Visiting Moscow, Russia: What should I do/don't do?

[Shadowrun]

I would rather go to St.Petersburg than Moscow.

Be aware how expensive the city is and how poor some people are.

[Dale Dough]

Learn to read Cyrillic. It will take you like two hours, if that. It's pretty much mandatory if you want to use the subway, because most signs are Russian only.

[unbluffable]

subway is important, know it like the palm of your hand.

i like to pretend to be an american, it's very effective. the clubs are way better than in us, girls put out right on the dance floor, drinks are everywhere, and the dudes, believe it or not, are friendly, because american connections are plus ev. i try to hang with an older crowd and talk business with girls in our laps.

i don't know the moscow scene, but in SPB.

Casino Taleon - very very elite place, my favorite hands down

Maximus - great strip joint

Griboedov, Metro and other clubs. I prefer the rock scene to the pop scene, with weed and laid back ppl, but for girls you're better off heading to the popular clubs. don't flash money and only get free pussy, its a sin not to.

keep em coming, i should make an ask me thread.

[HP]

[ QUOTE ]
Learn to read Cyrillic. It will take you like two hours, if that. It's pretty much mandatory if you want to use the subway, because most signs are Russian only.

[/ QUOTE ]
agreed 100%

also if you are trying to tell a taxi driver where to go, it's kinda hard without knowing how to pronounce where you want to go

[DarkForceRising]

unbluffable,

[ QUOTE ]
I prefer the rock scene to the pop scene, with weed and laid back ppl,

[/ QUOTE ]

How is the weed scene over there?

And what about the casino situation? I read recently that Putin wants them closed down in the major cities (over the next couple of years) and relocated to some resort area.

Also, any advice about banking and playing on Party from Russia?

[Dale Dough]

Playing on Party is not a problem. They at first locked my account because I all of a sudden had a Russian IP, but a quick email resolved that issue. Might wanna do it in advance.

Banking is a different story. I did a pretty big withdrawal once into a Russian bank account that I opened, no problem. I did have to fax them documents though, to prove it was my account.

But they changed their policy. Now you can only transfer to banks in the country where your home address is listed. They told me it's possible to change that, though - by emailing support and sending them documents that prove it's your address. I haven't tried that, because I have some semblance of a live roll now, but I assume it'll work.

Of course, you can always just transfer to your account back home, and then get the money from there.

[Dale Dough]

Casino situation: not sure. They tightened up the rules a bit, the procedure for changing cash became slightly more complicated for tax reasons. But so far, no shutting down as of yet.

Weed scene I wouldn't know.

[DarkForceRising]

Thanks for the info, Dale.

How long can an American vacation in Russian Federation with a regular travel visa? Can one get around any time restrictions by going over to Ukraine and then returning?

[Dale Dough]

WaytoRussia has some information. The Russian embassy in the US should, too.

Basically, if you want to stay more than 30 days you need a business visa. Mine is for 12 months, and I can stay 6 in a row max. That doesn't mean you actually need to do business, though - it's just a formality. You can't 'get around' this limit - but you can get a double or multiple entry visa. Otherwise, no Ukraine for you, as they won't let you back in.

There are agencies that can do the whole visa incl application and what not for you. You can also go to the embassy yourself, in that case you need just the invitation. I got mine from this place.

Oh and if you stay less than 30 days, get a visa for 30 anyway. It doesn't cost extra, but it saves you a lot of hassle if some emergency comes up.

Also, be sure to read up on the rules regarding registration once you're in Russia. The laws change often; best ask your travel agency or hotel what to do. Don't forget this - this is the part about having your documents in order.

Militsia/border patrol etc. may or may not be corrupt, but they WILL [censored] with you if there's anything wrong with your documents. I once took a train to Kiev with an expired Russian visa. Don't be dumb like me and do that. At the border, I had to pay 80 bucks and write an essay (WTF?). In Russian. The bastards must have had a good laugh over that one. I was lucky; officially they have to send you back to your embassy or sth to get an emergency exit visa, and you may have trouble getting into the country next time.

[unbluffable]

yea, careful with militia, they're a bunch of low life scum that only exist to make your life worse

all poker questions should be directed as dale, cuz he's a stud and im a fish

the weed scene is ok, you gotta know that ppl. 95% of it is pure trash, but the 5% is good stuff, i would recommend making good friends with a russian person and asking candidly, explaining exactly what you want. prices are cheaper than in cali.

also dale, would you be interested in meeting up around august and hitting up a casino or two?