Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
Mar 11th 2004, 9:55 am
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
"voyager" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<2y%[email protected]>...
> Most of Europe can be visited for up to 6 months without needing a visa.
> Russia and Ukraine are quite a different story. Both require visas and both
> have made the processes slow, laborious and relatively expensive. To begin
> with, you need to procure an "invitation". Many hotels and a lot of travel
> agencies can arrange this for you. Some hotels provide this as a free
> service but most will charge feels ranging from US$25-60. I believe a
> single entry visa to Russia is about $60.00 and can take from 2 weeks to 2
> months to get.
AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
you applied.
> I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> through the hoops to get the visa.
I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
that case.
> Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> developed tourist infrastructure. English speakers are difficult to find
> and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers. St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country. In St.Petersburg, we found
> that costs for food and lodging were all over the place. A western style
> hotel near Newsy Prospect (the main avenue in St. Petersburg) will usually
> run from US$160-400 per night for somewhat less than grand accommodations.
> A dinner at a mainstream restaurant in the same area will average US$30-40
> per person.
Yes, but at the same time St Petersburg has many cafes serving "bizniz
lanch", which is usually a complete meal, for under $10.
Bjorn
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night. As
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially. On our trip, we hired a private
> guide for about US$50/day. This allowed us the flexibility to eat in small
> restaurants that had never seen a tourist. We had a number of absolutely
> fantastic meals and the most expensive was only about US$15 (total for 3 of
> us). We found great accommodations in a small (11 room) "boutique style"
> hotel about a 20 minute walk from the Hermitage for less than US$100/night.
>
> If these things haven't intimidated you yet I'm sure you'll love Russia (and
> especially St. Petersburg). After 20+ trips to Europe I will say my 2002
> visit to St. Petersburg was one of the best and most worthwhile trips I have
> ever taken. Many of the Russian people still distrust foreigners and
> they're just now learning how to deal with tourism. Through our
> guide/translator we interacted with a number of the local folks. Overall we
> found that they were as curious about us and life in the USA as we were
> about them. This led to a new appreciation for the Russian people and
> several new friendships.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia. Note that many credit card companies charge foreign
> conversion fees so it's wise to shop around and find a card that does not.
> Get your cash from ATMs only as needed. It's not a wise idea to carry more
> cash than you can afford to lose. Like credit cards, research ATM fees and
> select the card that fits your lifestyle best.
>
> Please let me know (remove the mystery meat to reply) if you have any
> specific questions.
>
> regards,
>
> --
> [email protected]
> (Remove the mystery meat to reply!)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "ds" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hello People.
> >
> >
> > Good news, bad news. Bad news. Got outscourced from my job (lost it).
> > GOod news. Have a small window of time to do some travleing for the
> > first time in my life (outside the USA). So i have some general,
> > maybe dumb questions.
> >
> > 1.) Im applying for my passport tomorrow, i finally got all the
> > paperwork. I guess that typically takes up to 6 weeks or so?
> >
> > 2.) lets say, for arguments sake i went to Paris. But i wanted to go
> > over to Russia and the Ukraine also. Now, would i be able to just go
> > their as long as i had a passport? I mean, could i just hop a train(s)
> > and a bus(s) and go their? what potiential problems lie in my path?
> >
> > Becuase i would like to go over to the Ukraine and Russia. But I would
> > also like to travel all around those parts. but since i never did it..
> > i dont know what might prevent me from doing it.
> >
> > If anyone has been to Russia and Ukraine that is from the USA. How
> > much money would i be looking at to spend a day for basic lodging and
> > food? Would it be hard to get there not knowing the native language?
> > The thing is, im not going to have a whole lot of money for this.
> >
> > And lastley. Whens a good time to exchage money for the native money?
> > I mean, if im going to be traveling through so many differnt countries
> > and all....
> >
> > ANyhow, guess thats is. The problem is that ai dont know enough to ask
> > the right questions. So i would be happy for any kinds of input
> > whether it has to do with my questions or not. Thanks!!!!!!
> >
> > Hal
> Most of Europe can be visited for up to 6 months without needing a visa.
> Russia and Ukraine are quite a different story. Both require visas and both
> have made the processes slow, laborious and relatively expensive. To begin
> with, you need to procure an "invitation". Many hotels and a lot of travel
> agencies can arrange this for you. Some hotels provide this as a free
> service but most will charge feels ranging from US$25-60. I believe a
> single entry visa to Russia is about $60.00 and can take from 2 weeks to 2
> months to get.
AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
you applied.
> I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> through the hoops to get the visa.
I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
that case.
> Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> developed tourist infrastructure. English speakers are difficult to find
> and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers. St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country. In St.Petersburg, we found
> that costs for food and lodging were all over the place. A western style
> hotel near Newsy Prospect (the main avenue in St. Petersburg) will usually
> run from US$160-400 per night for somewhat less than grand accommodations.
> A dinner at a mainstream restaurant in the same area will average US$30-40
> per person.
Yes, but at the same time St Petersburg has many cafes serving "bizniz
lanch", which is usually a complete meal, for under $10.
Bjorn
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night. As
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially. On our trip, we hired a private
> guide for about US$50/day. This allowed us the flexibility to eat in small
> restaurants that had never seen a tourist. We had a number of absolutely
> fantastic meals and the most expensive was only about US$15 (total for 3 of
> us). We found great accommodations in a small (11 room) "boutique style"
> hotel about a 20 minute walk from the Hermitage for less than US$100/night.
>
> If these things haven't intimidated you yet I'm sure you'll love Russia (and
> especially St. Petersburg). After 20+ trips to Europe I will say my 2002
> visit to St. Petersburg was one of the best and most worthwhile trips I have
> ever taken. Many of the Russian people still distrust foreigners and
> they're just now learning how to deal with tourism. Through our
> guide/translator we interacted with a number of the local folks. Overall we
> found that they were as curious about us and life in the USA as we were
> about them. This led to a new appreciation for the Russian people and
> several new friendships.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia. Note that many credit card companies charge foreign
> conversion fees so it's wise to shop around and find a card that does not.
> Get your cash from ATMs only as needed. It's not a wise idea to carry more
> cash than you can afford to lose. Like credit cards, research ATM fees and
> select the card that fits your lifestyle best.
>
> Please let me know (remove the mystery meat to reply) if you have any
> specific questions.
>
> regards,
>
> --
> [email protected]
> (Remove the mystery meat to reply!)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "ds" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hello People.
> >
> >
> > Good news, bad news. Bad news. Got outscourced from my job (lost it).
> > GOod news. Have a small window of time to do some travleing for the
> > first time in my life (outside the USA). So i have some general,
> > maybe dumb questions.
> >
> > 1.) Im applying for my passport tomorrow, i finally got all the
> > paperwork. I guess that typically takes up to 6 weeks or so?
> >
> > 2.) lets say, for arguments sake i went to Paris. But i wanted to go
> > over to Russia and the Ukraine also. Now, would i be able to just go
> > their as long as i had a passport? I mean, could i just hop a train(s)
> > and a bus(s) and go their? what potiential problems lie in my path?
> >
> > Becuase i would like to go over to the Ukraine and Russia. But I would
> > also like to travel all around those parts. but since i never did it..
> > i dont know what might prevent me from doing it.
> >
> > If anyone has been to Russia and Ukraine that is from the USA. How
> > much money would i be looking at to spend a day for basic lodging and
> > food? Would it be hard to get there not knowing the native language?
> > The thing is, im not going to have a whole lot of money for this.
> >
> > And lastley. Whens a good time to exchage money for the native money?
> > I mean, if im going to be traveling through so many differnt countries
> > and all....
> >
> > ANyhow, guess thats is. The problem is that ai dont know enough to ask
> > the right questions. So i would be happy for any kinds of input
> > whether it has to do with my questions or not. Thanks!!!!!!
> >
> > Hal
Mar 11th 2004, 1:39 pm
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
In article <[email protected] >, Bjorn
Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
> AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
> you applied.
>
> > I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> > spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> > exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> > available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> > through the hoops to get the visa.
>
> I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
> the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
> that case.
For a U.S. citizen the exact hotel dates are becoming a very loose
requirement. If you can demonstrate work stability, like including a
business card and letterhead, and a few nights E-MAIL confirmation at a
hotel with your visa app. you will be fine asking for more unaccounted
hotel dates. You should indicate your basic timetable and they will
want to know your entry/exit points.
The most important part of the VISA app is the cashiers check.
It took 17 days for me to get my VISA back by mail. The VISA app can
be d/l from their site. A European traveling with us had to include
proof of medical insurance.
