Visiting Russia in September: Questions!
 

Hello, I will be visiting Russia this coming September for two weeks. this will be my first time in Russia. I plan on traveling with a male friend who is from Moscow. If you can can you offer me advice on these questions? <BR>1) Saftey- Are larger cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow safe? We will be taking the night train to and from these cities. I've heard that robbiers can occur. <BR>2) I've been to Italy before and really stood out like an American. Because of this I was harassed at times by Italian men. Can I expect this when I'm alone in Russia? Or is their a completly different mentality? <BR>3) Dress- What do you recomend a woman wear over there. I don't want to stand out, but I do want to be comfortable. I will also be visiting many churches and would like to be dressed right, as to not offend. Are jeans all right? How about Kackies or skirts (length?). <BR>4) Health- Any health risks? Water all right to drink in towns and big cities? Should I bring a mini med kit? <BR>5) Places to see- Anything beside St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tula, Ryzazn... <BR>Thank you! Feel free to email me with advice :)

My husband and I spent a week Russia in Sept '97. We were in Moscow & St. Pete. <BR>You'll be safe enough - especially if you're traveling with someone from the area - as long as you use common sense. We travelled by train - overnight from Riga to Moscow - overnight from Moscow to St. Pete - overnight from St. Pete. to Tallinn - and had no problems. (Again, use common sense - don't leave stuff lying about, etc.) <BR>The only times I got somewhat harassed were in/around train stations - usually they were drunk. I had no troubles losing them. <BR>Dress: Dark colors, without logos, blend in best. As in most of the rest of Europe, women are more likely to wear skirts than they are in the USA. In Moscow & St. Pete. at least, you won't be out of place wearing dark slacks. I would suggest black or navy Dockers type slacks instead of jeans. In Sept, you will need a jacket or warm sweater - again dark colors blend in better. <BR>Buy a cheap plastic shopping bag when you get there to use instead of a day pack. Day pack =&gt; tourist! <BR>If you don't speak Russian, at least learn the Cyrillic alphabet! <BR>Health: Don't drink the water in St. Pete. Moscow is supposed to be OK though. Get a current guidebook and see what they recommend. <BR>Find out what your health insurance will (or won't) cover & pick up extra trip insurance if you think you need to. Your friend might have a better idea on the med-kit. (We didn't. There were western, but expensive, medical facilities in Moscow - and St.Pete is just a stones throw from Helsinki...) <BR>If you have other questions, feel free to email me.

Sorry, but that advice is out of date; Russia changes pretty quickly. At the moment, you should treat both Moscow and St. Pete like any big city: generally safe, but exercise normal caution. As for clothing, anything goes in both those cities, and you will have a hard time standing out unless you try really hard, especially in the center. For churches, as anywhere in the world, it's nice to be respectful by not wearing shorts or very revealing clothing. Also, if you want to fit in, orthodox tradition is that a woman's head is covered by a scarf. Not covering your head shouldn't deny you entry, but it is a sign of respect. Avoid drinking tap water in St. Pete definitely, but probably also in Moscow, to be on the safe side. Enjoy

1) Safety- St. Petersburg and Moscow are both safe if you use good sense. The crime you hear about is against businesses and intra-Mafia. Nite train between Moscow and St. Pete is dicie . . sometimes no problems . . sometimes problems. I avoided the nite train and traveled during the day . . added benefit of seeing the scenic countryside. Not unlike most of Europe, anywhere in Russia, avoid the trappings of wealth . . expensive watches . . jewelry . . showing cash. <BR> <BR> <BR>2) You can't help standing out like an American tourist so just go with it. Learn a few words of Russian and you will do fine . . you will be amazed at how many speak at least some English. One thing you will notice is how polite and helpful the Russians are. The "New Russian" men can make the Italians seem like Monastic Monks, but usually only in bars, , occasionally in late nite restraints. Once you make it clear you are not interested, they usually leave you alone. If you friend has been in Moscow very long, he will know how to avoid "predicaments". <BR> <BR>3) Dress as you would most anywhere else in Europe. Long skirts are the norm, (many young women will be wearing very short skirts). Jeans (other than designer) are passé in Russia and will help you stand out like a tourist. Dress very conservatively for the Churches and take a scarf to cover your head (females). . not mandatory, but will go a long way towards good will! DO NOT put both your hands in pockets while in Churches or near official monuments . . it is a sign of insolence and will generate much ill will. .and often an invitation to leave. <BR> <BR>4) Health- Do not drink tap water in either Moscow or St. Pete . . After you live there for a while, it may be ok , but not for visitors. I'd take a med kit and general antibiotics. Food is generally very heavy so anti-acids are handy. <BR> <BR>5) Places to see- September is a great time of the year to see Russia. Cool nites and little bad weather. I found the Rough Guide to Russia very honest and helpful. I'd recommend it highly <BR> <BR>

Answering your Q: <BR>1 St.Pete and Moscow are generally safe. Remember, you would probably stay in the city centre. So , it's all right.Robbers can occur anywhere, so be the most careful at the railway station tourist areas, etc.If you are uncomfortable - take a plane! <BR> <BR>2 Russian men are not gonna say anything- they, in fact, don't care :)) <BR> <BR>3 Russians in comperison to Americans dressed better. Sounds crazy- but it's a fact! Americans like casual alot.Russians always dressed up, no matter where they go ( restaurant, for a walk, pub... and in the theaters- it's a RULE- you must dressed up!)Russians don't like how Americans are dressed, because they always wear T-shirts,etc...Jeans are OK everywhere. <BR>You can wear anything you want.. from mini to maxi.. <BR>For more info you can email me :))