry on rule. But in Russia, the "rule" doesn't meen a whole lot - just see how many Russian men will smoke the whole plane trip right in front of the stewardess even though it is against the law.

Take it easy and have fun!