At the point of entry you will need to declare your cash assets and
reconcile it when you leave. That was their only concern with us from
the U.S., very nice and loved practising their english with us. With
many others they checked all belongings for smuggled goods... It took
close to two hours to clear our train.
>
> > Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> > developed tourist infrastructure.
Yes, but places on the Black Sea have long been resort escapes for
Russians... but very bland socialist realism accommodations to be
sure... you will have to look hard to find typical tourist tee-shirts
even.
Check all bills for math 'mistakes'.
jay
Thu Mar 11, 2004
mailto:[email protected]
> > English speakers are difficult to find
> > and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing.
Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
> AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
> you applied.
>
> > I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> > spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> > exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> > available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> > through the hoops to get the visa.
>
> I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
> the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
> that case.
For a U.S. citizen the exact hotel dates are becoming a very loose
requirement. If you can demonstrate work stability, like including a
business card and letterhead, and a few nights E-MAIL confirmation at a
hotel with your visa app. you will be fine asking for more unaccounted
hotel dates. You should indicate your basic timetable and they will
want to know your entry/exit points.
The most important part of the VISA app is the cashiers check.
It took 17 days for me to get my VISA back by mail. The VISA app can
be d/l from their site. A European traveling with us had to include
proof of medical insurance.
At the point of entry you will need to declare your cash assets and
reconcile it when you leave. That was their only concern with us from
the U.S., very nice and loved practising their english with us. With
many others they checked all belongings for smuggled goods... It took
close to two hours to clear our train.
>
> > Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> > developed tourist infrastructure.
Yes, but places on the Black Sea have long been resort escapes for
Russians... but very bland socialist realism accommodations to be
sure... you will have to look hard to find typical tourist tee-shirts
even.
Check all bills for math 'mistakes'.
jay
Thu Mar 11, 2004
mailto:[email protected]
> > English speakers are difficult to find
> > and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing.
Mar 11th 2004, 6:54 pm
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
[email protected] (Bjorn Olsson) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> [email protected] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > [email protected] (ds) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > Second you will need
> > help to register your visa once your in Russia. If you don't speak
> > Russian you must pay your hotel to do this for you (take my word for
> > it, don't even think of doing it yourself).
>
> The hotel may or may not charge for it. If there is a charge, it will
> be normally be a rather modest sum.
>
Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
to save money Bjørn
Don't even think of register you visa on your
own. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
moeny indeed.
> > You need to be prepared well prepared before you go. Lonely planets
> > Russia edition and a travel agency is an exellent way to go through
> > red tape, what to see, avoidances and dangers, where to stay.
>
> I would carefully check the publication date of the LP guide. Until
> recently, their Russia edition was very much out of date, but they
> seem to have come out with a better updated edition recently.
I used the edition that were published before the current i April 2003
all the time without any significant problems. You should doublecheck
info as openinghours of course.
Jan
> [email protected] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > [email protected] (ds) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > Second you will need
> > help to register your visa once your in Russia. If you don't speak
> > Russian you must pay your hotel to do this for you (take my word for
> > it, don't even think of doing it yourself).
>
> The hotel may or may not charge for it. If there is a charge, it will
> be normally be a rather modest sum.
>
Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
to save money Bjørn
Don't even think of register you visa on yourown. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
moeny indeed.
> > You need to be prepared well prepared before you go. Lonely planets
> > Russia edition and a travel agency is an exellent way to go through
> > red tape, what to see, avoidances and dangers, where to stay.
>
> I would carefully check the publication date of the LP guide. Until
> recently, their Russia edition was very much out of date, but they
> seem to have come out with a better updated edition recently.
I used the edition that were published before the current i April 2003
all the time without any significant problems. You should doublecheck
info as openinghours of course.
Jan
Mar 11th 2004, 7:26 pm
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
"voyager" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<2y%[email protected]>...
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
Mar 11th 2004, 7:26 pm
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
"voyager" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<2y%[email protected]>...
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
Mar 11th 2004, 8:01 pm
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
"voyager" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<2y%[email protected]>...
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
> the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing. My point here is that it can be
> a difficult place to visit even for experienced travelers.
Experiences travelers wouldn't even think of going to Russia without
learning the cyrillic alphabet
> St. Petersburg is
> the only place in Russia I've had the pleasure of visiting for any
> significant period of time (so far) but I suspect you'll find similar prices
> and issues in any major city in either country.
