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SAFETY AND SECURITY

In Russia


Ok, here is the recommendations of British Consulate for travelers to Russia. Let's see together, what's true and what's wrong here…

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Russia linked to Chechen extremists, with suicide attacks in public places in Moscow and hostage taking representing particular threats. [ … ]

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. In the light of recent terrorist attacks, you should remain vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites, and you should avoid crowded places, particularly where access is not controlled e.g. open-air events, markets, etc.

Ivan: Is this the same situation in your country? So far, you know how security methods look like. Metal detectors, police look through the crowd on the streets and in the metro, airport examinations… This situation is fair for Moscow. Other Russian cities are much more relaxed, except control in airports. Crowds of cops are only in Moscow.


Personal safety

As in most countries, cities in Russia have their fair share of petty crime. You should be alert at all times to the possibility of mugging, pick pocketing and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms. Be particularly alert to groups of women and children who beg, and pickpockets around the main railway concourses.

Ivan: it's not true. Moscow and St. Petersburg are as safe-unsafe as any other big city in Europe. Just take some usual precautions. Street crime and violence against person (tourist) are very rare. Of course I hope you don't planning to visit getto in the evening.


Take care when drinking with or meeting casual or new acquaintances in bars, restaurants or night-clubs, as there have been incidents of robbery and violence involving foreigners, amongst them British nationals. Do not leave your drinks unattended as they may then be drugged.

Ivan: this is a part of criminal world. This type of activity called "KLAFELINCHICY" - young girls pick up middle-aged foreigners. They buzz a lot together, and girls try to put KLAFELIN in the alcohol drinks of their new friend. He would remember them on next morning, as he would remember where are his cards, cash and handy. Good example for guys, who seeking easy love here. But as I know, there were several lethal accidents. People were poisoned with medicine, which extremely dangerous with alcohol…


Incidents of armed violence in major cities are usually linked to criminal/business activities and are not usually directed against foreigners. There have also been bomb attacks linked to criminal disputes. [ … ]

Ivan: no comments needed, mafia do not care about your visit to Russia.


Racially motivated attacks by racist "skinhead" groups do occur in Russia. Experience has shown that these racial attacks increase around the anniversary of Adolf Hitler's birthdate of 20 April. If you are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent, we advise you to take extra care.

Ivan: this is a shame, but it's true.


In St Petersburg there has been a sharp increase in street crime since early April 2004, with tourists being targeted specifically. A worrying recent development relates to tourists being held up at knifepoint on the metro and buses. This is carried out by well organized gangs. You should be especially aware of pickpockets in the main tourist areas. Incidents of bogus police officers harassing and robbing tourists are also occurring. If you are stopped always insist on seeing ID. Avoid openly carrying expensive items, or anything that might easily identify you as a tourist.

Ivan: Regarding these list of troubles, and being hassled by the Militia especially, I think you shouldn't worry too much. The Militia should check peoples documents, this is their job. If some of them wants to trick you with "Where is your registration" read here, what should you do. These accidents became rare. There are a lot of cops around the metro stations: the security is heightened at the moment due to the terrorist situation. Our Militia is not very friendly, but you should not afraid of them.

Regarding safety, in St. Petersburg you don't really have much to worry about, it is a very western feeling city. In Moscow, you have to be a bit more careful, try to avoid places where there are no people, and places where there are large crowds. Keep an eye on your backpack. Read faces. Avoid taxis if you don't like the driver, and don't get in the car with two people inside. Nevertheless, if you are careful you should have no problems.


Road Safety

You may drive a car in Russia for a limited period if you hold an international driving license. For further information on driving restrictions, check with an international driving organization.

Road conditions can often be poor, especially outside the major cities.

You should comply with all local speed limits. The standard speed limit for built-up areas is 37mph (60 kph), outside built-up areas 55 mph (90 kph) and 62 mph (100 kph) on motorways (Brest-Moscow). Visiting motorists who have held a driving license for less than two years must not exceed 43 mph (70 kph). There is a zero tolerance policy on drink driving.

Ivan: "TRUE" tree times! You should be very self-confident traveler, if you decide to come here by car or bike. Here are the tips and road stories.


Rail Safety

If you are travelling by overnight train and have the use of a sleeping compartment, store valuables in the container under the bed/seat.

Do not leave the compartment empty. Compartments have a simple lock on the sliding door. On some trains, there may be an additional lock to be attached to the fitted handle/lock unit, which holds this securely locked. There may also be a steel switch at head-height on the door panel which, when pulled down, prevents the closed door from being slid open. Plug the cavity in the switch to prevent it being flipped back.

Ivan: this is good recommendations if you come outside of Moscow and St.Pete. However - don't be afraid overnight train between those two cities. This direction served by mostly good trains, far more clean and safe, than in some European countries. Or take a ticket to a high-speed train ER200. $30, 4,5 hours, and you are in Moscow. Here is the description of Russian railroad conditions and rates.


Air Safety

Two Russian airliners on internal flights crashed on 24 August. Russian investigations have now confirmed that both aircraft were destroyed by suicide bombers. You should be aware that security on Russian internal flights is not as high as that for international flights. Technical safety on scheduled Russian internal and external flights is now broadly in compliance with international norms. This is not the case for some charter flights.


Other

Homosexuality is legal in Russia and there is a reasonably tolerant attitude to homosexuality in major urban areas. You should however be careful about open displays of affection in public.

The photographing of any military installation, establishment or site of strategic importance is prohibited. People not observing these rules are likely to have their film confiscated; be detained for questioning and possibly arrested.

Ivan: nobody will arrest you or detain. Maximum, what they would say "No photos here", and may ask you to delete the picture, if it's digital camera. It's very easy to trick them - just delete the last one… I have do so when I was filmed Kievskiy market in Moscow. It's very pretty (and expensive!). You should understand that this is private property, and the guards have an order "No filming". So just keep your camera on belly level and make pictures. The same rule is valid if you would like to take DIRECT pictures of people on the streets (but not the sights!).






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