Visit Russia - The DON'Ts of Visiting Russia

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  • čas přidán 11. 06. 2024
  • Read the Blog: woltersworld.com/12-things-to...
    Whether visiting St. Petersburg, Moscow, The Volga River or Vladivostok there are a few things you shouldn't do when you visit Russia. This video covers what travelers, tourists and vacationers should NOT do when they visit Russia. From the service, to the police, to the cool museums there are some good don'ts and bad don'ts of visiting Russia.
    Filmed in St. Petersburg, Russia
    Copyright Mark Wolters 2017
    1. Don't forget to get a visa and register it when you get to Russia.
    2. Don't lose your immigration card.
    3. Don't forget to have Rubbles in cash
    4. Don't Think Russia will be cheap
    5. Don't get upset about two prices, one for locals and one price for foeigners
    6. Don't mess with the cops
    7. Don't let your guard down at tourist spots or late at night.
    8. Don't skip the Russian Orthodox churches and don't wear a hat inside the church.
    9. Don't try to exchange damaged foreigner currency.
    10. Don't think Russians are as cold as the service
    11. Don't Bad mouth Russia or speak about Russian politics, it will not be appreciated.
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Komentáře • 3,7K

  • @joeyjamison5772
    @joeyjamison5772 Před 6 lety +2219

    Another DON'T: Don't repeat the words you hear on Russian car crash videos!

  • @livinginvancouverbc2247
    @livinginvancouverbc2247 Před 7 lety +2402

    Ah darn, I was planning on going to Russia and messing with Russian police. Oh well, I'm off to my sailing trip around Somalia.

    • @malicewonder8345
      @malicewonder8345 Před 7 lety +69

      Go visit Novorossiya, it's smth in between.

    • @LL-lj1kq
      @LL-lj1kq Před 6 lety +5

      LivingInVancouverBC Lol

    • @OsmosisHD
      @OsmosisHD Před 6 lety +121

      Have fun in the Somalian waters!
      PS. put a sign on the boat something like "Gold Shipping Limited International"

    • @livinginvancouverbc2247
      @livinginvancouverbc2247 Před 6 lety +83

      I heard that Somali Welcoming Committees come out in small boats and fire celebratory shots into the air. And seeing that they are overheated in the hot Sun, the ships usually offer a cooling spray of water in return. Seems nice to me.
      Lots of sharks in those waters but now we know it's totally safe to swim with sharks so that's no longer a problem either.
      Yup, looking forward to going. Hey, it doesn't get too hot there, does it?

    • @Manettvibrante
      @Manettvibrante Před 6 lety +10

      hahaha mah nigga..

  • @stanislavamoskalenko2324
    @stanislavamoskalenko2324 Před 6 lety +714

    As a Russian I'm surprised how on point all the tips are. All the 'don'ts' are absolutely true. I am a tour guide in St. Petersburg and I often tell the very same things to the tourists I meet. Great job!

    • @SARISS80
      @SARISS80 Před 4 lety +13

      I have been to St Petersburg in 1994 I can speak a little Russian. I don't remember the thrash hold thing do remember covering my hair in church (female) in part I had a good time met some very good people. I wish the media would show that side of Russia

    • @paveloknowski1339
      @paveloknowski1339 Před 4 lety +8

      and I am surprised how many NEGATIVE cliche about CCCP & Russjia people are writing in their comments ! But what can we expect from the people whos countries activ supported NaziGermany in IIWW ! and who believe in all that CRAP in western antirussian propaganda !!!! Rassjia Niepobiedimaja !!!!!!!

    • @adamwnt
      @adamwnt Před 4 lety +1

      i am planning to go to your beautiful city SPB but haven't decided if winter or summer would be better, when it is more beautiful?
      Also, I'd be up for a tour or two so you can send me a link if you like, thanks a lot in advance and stay safe in these crazy times.