I have not been in Moscow myself, but I think you can expect the
prices to be significantly higher than in St. Petersburg. Average
income in Moscow is about 3 times as high as in St. Petersburg and
Moscow is an expensive city.
> If you're more into the "backpacker" lifestyle, there are
> several hostels in central St.Petersburg that run from US$11-30/night.
Private accomandation where you live in the house of a Russian famlily
is also availible.
> you move away from the city center and away from the tourist friendly
> places, the prices drop exponentially.
The big museums an d theatres have a two price system, that makes
foreigners pay from 3 to 10 times more than Russians do. You will
therefore experience much nicer prices if you visit small theatres,
gelleries etc. without a two price system. Puppet theatres, circus and
galleries can be just as interesting even if you don't speak one word
Russian.
>
> On a more general note, use of credit cards and ATMs make life in Europe
> easy. ATMs are everywhere throughout western Europe and are becoming more
> popular in Russia.
They are all over the place in the big cities.
best regards
Jan
Mar 11th 2004, 9:31 pm
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
?ystein <[email protected]> wrote:
> Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> to save money Bjørn Don't even think of register you visa on your
> own. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> moeny indeed.
Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station. Next
time she is going to use the St Petersburg Youth hostel like we did, to
save them and herself the pain.
joan
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
> Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> to save money Bjørn
Don't even think of register you visa on your> own. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> moeny indeed.
Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station. Next
time she is going to use the St Petersburg Youth hostel like we did, to
save them and herself the pain.
joan
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
Mar 11th 2004, 9:38 pm
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
[email protected] (Charles Hawtrey) wrote in message
> In most of the world your best course is to withdraw money from your
> bank account using a local ATM at your destination (but avoid using
> the ATM for a credit card cash advance).
During banking hours so your card can be retrieved if the machine swallows it.
> In most of the world your best course is to withdraw money from your
> bank account using a local ATM at your destination (but avoid using
> the ATM for a credit card cash advance).
During banking hours so your card can be retrieved if the machine swallows it.
Mar 11th 2004, 9:46 pm
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
[email protected] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> [email protected] (Bjorn Olsson) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > [email protected] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > > [email protected] (ds) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
>
> > > Second you will need
> > > help to register your visa once your in Russia. If you don't speak
> > > Russian you must pay your hotel to do this for you (take my word for
> > > it, don't even think of doing it yourself).
> >
> > The hotel may or may not charge for it. If there is a charge, it will
> > be normally be a rather modest sum.
> >
> Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> to save money Bjørn
I don't encourage or discourage anyone to do anything. I assume that
everyone's a free grown-up individual, who does not need hand-holding
from me or anyone else. What I did try to do was to correct your
incorrect statement that he "must" pay the hotel. The hotel may not
charge for the service, and it's therefore incorrect to claim that he
"must" pay them.
> Don't even think of register you visa on your
> own.
He wouldn't even be able to find out how to do it, so I don't know why
you're so worried about it that you feel a need to give him incorrect
information to protect him.
> Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> moeny indeed.
Yes, of course.
> > > You need to be prepared well prepared before you go. Lonely planets
> > > Russia edition and a travel agency is an exellent way to go through
> > > red tape, what to see, avoidances and dangers, where to stay.
> >
> > I would carefully check the publication date of the LP guide. Until
> > recently, their Russia edition was very much out of date, but they
> > seem to have come out with a better updated edition recently.
>
> I used the edition that were published before the current i April 2003
> all the time without any significant problems.
Ok. Good. As far as I don't use guidebooks, I had only noted that it
was out of date, not whether this caused any problems for the user.
Bjorn
> [email protected] (Bjorn Olsson) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > [email protected] (?ystein) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
> > > [email protected] (ds) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
>
> > > Second you will need
> > > help to register your visa once your in Russia. If you don't speak
> > > Russian you must pay your hotel to do this for you (take my word for
> > > it, don't even think of doing it yourself).
> >
> > The hotel may or may not charge for it. If there is a charge, it will
> > be normally be a rather modest sum.
> >
> Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> to save money Bjørn
I don't encourage or discourage anyone to do anything. I assume that
everyone's a free grown-up individual, who does not need hand-holding
from me or anyone else. What I did try to do was to correct your
incorrect statement that he "must" pay the hotel. The hotel may not
charge for the service, and it's therefore incorrect to claim that he
"must" pay them.
