Russia a good idea?
Mar 8th, 2008, 05:51 AM
#1
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Russia a good idea?
My wife and I (40ish) are thinking about a 2 week trip to Russia (Moscow/Novgorod/St Pete) at the end of May. We have traveled to many places from Costa Rica to China independently.
Some people we know are saying this is a bad idea because of the safety and crime. In particular, the streets of Moscow are very dangerous, tourists are robbed frequently, and it is not safe to do normal tourist things.
Could someone please give us feedback on Moscow traffic, crime and other issues we should be aware of?
Also, on a more positive note - is Novgorod worth a stopover? Should we get our train tickets ahead of time, or can we get them there? Someone told us we can't get hotel rooms except via a booking agent. Why can't we look up Tripadvisor or this site and book direct?
TIA
Some people we know are saying this is a bad idea because of the safety and crime. In particular, the streets of Moscow are very dangerous, tourists are robbed frequently, and it is not safe to do normal tourist things.
Could someone please give us feedback on Moscow traffic, crime and other issues we should be aware of?
Also, on a more positive note - is Novgorod worth a stopover? Should we get our train tickets ahead of time, or can we get them there? Someone told us we can't get hotel rooms except via a booking agent. Why can't we look up Tripadvisor or this site and book direct?
TIA
Mar 8th, 2008, 05:58 AM
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I was in Moscow and St. Petersburg a few months ago for business. We walked all over the place in both cities and did not feel threatened at all while we were out touring.
That said, our plane tickets were stolen from our (very nice) hotel rooms in St. Petersburg (my colleague and I both forgot to lock the tickets in the safe one day). It turns out that the St. P airport does not have electronic ticketing so physical tickets are apparently still valuable (especially when they are full-price biz class).
That said, our plane tickets were stolen from our (very nice) hotel rooms in St. Petersburg (my colleague and I both forgot to lock the tickets in the safe one day). It turns out that the St. P airport does not have electronic ticketing so physical tickets are apparently still valuable (especially when they are full-price biz class).
Mar 8th, 2008, 02:44 PM
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we are doing a russian trip next year
i dont think crime is an issue..the police are though..and some say that bribing them to let you go past without hassle can happen
id not worry
i think predominantly they will pick on young men
in the guide books it tells you to keep the number of your embassy and learn the phrase that warns officials that you will not hesitate to call your embassy
dont carry your passport ..carry a copy
some of the hotels have great security...
im a bit apprehensive but not frightened ..i do speak russian and read it so we are planning not to hire a guide but just blend in if at all possible
the traffic is bad and so are the road conditions in many places...an ex pat warned me about that so our idea of driving to the golden ring has been knocked on the head
you can deal with a hotel directly...i rang moscow the other week and spoke to the girl at the desk...she can issue an .'invitation' and it is not essential that you list every hotel youre staying at..you are permitted to change your mind afterall!
be aware that to stay in moscow centrally you will be paying at least 300 euros a night for something pretty ordinary and so much more for something nicer
id not be dangling a camera round my neck..keep it in your bag ...
i hear arbat area is well lit...im looking into the arbat hotel
im tending to go with an agency here in australia..someone for backup...doing the independent thing but have my accommodation visa etc looked after by the aussie folk
i dont think crime is an issue..the police are though..and some say that bribing them to let you go past without hassle can happen
id not worry
i think predominantly they will pick on young men
in the guide books it tells you to keep the number of your embassy and learn the phrase that warns officials that you will not hesitate to call your embassy
dont carry your passport ..carry a copy
some of the hotels have great security...
im a bit apprehensive but not frightened ..i do speak russian and read it so we are planning not to hire a guide but just blend in if at all possible
the traffic is bad and so are the road conditions in many places...an ex pat warned me about that so our idea of driving to the golden ring has been knocked on the head
you can deal with a hotel directly...i rang moscow the other week and spoke to the girl at the desk...she can issue an .'invitation' and it is not essential that you list every hotel youre staying at..you are permitted to change your mind afterall!
be aware that to stay in moscow centrally you will be paying at least 300 euros a night for something pretty ordinary and so much more for something nicer
id not be dangling a camera round my neck..keep it in your bag ...
i hear arbat area is well lit...im looking into the arbat hotel
im tending to go with an agency here in australia..someone for backup...doing the independent thing but have my accommodation visa etc looked after by the aussie folk
Mar 8th, 2008, 03:59 PM
#4
I felt safe enough in all three places. That said, I travel with all my valuables in a money belt round my waist. The most difficult part of the trip for me was getting my visa and then getting it registered, since I was using home stays and not hotels. Why are you worried about traffic in Moscow? Use the metro.