    • @adamwnt
      @adamwnt Před 3 lety

      @CitizenOWorld my work it related to tourism so yeah what you're saying make sense, i'll probably book something even before travelling. As for the choice of season, i was focused more on the weather itself and the beauty of snowy Russia, but haven't thought much about the grim dark early hours so yeah your advice it's been helpful, it's gonna have to be summer, maybe just the beginning of summer if i can so as not to find too many crowds either. Thanks ;)

    • @maxspirin3945
      @maxspirin3945 Před 3 lety

      adamwnt Of cause in the middle of the summer! Otherwise you’ll miss “White Nights”

  • @CookinginRussia
    @CookinginRussia Před 6 lety +646

    When it comes to the cost of food, the thing is that restaurants are extremely expensive but grocery stores are extremely cheap. If you are going to be in Russia for more than a few days, rent a flat with a kitchen (which costs less than a hotel) and cook for yourself. You will save a fortune!

    • @rustamsayfullaev3008
      @rustamsayfullaev3008 Před 6 lety +6

      CookinginRussia all restaraunts in downtown have 2 varitues of menu (like the museums-for local and foreign). U can ask them to give menu for locals, cuz pirices in there are cheaper.and u better leave this cafe if they won't give it to you.but i think u must know a bit standard russian words for this.

    • @leozackdestron1574
      @leozackdestron1574 Před 6 lety +95

      Rustam Sayfullaev
      I am Russian and I've never seen 2 variation of menu in restaurants. The restaurants are always expensive even for the Russians, especially in Moscow and St Petersbourg and especialy at the center of the city.

    • @PrioratM
      @PrioratM Před 6 lety +20

      Leozack Destron поддержу, второго меню в большинстве случаев нет. Большинство россиян готовят еду сами дома.

    • @User-kf5qo
      @User-kf5qo Před 5 lety +14

      In comparison to USA and most of European countries, eating out is quite cheap (with an exception of some higher end restaurants). Most meals are not above 10 USD

    • @never_give_up90
      @never_give_up90 Před 5 lety

      You can also go to smaller places that do not have more than one price. You'd have to speak the language though.

  • @bogdanbotha7988
    @bogdanbotha7988 Před 7 lety +1574

    visit Russia, before Russia visits you!

    • @GregoryTheGr8ster
      @GregoryTheGr8ster Před 7 lety +23

      that's perfect! But are you talking about Soviet Russia?

    • @anniephilip7504
      @anniephilip7504 Před 7 lety +3

      bogdan botha Come and get me I am helpless. I am in a cage. Or you are playing like America.

    • @emmanuilushka
      @emmanuilushka Před 7 lety +1

      Replicating is more correct word )

    • @Victorsbzh
      @Victorsbzh Před 7 lety +4

      emmanuilushka a "more correct word" would be "grabs". May khuilostan choke on it!

    • @GregoryTheGr8ster
      @GregoryTheGr8ster Před 6 lety +10

      Victor Sbz -- Kinda like how Putin & Russia "visited" Crimea acuppla years ago, right?

  • @fredrika27
    @fredrika27 Před 7 lety +1114

    I visited St. Petersberg a few years back and had a blast. My son and I visited the Hermitage Museum. I wanted to walk around so I made my son sit in front of Paul Gauguin's Woman with Fruit and draw it for me. He had a box of 64 crayons and a large 50 page, drawing block. When I came back, there was a whole class sitting with him and they were all sharing the crayons and drawing pictures! My son was speaking English with them. It turned out it was a dance school for street children. One or two children had asked for paper, but my son was really generous and shared with all 20 children. The kids spent the whole day finishing their pictures of various impressionists and even shared their meager lunches with my son! The art work was fantastic and the teacher was really pleased with what the children had drawn. My son wrote a report for his school and the picture he drew won a prize for best copy of a classic. The drawing hangs in his school with a picture of the Russian class. It's one of my fondest memories of life in Russia. My boy learned it takes so little to make someone happy. As for that box of 64 crayons, there was literally nothing left after 21 legal size pictures of famous impressionists were made. My son gave the rest of the crayons to the school and we left the museum at 17:00 after arriving at 10:00! Just fantastic experience. My son also learned how to count to ten, say hello and excuse me after breaking wind! Great day! Great memory!