> Don't even think of register you visa on your
> own.
He wouldn't even be able to find out how to do it, so I don't know why
you're so worried about it that you feel a need to give him incorrect
information to protect him.
> Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> moeny indeed.
Yes, of course.
> > > You need to be prepared well prepared before you go. Lonely planets
> > > Russia edition and a travel agency is an exellent way to go through
> > > red tape, what to see, avoidances and dangers, where to stay.
> >
> > I would carefully check the publication date of the LP guide. Until
> > recently, their Russia edition was very much out of date, but they
> > seem to have come out with a better updated edition recently.
>
> I used the edition that were published before the current i April 2003
> all the time without any significant problems.
Ok. Good. As far as I don't use guidebooks, I had only noted that it
was out of date, not whether this caused any problems for the user.
Bjorn
Mar 11th 2004, 9:53 pm
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
Go Fig <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<110320041839102710%[email protected]>...
> In article <[email protected] >, Bjorn
> Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
> > you applied.
> >
> > > I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> > > spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> > > exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> > > available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> > > through the hoops to get the visa.
> >
> > I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
> > the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
> > that case.
>
>
> For a U.S. citizen the exact hotel dates are becoming a very loose
> requirement. If you can demonstrate work stability, like including a
> business card and letterhead, and a few nights E-MAIL confirmation at a
> hotel with your visa app. you will be fine asking for more unaccounted
> hotel dates. You should indicate your basic timetable and they will
> want to know your entry/exit points.
>
> The most important part of the VISA app is the cashiers check.
>
> It took 17 days for me to get my VISA back by mail.
I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
embassy.
> The VISA app can
> be d/l from their site. A European traveling with us had to include
> proof of medical insurance.
Since a couple of years, they ask for proof medical insurance on the
forms I get. But I have never submitted any proof, and have never had
any objections about this from the embassy. (But don't take this as
any form of guarantee that it would work in your case).
> At the point of entry you will need to declare your cash assets and
> reconcile it when you leave.
This is only a concern if you're going to bring out a lot of money
when leaving (more than $500, last time I checked). I've long since
stopped filling in the customs declaration form, since no-one seems
interested in inspecting it.
Bjorn
> That was their only concern with us from
> the U.S., very nice and loved practising their english with us. With
> many others they checked all belongings for smuggled goods... It took
> close to two hours to clear our train.
>
> >
> > > Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> > > developed tourist infrastructure.
>
> Yes, but places on the Black Sea have long been resort escapes for
> Russians... but very bland socialist realism accommodations to be
> sure... you will have to look hard to find typical tourist tee-shirts
> even.
>
> Check all bills for math 'mistakes'.
>
> jay
> Thu Mar 11, 2004
> mailto:[email protected]
>
>
>
> > > English speakers are difficult to find
> > > and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing.
> In article <[email protected] >, Bjorn
> Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > AFAIK you should normally be able to get the visa about one week after
> > you applied.
> >
> > > I'm not sure of Ukraine fees. I like to travel
> > > spontaneously so personally I found the requirement to state exact entry and
> > > exit dates and to be limited to a single entry (multiple entry visas are
> > > available at significantly higher rates) were more problematic than jumping
> > > through the hoops to get the visa.
> >
> > I usually simply add some extra days for safety. But since I don't get
> > the visa through hotel invitations, I can't say whether that works in
> > that case.
>
>
> For a U.S. citizen the exact hotel dates are becoming a very loose
> requirement. If you can demonstrate work stability, like including a
> business card and letterhead, and a few nights E-MAIL confirmation at a
> hotel with your visa app. you will be fine asking for more unaccounted
> hotel dates. You should indicate your basic timetable and they will
> want to know your entry/exit points.
>
> The most important part of the VISA app is the cashiers check.
>
> It took 17 days for me to get my VISA back by mail.
I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
embassy.
> The VISA app can
> be d/l from their site. A European traveling with us had to include
> proof of medical insurance.
Since a couple of years, they ask for proof medical insurance on the
forms I get. But I have never submitted any proof, and have never had
any objections about this from the embassy. (But don't take this as
any form of guarantee that it would work in your case).
> At the point of entry you will need to declare your cash assets and
> reconcile it when you leave.
This is only a concern if you're going to bring out a lot of money
when leaving (more than $500, last time I checked). I've long since
stopped filling in the customs declaration form, since no-one seems
interested in inspecting it.