Definitely spend some time in Novgorod, it's a great contrast to the big cities. My Novgorod photos are at kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/287618
Definitely spend some time in Novgorod, it's a great contrast to the big cities. My Novgorod photos are at kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/287618
Mar 8th, 2008, 04:34 PM
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Russia has the worst traffic I've ever seen in Europe. But as stated Mosocow has a beautiful metro and St. Petersburg has transit as well. Being a passenger in a car is really scary. They drive on the wrong side to bypass traffic all of the time. Our driver drove quite a distance on WORKING railroad tracks to bypass traffic. I saw 9 car accidents in one day! The road infrastructure does not support the fairly recent explosion in car ownership. Crime wise, always felt comfortable using normal precautions.
Mar 8th, 2008, 04:42 PM
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I felt safe enough in both Moscow and St. Petes. That said (a seemingly common phrase here warning of impending doom), my parents are not fond of either city.
When my parents were potential customers, the storekeepers would speak English. When it was obvious they were lost and just needing help to get to the right place, no English need apply. The cops on the street were no help, and in fact frightened my parents. Let's just say knowing Russian is quite helpful in these cities. I had a devil of a time looking for my parents, and was relieved beyond words when I found them since no one cared to help. So, my lesson from this is don't get lost. Ever.
On the bright side, no one was robbed (be street smart), walking about the city is absolutely fine, the food was excellent. Just don't get lost, know the number to the American Embassy, carry your passport on your person, with a copy readily at hand. When I was there last (back in 2006), the US dollar was welcome, and sometimes, you got a better deal paying in Dollars. Not sure about now. You can easily get Russian Rubles at ATMs at the airport. I don't remember seeing many ATMs in either city, but I wasn't specifically paying attention then.
My boss and a few other coworkers, who have ridden trains in Russia between Moscow and St. Petes (I decided to fly), have said that riding that train in Russia listed among the top of their creepy list. And these are people who have traveled the world. I have not taken the train (yet), so am only relaying what they mentioned to me during our trip.
My plane ride was absolutely fine. I was served a delicious bar of Russian chocolate and a scalding hot cup of tea, which never cooled enough to drink during the hour flight, much to the annoyance of the flight attendants.
Definitely use the metro when traveling in Moscow and St. Petes. The metro stations are absolutely beautiful, like galleries in a museum (no photos!). And it's relatively easy to figure out. But be ready to get off at your stop the minute the metro stops and the car doors open. My handler there joked "They don't call us Russians for nothing! We rush rush rush!"
Oh, and as for Moscow traffic? If you know midtown traffic in NYC, it's like that.
When my parents were potential customers, the storekeepers would speak English. When it was obvious they were lost and just needing help to get to the right place, no English need apply. The cops on the street were no help, and in fact frightened my parents. Let's just say knowing Russian is quite helpful in these cities. I had a devil of a time looking for my parents, and was relieved beyond words when I found them since no one cared to help. So, my lesson from this is don't get lost. Ever.
On the bright side, no one was robbed (be street smart), walking about the city is absolutely fine, the food was excellent. Just don't get lost, know the number to the American Embassy, carry your passport on your person, with a copy readily at hand. When I was there last (back in 2006), the US dollar was welcome, and sometimes, you got a better deal paying in Dollars. Not sure about now. You can easily get Russian Rubles at ATMs at the airport. I don't remember seeing many ATMs in either city, but I wasn't specifically paying attention then.
My boss and a few other coworkers, who have ridden trains in Russia between Moscow and St. Petes (I decided to fly), have said that riding that train in Russia listed among the top of their creepy list. And these are people who have traveled the world. I have not taken the train (yet), so am only relaying what they mentioned to me during our trip.
My plane ride was absolutely fine. I was served a delicious bar of Russian chocolate and a scalding hot cup of tea, which never cooled enough to drink during the hour flight, much to the annoyance of the flight attendants.
Definitely use the metro when traveling in Moscow and St. Petes. The metro stations are absolutely beautiful, like galleries in a museum (no photos!). And it's relatively easy to figure out. But be ready to get off at your stop the minute the metro stops and the car doors open. My handler there joked "They don't call us Russians for nothing! We rush rush rush!"