  • @user-su8lb8jr6x
    @user-su8lb8jr6x Před 6 lety +707

    Couple more donts :)
    1) Dont forget to offer your seat in a public transport to elderly people, pregnant women and women with little kids. It is considered very rude and unpolite if you dont do so, especially if you're a man.
    2) Dont forget to take off your shoes, coming to Russian house by default. If you've been said not to do so, you may not do it. If you dont do, it may be considered as disrespect towards a host.
    3) If you're going for a date with local, don't bring even number of flowers, only odd. We bring even number of flowers only in case of funeral. :)

    • @paddlewagons
      @paddlewagons Před 4 lety +96

      Im pretty sure the first one would apply to every public transport in the world

    • @larissakoroleva
      @larissakoroleva Před 4 lety +11

      Chainedhound not in America

    • @paddlewagons
      @paddlewagons Před 4 lety +37

      @@larissakoroleva not true. I know America can be full of assholes, but once again so does the entire world.

    • @dracoqueen1263
      @dracoqueen1263 Před 4 lety +7

      Well Time To Make Use Of My New Zealandness And Continue Walking Everywhere Barefoot.
      Concrete? Barefoot.
      Gravel? Barefoot.
      Bark? Barefoot.
      Dirt? Barefoot.
      House? Barefoot.

    • @TheR00k
      @TheR00k Před 4 lety +14

      @@dracoqueen1263 Nah, I'd offer you slippers in my home. It's common courtesy to accept them here, even if you don't like the feeling.

  • @user-qg1wj7wh8i
    @user-qg1wj7wh8i Před 5 lety +471

    Note to the Americans: "Leave the politics behind before you travel to Russia"

    • @poppaluv
      @poppaluv Před 3 lety +109

      that's for anyone from anywhere going to anywhere.

    • @oregonborn9769
      @oregonborn9769 Před 3 lety +9

      Are finnish welcome to see russia?

    • @Yuhhnightowl
      @Yuhhnightowl Před 3 lety +23

      @@oregonborn9769 of course you are

    • @oregonborn9769
      @oregonborn9769 Před 3 lety +4

      @@Yuhhnightowl kiitos!

    • @ImPedofinderGeneral
      @ImPedofinderGeneral Před 3 lety +12

      and don't disrespect Stalin at public, ~40% of population still like him, especially boomers.

  • @AlexFG24
    @AlexFG24 Před 6 lety +915

    I'm Russian from Moscow. I will also give advice.
    A foreigner can get into a very unpleasant situation in Russia if he shows disrespect to the monuments of WW2. This behavior can provoke instant aggression from others. Do not do this.

    • @waltertaljaard1488
      @waltertaljaard1488 Před 5 lety +95

      @Alexander
      You don't do this ANYWHERE in Europe.

    • @boiledelephant
      @boiledelephant Před 5 lety +74

      I wish it provoked instant aggression in Belgium and France. I visited the Ypres war memorials and cemeteries and there were teenagers running around, sitting on the stone, leaving litter. We were fucking furious but nobody challenged them (and there were dozens of other people around).

    • @robertjarman3703
      @robertjarman3703 Před 5 lety +69

      Having lost something like 20 million people, many of those defenseless when they were killed (EG in genocides, civilians, and executed POWs), will do that to you. Most families have lost someone during those years.

    • @civrn368
      @civrn368 Před 5 lety +42

      Don't do this anywhere, period.