Bjorn
> That was their only concern with us from
> the U.S., very nice and loved practising their english with us. With
> many others they checked all belongings for smuggled goods... It took
> close to two hours to clear our train.
>
> >
> > > Neither Russia or Ukraine has a well
> > > developed tourist infrastructure.
>
> Yes, but places on the Black Sea have long been resort escapes for
> Russians... but very bland socialist realism accommodations to be
> sure... you will have to look hard to find typical tourist tee-shirts
> even.
>
> Check all bills for math 'mistakes'.
>
> jay
> Thu Mar 11, 2004
> mailto:[email protected]
>
>
>
> > > English speakers are difficult to find
> > > and the Cyrillic alphabet can be confusing.
Mar 11th 2004, 10:41 pm
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
> I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
> waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
> embassy.
Oh, wow! They have web sites now. Excellent. When I went in 2002,
there wasn't a single site. I see from google that situation has been
remedied.
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
> I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
> waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
> embassy.
Oh, wow! They have web sites now. Excellent. When I went in 2002,
there wasn't a single site. I see from google that situation has been
remedied.
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
Mar 12th 2004, 6:24 am
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au (Joan McGalliard) wrote in message news:<1gaj9oo.11b4r9plgx4cgN%jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au>...
> Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
> > waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
> > embassy.
>
>
> Oh, wow! They have web sites now. Excellent. When I went in 2002,
> there wasn't a single site.
I don't know about the UK, but the Russian embassy in Sweden has had a
web sites for ages.
Bjorn
> Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > I've never had to wait more than a week, but in any case the expected
> > waiting time can be found from the web site of your nearest russian
> > embassy.
>
>
> Oh, wow! They have web sites now. Excellent. When I went in 2002,
> there wasn't a single site.
I don't know about the UK, but the Russian embassy in Sweden has had a
web sites for ages.
Bjorn
Mar 12th 2004, 10:22 am
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au (Joan McGalliard) wrote in message news:<1gaj4ar.1v5ayvx1r6ebo2N%jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au>...
> ?ystein <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> > to save money Bjørn Don't even think of register you visa on your
> > own. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> > moeny indeed.
>
> Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
Bjorn
> ?ystein <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Be careful so you don't encourage him to do this on his own in order
> > to save money Bjørn
Don't even think of register you visa on your> > own. Paying for someone to handle it for you is very sensible use of
> > moeny indeed.
>
> Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
Bjorn
Mar 12th 2004, 7:50 pm
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> > Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
>
> The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
You are a nit-picker, aren't you? Anyway, the point was that when my
russian born friend saw how we managed our visa, she decided it was
better than using her parents. And that's someone that knows the city
and the language. So for the average tourist, it would almost certainly
be better to let someone else handle it for you.
joa
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
> > Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> > Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
>
> The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
You are a nit-picker, aren't you? Anyway, the point was that when my
russian born friend saw how we managed our visa, she decided it was
better than using her parents. And that's someone that knows the city
and the language. So for the average tourist, it would almost certainly
be better to let someone else handle it for you.
joa
--
Joan McGalliard, UK http://www.mcgalliard.org
Mar 13th 2004, 3:32 am
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Newbie Travel Questions (Europe, Russia, Ukraine)
jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au (Joan McGalliard) wrote in message news:<1gakuxs.2vup2m1e09hw8N%jem*NO-SPAM*@netspace.net.au>...
> Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> > > Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
> >
> > The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
>
> You are a nit-picker, aren't you?
Just wishing that correct information is conveyed.
> Anyway, the point was that when my
> russian born friend saw how we managed our visa, she decided it was
> better than using her parents. And that's someone that knows the city
> and the language. So for the average tourist, it would almost certainly
> be better to let someone else handle it for you.
I fully agree with that, of course.
Bjorn
> Bjorn Olsson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > > Yes. We visited with a Russian born woman on an Australian passport.
> > > Her parents had to spend two days queuing at the police station.
> >
> > The registration is not done at a police station. It's done at an OVIR office.
>
> You are a nit-picker, aren't you?
Just wishing that correct information is conveyed.
> Anyway, the point was that when my
> russian born friend saw how we managed our visa, she decided it was
> better than using her parents. And that's someone that knows the city
> and the language. So for the average tourist, it would almost certainly
> be better to let someone else handle it for you.
I fully agree with that, of course.
Bjorn