Oh, and as for Moscow traffic? If you know midtown traffic in NYC, it's like that.
Mar 8th, 2008, 05:43 PM
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Ah yes, the traffic. It was TERRIBLE in Moscow and, to a lesser extent, in St. P. What should be a 15 minute cab ride will take an hour or more. Definitely take the subway if you can. Or walk if the weather is good. We walked a fair amount in both cities and felt quite safe. This might mean that you can't wear the very stylish shoes that the Russians are wearing, but it's worth the fashion indignity.
Also, I can confirm that the dollar is no longer welcomed as its value has plummeted. A friend in St. P. even advised us not to tip in dollars since our currency no longer has the cache (or value) that it once had. And a tour guide in Moscow simply refused to be paid in dollars.
Finally, if you do go, be sure to have Georgian food in Moscow. It is delicious and the Georgian restaurants are very fun.
Also, I can confirm that the dollar is no longer welcomed as its value has plummeted. A friend in St. P. even advised us not to tip in dollars since our currency no longer has the cache (or value) that it once had. And a tour guide in Moscow simply refused to be paid in dollars.
Finally, if you do go, be sure to have Georgian food in Moscow. It is delicious and the Georgian restaurants are very fun.
Mar 9th, 2008, 01:52 AM
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<<Some people we know are saying this is a bad idea because of the safety and crime. In particular, the streets of Moscow are very dangerous, tourists are robbed frequently, and it is not safe to do normal tourist things. >>
The people who say these things are usually those who have never been to Russia. It is so far removed from the truth. Tourists are not the ones with money anymore.
Novgorod is certainly worth a visit and is a convenient stopover on the way to St Petersburg on the train. The train from Moscow to Novogorod/St Petersburg is a good way to travel. You can get the train tickets once there, from a local travel agent eg Amex.
You can book your own hotels same as any other city/country.
The people who say these things are usually those who have never been to Russia. It is so far removed from the truth. Tourists are not the ones with money anymore.
Novgorod is certainly worth a visit and is a convenient stopover on the way to St Petersburg on the train. The train from Moscow to Novogorod/St Petersburg is a good way to travel. You can get the train tickets once there, from a local travel agent eg Amex.
You can book your own hotels same as any other city/country.
Mar 10th, 2008, 06:13 AM
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Hi Tia,
I live in Russia and I have traveled independently to so many places (including Costa Rica which I loved). Street crime is international – my aunt was pickpocketed in Paris but she still liked the city. So in general streets in Moscow and St.Pete are no more dangerous than the streets of any big city. Don’t keep your money in you back pocket, don’t forget the camera behind you, don’t buy the fur or caviar from the street vendors, always bring the photocopy of your passport and the business card of your hotel with you. Keep your eyes open and use your common sense.
Traffic is bad and yes – Russians drive rather crazy. But have you ever been to Italy? You will find quite a similarity in the way of driving.
People who are involved into the tourism speak English but do not expect everyone on the street to be able to understand you.
Novgorod is beautiful and very interesting place so it is worth more than just one day. If you do Moscow – Novgorod – St.Pete I recommend taking the train from Moscow to Novgorod and bus from Novgorod to St.Pete.
You can get the train tickets 45 day prior to your trip. You can book the hotel or even the private apartment direct.
The end of May is wonderful time – usually it is warm and sunny so I am sure you will enjoy your trip!
I live in Russia and I have traveled independently to so many places (including Costa Rica which I loved). Street crime is international – my aunt was pickpocketed in Paris but she still liked the city. So in general streets in Moscow and St.Pete are no more dangerous than the streets of any big city. Don’t keep your money in you back pocket, don’t forget the camera behind you, don’t buy the fur or caviar from the street vendors, always bring the photocopy of your passport and the business card of your hotel with you. Keep your eyes open and use your common sense.
Traffic is bad and yes – Russians drive rather crazy. But have you ever been to Italy? You will find quite a similarity in the way of driving.
People who are involved into the tourism speak English but do not expect everyone on the street to be able to understand you.
Novgorod is beautiful and very interesting place so it is worth more than just one day. If you do Moscow – Novgorod – St.Pete I recommend taking the train from Moscow to Novgorod and bus from Novgorod to St.Pete.
You can get the train tickets 45 day prior to your trip. You can book the hotel or even the private apartment direct.
The end of May is wonderful time – usually it is warm and sunny so I am sure you will enjoy your trip!