    • @robertjarman3703
      @robertjarman3703 Před 5 lety +8

      @jack bran That's probably true. Stalin's successors didn't have mass deaths anything remotely close to Stalin. They executed prisoners, sure, but not even tens of thousands a year. They didn't starve after that. Starvation was strictly optional in the Kremlin. The soldiers had deliberate orders to literally take even the last kernels of corn and anything edible from Ukraine in 1932 and 1933, and Stalin held another big purge in 1937.
      The war is harder to predict. But we do know that the Red Army was actually incredibly big, had a lot of tanks that would have at least been matches for the German tanks, especially in the numbers the Soviets had, would have had at least useful leadership had there been no purge, had tanks that were actually invulnerable to a lot of the German military's weapons like the KV and T-34, at least in the early years. They had a huge airforce, many bombers, big artillery, industry, and modern rifles and submachine guns. They had homefield advantage. But Stalin, that idiot, thought to himself that Hitler would never betray him, ordered his troops to do nothing, and locked himself away for months. His totality of control over the Soviet Union made his own people hate him so much that they took an early gamble with siding with Hitler, at least for a few weeks, but those weeks were enough to consolidate control.
      Other countries had war casualty rates less than a tenth of what the Soviets had. This would be like if over 23 million people did not die in the war, 10 million didn't die from the Holodamor, about a million from the repression of his specific political opponents, a million more in the gulags, and potentially millions more.
      There is no reason why the Soviet Union had to be so repressive. While Lenin was alive, he had tried to communicate with the party to avoid Stalin from getting power, and the General Secretary position was originally a pretty useless position, just for telling party members when and where meetings were. There were other powerful individuals, and not just Trostsky. Would it have been free? Probably not. Would there be hunger and at least some starving and executions? Yes. But Stalin is killing people in the tens of millions range.
      The Weimar Republic was not doomed from the beginning either. The convention which drafted the constitution of Germany had precedence for features that would have made it stable and resistant to authoritarianism.
      Japan was also not doomed to it's system either. The Diet could have had the power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister, and their house of lords could have had less power.

  • @jan2450
    @jan2450 Před 6 lety +554

    Me and my mother are from Czech republic and we have a Czech surname so when we went to Russia we got classed as Russians so we got cheaper prices😁

  • @brentgranger7856
    @brentgranger7856 Před 6 lety +326

    Other tips about Russia, especially Moscow:
    1. Hotels in Russia are expensive, but most hostels are not. You will meet a lot of great fellow travelers there.
    2. Photos are highly discouraged inside cathedrals.
    3. The Moscow Metro is world-renown for its architecture. Take a day just to ride the metro for a small price to enjoy the stations.
    4. Moscow motorists only know one law - THEY have the right-of-way. Be extra careful when crossing the street.
    5. Learn to read Cyrillic, as there are very few signs in foreign languages outside of Red Square. Google Translate is nice, but inconvenient.
    6. Local cuisine is cheap, so make sure to try some borsch (beet soup), pelmeniy (fried dumpling similar to ravioli), and pirogi (similar to pot pies). Kvas (a soft drink made of rye) is also cheap and widely available.
    7. When someone buys you a shot of vodka, you are expected to drink it in one gulp, not sipping.

    • @emperorstorm3266
      @emperorstorm3266 Před 5 lety

      Правильно, только почему тебе не лень

    • @lostplanet1931
      @lostplanet1931 Před 4 lety +26

      Don't be spineless, say I don't drink if you don't drink, from Russian with love.

    • @Septiccatgaming
      @Septiccatgaming Před 4 lety +6

      I thought it was common sense that if it’s in a shot glass, you take it in a shot no sips.

    • @svetlanikolova7673
      @svetlanikolova7673 Před 4 lety

      Brent, i want to go Camping in the forest camp ground. how much is that?
      I would also like to visit Abhazia . Do you need a visa as a russian to travel to Abhazia?

    • @TheCaliforniaboy1
      @TheCaliforniaboy1 Před 4 lety

      Omg I can't stand ppl who sip their shots. Like don't buy a shot if you can't take it

  • @radekfrompoland5622
    @radekfrompoland5622 Před 5 lety +105

    I visited Russia this year and I was stun how clean are city like Moscow and St Petersburg, especially underground. There is no zone and traveling by tube is astonish - stations are amazing.

