driving in Moscow
 

We are going to Russia in a week or so. We will be going to an outlying area of Moscow and would like to drive. What do I need besides an American Driver's license. Some sites say a certified translation of the license. I am not sure what that is or how to get it. Another site said i need an international driver's license. We will be there a week What knowledge do you have of the procedure? Thanks!

First, I wouldnt drive in Moscow. I would drive ANYWHERE else first, its even scary just being a passenger there. Your Visa papers should indicate what you would need to drive there, if not try the consulates web page. Its the wild west(east?) there, so just have all your papers in order, you are bound to be pulled over by an enterprising peace officer.

I totally agree with Frank! What do you have against the metro?

I have a friend who has a dacha outside of Moscow. They have to drive in crazy off hours just to get there once in a while. Traffic is nightmarish even then.

There are trains and buses that can get you almost anywhere in Podmoskov'e (Moscow vicinity). I would seriously consider that. And yes, I shudder at the thought of dealing with the friendly traffic police (militzia). Take care..

Sorry, I misread "outlying area of Moscow" as outside of Moscow. I will second the metro then, anytime.

There are buses, trams and trolley buses that would take you from the closest metro station to any location on the ourskirts of Moscow.

I also wouldn't bother with all the paperwork for one week, only to be perpetually stuck in Moscow traffic.

It's an insane idea. I wouldn't drive in Moscow or Russia, it's far too risky for a foreigner. Traffic, traffic police, poor road conditions in places, risk of car theft. Take a car and driver.

Agree I would not drive in Moscow. Moscow and Cairo are the only 2 places I have been where I would not drive.

And we have done numerous road trips all over Europe and drive in NYC traffic all the time (sometimes ever scaring cab drivers). The conditions are too awful (road as well as traffic) and the police are a law unto themselves. We simple cab everywhere.

Separately - do look into your CC coverage - I'm not sure they cover Russia - and you might have to buy all insurance out of pocket. And definitely get and international permit from AAA if you decide to try this.

Thank you all so much for your responses. Let me tell you more of the story and maybe you can offer some additional help. We adopted a child from Russia. She was 13 at the time and she is now 21. She has always been perfectly wonderful, seemed well-adjusted, and had a good relationship. She has been happily married for almost two years. Over the summer, on college break, she went back to visit her hometown of Russia. She was supposed to come back this past Thursday but intead sent a text message to that she was not coming back and wanted a divorce. There has been no other communicaiton from her since that text message (the husband and her had spoken by phone during her visit.) This is so uncharacteristeic of her and so baffling, as well as heartbreaking, the three of us (mom, dad, husband) are going over there for hopefully reconciliation or at least closure. So we have to get to Vyasma (120 miles west of Moscow) and thought for flexibility and mobility and economy maybe renting a car. So does that information change any of your insights? Or do you have additional suggestions? Thank you!

Dawn - so sorry to hear that!! Yes, that's a different situation - it sounded like you wanted to drive INTO Moscow. However, I would still be very reluctant to drive in Russia. How did your daughter get to Vyasma? I would look into train travel to get to the town itself - on bahn.de it looks like the town is called Wjasma and is on the Smolensk line, about three hours from Moscow. What outfit are you using for visa support? Can they help with the transport situation?

There's some minimal info on driving a rental car in Russia here: www.waytorussia.net/Transport/Domestic/Car.html

Sorry to hear about your family plight. I was going to respond earlier, but hesitated, not wanting to sound negative. I have to agree with the others about NOT trying to drive over there. Just came back from Moscow/St Pete less than a month ago. Traffic leaving Moscow was sooooo bad, even our tour guide was surprised! What should take an hour takes 4, etc.

Look, maybe you can get a reliable driver/car service. It won't be cheap, but it is not worth risking your life to drive over there. Many drivers apparently don't even have a valid licence. They just bribe someone for a fake, and then drive like complete maniacs. (I drive in NJ/NY all the time, and I was scared just trying to cross the street in Russia!)

I would try that train connection. Or maybe you know someone in Vyasma that can hook up a ride for you?

Think in your circumstance you should first of all make sure you have a visa to get into Russia. Sure you are aware of that.

Do you know anyone in Russia that could drive you? If not the next idea would be to hire a driver or guide to take you there. It may be the easiest solution and the safest.

Perhaps you could post the question here to help find a reliable guide.

There are certainly a lot of unknowns for you and it would be better to have someone from Russia with you.

I could not find Vyasma on the Michelin map. If it is west of Moscow would it be close to the border with Estonia?

If you really want to drive perhaps you could get to Tallin and drive from there across the border without going to Moscow.

Dawn - that is so baffling. I wonder if she is in some kind of trouble? Good luck.

Doesn't change anything. Outside Moscow the roads are not always very good - I lived 120km south of Moscow past DME and always used car and driver to get into Moscow at weekends. A few hardy expats would drive their own car, most didn't. They stand out since foreigners have different number plates.

Well, I am convinced. Thank you so much for your help. And thursdaysd, thank you for the website links, they were very helpful. I do know our daughter got from the airport to Vyasma by bus so I am now researching bus/train options. when we went to Russia in 2001 to get her, the adoption agency arranged drivers and guides so I will also look into that option, as well. We are working on Visas, planning to use on of those one-day services that you can find on-line. You all have been wonderfully helpful and I really appreciate your input. If you have any further advice or suggestions, I welcome it. Thank you.

Topping the other tread, hoping with the additional information of your specific situation, others might be able to help with suggestions on how to approach this.

Well - this sounds like a complicated situation and not a vacation. So - I would definitely NOT try to rent a car. I would hook up with a company that can organize your visas and hotels for you and get you a car with driver to help you deal with the situation when you get there.

You may need help from locals even finding your daughter - and it sounds like a situation in which the authorities may become involved - and you definitely don;t want to be without a reliable guide and translator who can help you deal with the Russian bureaucracy.

Separately, what is your daughter's citizenship/passport and visa status? (Does she hold dual citizenship? Can she legally stay in Russia - or is she on a travel visa?)

It's possible the US embassy would need to get involved. And I would definitely consult with them to get some input before heading out to find your daughter.

nytraveler has a very good point. Because of the situation, I would contact the State Department asap and ask for some help and advice how to handle this.

Just crossing the border into Russia on the train I was intimidated when the customs officical took my passport. Can't imagine dealing with the police there.

Yes, that's great advice from nytraveler. Also, have you contacted the adoption agency?