    • @alexhorse7137
      @alexhorse7137 Před 3 lety +11

      So only in the western part of Russia , I myself am from the Far East from Khabarovsk , and we have terrible roads , and our people do not know how to throw garbage where it should be. The closer to Moscow, the cleaner. But still, I advise many foreigners to visit the Far East, Khabarovsk or Vladivostok, and just look at the culture and Far-Eastern people, good luck)

    • @ghjk4978
      @ghjk4978 Před rokem +3

      @@alexhorse7137 чел, по сравнению с Западом, даже это - чистые улицы. То что люди не умеют выкидывать окурки в урну и они валяются возле, или то что в каком-то районе есть небольшая несанкционированная свалка (что очень большая редкость) это мизер по сравнению с Америкой и прочими странами запада. У нас другой менталитет и выбрасывание мусора на улицы порицается банально какой-нибудь бабкой, а иногда даже детьми. И при этом всем, запад и западные компании (яблоко) больше всех говорят об этой самой экологии и "беспокоятся" о ней.

    • @WieF9
      @WieF9 Před rokem

      @@ghjk4978 дадада, пизди больше, ведь так сказал айтипедия. Я живу в США, если ты не живёшь в обоссаном латинском гетто, а в белом районе, то тут можно чуть ли не босиком по улице ходить. А вот в расиянии, как раз таки всегда был пиздец, срач и развал

  • @AK-cc9rx
    @AK-cc9rx Před 6 lety +735

    Always always give your seat to an old person or pregnant women on subway or bus.

  • @Agnieszka122
    @Agnieszka122 Před 6 lety +163

    I've visited Moscow two yeas ago . What a stunning city , very very clean ,beautiful and people are helpful and kind . I will come back .

    •  Před 5 lety +1

      It is a stunning city, but clean it is not!! It is much dirtier than St. Petersburg. I love them both, though!!

    • @TheR00k
      @TheR00k Před 4 lety +1

      A lot has changed in the last two years. Even us Moscowites have noted that it's become much dirtier.

    • @TheR00k
      @TheR00k Před 4 lety

      @Ken Lompart You can use Moskvich with a plural of Moskvichi (pressure on last syllable for both) for authenicity.

  • @MultiRamaan
    @MultiRamaan Před 6 lety +213

    If someone is reading this in 2018, bank cards and paypass are acceptable almost everywhere. A place must be quite a hole, if they take cash only.

    • @mmxbow
      @mmxbow Před 6 lety +12

      some places in Russia take a cash only. But this is very small shops or places like flea market. Anyway you can get a cach by nearest ATM

    • @alexale8540
      @alexale8540 Před 6 lety +4

      considering very harsh government reforms with crazy tax raising - there's more places now even in Moscow with no cash registers at all (all of them in country must be connected to tax collection agency and every operation from 100s millions is registered - which is unique achievement in Third World country) = so ONLY cash, like "shady business" but it's becoming very popular more & more (1990's return), like "don't ask, don't tell", the banking cards will be declined even more after July 2018 - when state tax collection agency started checking all card refills and received payments = everything except salary now under suspicion (it's in fact very easy in Russia to send money from card to card and many use it for services payments where's no tax, but now they want to stop it all) = so, better in Russia to have cash at least some, some on card for safety

    • @alexnaumov4854
      @alexnaumov4854 Před 6 lety

      Very true. I used cash mostly in taxi.

    • @Aleksander..K.
      @Aleksander..K. Před 6 lety +6

      alex ale, no, it was just a rumour. Nobody cares. And what "crazy tax raising"? Nothing at all. Still the same 13% income tax. А теперь по-русски: не трынди )

    • @alexale8540
      @alexale8540 Před 5 lety +2

      to previous troll-commenter from Prigozhin criminal "troll factory", now you looking like idiot when russian parliament ratified VAT increase, not including customs import duties on everything foreign from 1st July. But what else can we see from troll-bot with empty youtube page (they really don't care that someone will check their accounts?).

  • @eugenialouw3213
    @eugenialouw3213 Před 4 lety +30

    We were 2 ladies in their 60s from South Africa travelling alone in 2017. We felt very safe where ever we went, also Moscow and St. Petersburg were not expensive at all! We went to very good restaurants, went on the day trips and slept in 4 star hotels. Definitely, cheaper than central Europe. Good for solo travellers.

    • @baghazukhov152
      @baghazukhov152 Před 2 lety +1

      Could you give a ballpark on your net expenditure(in USD) while in Moscow and St Petersburg..?

  • @ignemuton5500
    @ignemuton5500 Před 6 lety +532

    *laughs in non visa required language*

  • @annaployglotgirl123
    @annaployglotgirl123 Před 7 lety +264

    As an American that has lived in Moscow for many years, I can attest to everything he said in the video:) Sometimes you'll meet really rude people/services, get really irritated at the people especially on the road, but there is also a lot of sincerity and kindness even in the places you would least expect it. Russians are just like any other people, but they do seem to possess a certain character or way of communicating that's different from other countries P.S. Russians LOVE sarcasm. Sometimes it throws me off since they can appear so serious on the outside lol

    • @binnachtsaktiv9065
      @binnachtsaktiv9065 Před 6 lety +52

      very true about sarcasm. confirm it as russian^^

    • @BethanyRenee1993
      @BethanyRenee1993 Před 6 lety +24

      Huh. It's official, I need to go to Russia. They'll love me over there. I'm a very sarcastic person.

    • @cheb5851
      @cheb5851 Před 6 lety

      眞水杏奈 Yeees sarcasm❤️

    • @lenadima5168
      @lenadima5168 Před 6 lety +1

      Especially we love to sarcastically joke about stereotypes about Russia and the Russian people.

    • @maksimluzin1121
      @maksimluzin1121 Před 6 lety +6

      Oh, yeh! Russians are very sarcastic, but usually between Russians, not with foreigners. For example, St. Petersburg has even own uniq local sarcasm style: they can speak to your seriously and you don't even get the point of sarcasm, but their laughing eyes 'betray' them. ;-)) You need to be quite smart to get St. Petersburg local sarcasm style... ;-)))

  • @ds-8565
    @ds-8565 Před 3 lety +6

    As a Russian the best tip I can give is when you are a tourist and coming out of the airport, there will be a bunch of people offering you a lift in the cab. Don’t go with them, it’s a scam, they will charge 10x as much, and threaten you if you refuse to pay. Either order an Uber or find an official taxi company that offers service. I know this might be a thing in many countries, but it’s sad for me to watch every time as a lot of tourists step into this trap. So keep it in mind

  • @elamiri858
    @elamiri858 Před 6 lety +22

    Russians are some of the sweetest people i've ever met❤

  • @mikeselectricstuff
    @mikeselectricstuff Před 7 lety +695

    One tip - it is really worth learning at least the upper-case Cyrillic letters, and the letters that sound different (C,H,P etc.) - if you can read something and figure out how it sounds, it's surprising how often you can get at least some idea of the meaning.

    • @AnOriginalYouTuber
      @AnOriginalYouTuber Před 6 lety +50

      Its really straight forward too. Cyrillic was designed for Slavic languages.

    • @runenroll
      @runenroll Před 6 lety +32

      What you actually meant to say was: Learn the print alphabet. The handwritten alphabet looks really different.E. g. a small 'т' looks like 'm' and the 'д' (d) suddenly looks like 'g'. It's not really about upper-case or lower-case. Within the print alphabet most lower-case characters look like a smaller version of the upper-case characters anyway Тт Вв Уу Кк Йй Аа Оо etc.

    • @meercreate
      @meercreate Před 6 lety +3

      Wow, didn't expect you to be here

    • @katipunanball4799
      @katipunanball4799 Před 6 lety +5

      Destro ш is sh. Щ is sch.

    • @dickhead8775
      @dickhead8775 Před 6 lety +2

      Ethan DaChef25 Yes, but are they pronounced differently? I can't tell the difference when I hear them spoken.

  • @i0like0trains0kid
    @i0like0trains0kid Před 7 lety +89

    I always wanted to visit Russia, and it was my first trip outside of North America. I was BLOWN away by St. Petersburg, I loved Moscow! I also visited Kazan, and lived in Voronezh. It's such a neat experience not a lot of people get to experience.

    • @user-mo1de8zk8q
      @user-mo1de8zk8q Před rokem +1

      Next time be sure to visit Sochi in Russia!🙂🏖

    • @ulysses988
      @ulysses988 Před 7 měsíci

      My first visit was Chechnya and Dagestan was so good and beautiful

    • @NatashaPeer
      @NatashaPeer Před dnem

      Are you kidding? I am Russian and I am afraid go to that places.

    • @i0like0trains0kid
      @i0like0trains0kid Před dnem

      I did visit Sochi!

  • @liliyadreiser7897
    @liliyadreiser7897 Před 6 lety +40

    Don't be afraid to ask for help from young people/teens, they usually speak English waaay better. Also if you're planning to go by metro and by ground transport a lot and you're in Moscow (I live there and can only speak about this city), buy a card that's called "troika" on the station (you can buy the card for less then a dollar and then put money to the account) it's cheaper than usual tickets. you can put money on from your credit card or just cash in special terminals or workers in the booth will do it for you (I highly recommend to ask locals for help). you can return it back if you want. also many stations are beautiful and there are some awesome themed trains (with information about cartoons, amur tigers, paintings etc)

    • @joaomartins5114
      @joaomartins5114 Před 5 lety

      Thanks for the advice! Would you recommend renting airbnb instead of staying in a hotel?

  • @germanshepherd6638
    @germanshepherd6638 Před 2 lety +25

    You don’t visit Russia, Russia visits you!

  • @12mickeyd12
    @12mickeyd12 Před 6 lety +139

    Men shouldn't wear shorts in a church either. I got kicked out of a church for wearing shorts on a hot day

  • @deanstalk8116
    @deanstalk8116 Před 6 lety +258

    You keep looking off camera like there are two guys pointing AKs at you and forcing you to make this video.

  • @3ddevelopment979
    @3ddevelopment979 Před 6 lety +24

    actually, you can use card almost everywhere, I live in small town near river Volga in the central part of European Russia and here you can pay by card almost everywhere

  • @Flippables
    @Flippables Před 6 lety +23

    I just got back from visiting St.Petersburg. I was surprised how inexpensive it was. But... we did not have to get a visa, we rented an apartment through airbnb, and mostly went to cafes and cheap student eateries. I had a full course meal with a beer for around $5 at one of the self-serve student hangouts (clean with a lot of choices), my ticket to Capella concert with beautiful classical music was around $5, and I could get some stuffed small pies for about .30 cents each from the street vendors. Coffee costs about the same as in US, though. The metro ride is .50 cents, and metro can take you virtually anywhere. It is also worth seeing by itself (go during off-peak hours, and stop and walk around the stations). Can not beat this for .50 cents. The entire downtown is very walkable, you can get pretty much to any important attraction in about 30 min by foot from Nevsky Gostiny dvor if you know your way. There were a lot to do in St.Petersburg, and many things were free - like fireworks over Neva river (gorgeous), or a classical music concert in Palace square.

  • @Kwippy
    @Kwippy Před 7 lety +69

    Russia doesn't at all have to be expensive. Just avoid western imported goods. Locally produced food is very cheap, hit the (usually very well stocked) supermarkets for precooked foods, cheeses, beers etc. Transportation is far cheaper than western Europe. In my trip I experienced NO security concerns whatsoever. Russians don't smile a lot, doesn't mean they are mean. If you want smiley locals go to Thailand.

    • @MrNordulf
      @MrNordulf Před 6 lety

      ThewayICit but they made really bad beer, cheese and sausage.

    • @vasilyterkin8182
      @vasilyterkin8182 Před 6 lety +19

      WE dont smile without a reason) Like Finns, Sweades and Norvegians)

    • @morrisa5797
      @morrisa5797 Před 6 lety +10

      I agree. They have sales. The stores are awesome. If you can read some Russian just have correct change and buy the ticket. Don't speak. Don't smile. Just get the ticket and walk. Local price. Metro is awesome. And if you do stop and ask directions in Russian they are very helpful people. Good people.

    • @LaMuffin-il7ei
      @LaMuffin-il7ei Před 6 lety

      ThewayICit Hello, may I ask how long it took for your Russian Visa to arrivev

    • @morrisa5797
      @morrisa5797 Před 6 lety +1

      It took 10 days to process the visa. I picked it up in person.

  • @evakatrinaa
    @evakatrinaa Před 7 lety +68

    All sound advice! I went to Russia by myself in December. I found teaching myself to read the Cyrillic script before travelling to Russia made a huge difference. I was always able to read signs, menus, etc. Also, Yandex is your best friend. It's a map/taxi app (available in Englishski!) which got me all around Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Ekaterinburg. It works similar to Uber -- gives you the details on the car & driver and the exact fare -- but I always paid the driver directly. As a woman travelling alone it was reassuring to see the app tracking our exact location for the whole trip.
    You're so right about the churches. Prepare to be in awe.
    Thanks for the advice. I hope many will take it!

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  Před 7 lety +6

      +evakatrina a thank you.

    • @sighberian5463
      @sighberian5463 Před 7 lety +3

      Yandex taxi and Uber are merging. www.bbc.com/news/business-40599501

    • @estertellez4571
      @estertellez4571 Před 7 lety +10

      I've been to Russia twice (actually I'm still here and have been here for 2 months already) and I definitely think you should know the Cyrillic alphabet because a lot of words are just Rusified English words and you can decipher a lot just by being able to read a word. As for visas, I'm an American and I need one but it takes time. I usually apply for visas 3 months before I come here. I apply for the private visa and I can stay 3 months but I think the hardest think here is the registering part. You need to have your passport translated and notarized before even registering. I think the customer service compared to the US is certainly different but I don't regret coming to Russia:))

    • @evakatrinaa
      @evakatrinaa Před 7 lety +1

      Sigh Berian Yes, I saw that recently twitter.com/evakatrina/status/885452995453911041 I'm disappointed because Yandex is/was so brilliant, plus it hits the licenced taxis even harder.. but alas, progress..

    • @evakatrinaa
      @evakatrinaa Před 7 lety +4

      Oh also visitors need to have a formal invitation. Rail lines, tour companies, and some hotels can issue the invitations. You need it to send with your visa application.

  • @ruMagnetar
    @ruMagnetar Před 4 lety +20

    to put empty bottles on the floor - is the rule only for alcohole bottles AND only in friends company.

  • @wildsurfer12
    @wildsurfer12 Před 2 lety +7

    Looks like nobody will be going there for a while.

  • @SuperPrototipas
    @SuperPrototipas Před 6 lety +385

    Forget the politics, Russia is a beautiful country with many great people! Greetings from Lithuania!

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  Před 6 lety +21

      I agree. And greetings back to you my friend Lietuvoje :)

    • @virginijasileikiene1989
      @virginijasileikiene1989 Před 6 lety +3

      Beautiful country but you cant forget the politics.

    • @Dan-wp2wy
      @Dan-wp2wy Před 6 lety +4

      Perkūnas it is easy to say such things when you do not live in this country

    • @Last_old_man
      @Last_old_man Před 6 lety +9

      Правильно. Люди везде одинаковые. Политика нужна не для обычных людей.

    • @YouSoSpice
      @YouSoSpice Před 6 lety +5

      I know, right? Such spirited people. 😄
      Hopefully after Ukraine they'll annex Lithuania!
      All the best.

  • @PavelVolodkov
    @PavelVolodkov Před 6 lety +84

    It's so surprising how positive and uninfluenced by mass media your review is. Привет из Рязани!

  • @lexburen5932
    @lexburen5932 Před 6 lety +61

    i have been to Russia : Samara, St Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Sochi, Kaluga. its all very beautiful and the people are friendly and helpful. totally the opposite of what they want us to believe in western mainstream media. And the don'ts you mention are quitte obvious and common sense, its almost the same as in the Netherlands. just treat Russian people with respect, come at them with a reserved attitude, don't be Rude, or openly present, speak in a calmly manner, and most important is being honest. if you do that, you'll be fine, and you will have a great time in Russia :)

  • @enjoyingmyvodka1013
    @enjoyingmyvodka1013 Před 5 lety +9

    I miss Russia so bad! I loved it, I'm Mexican and I've loved Russia since the movie Anastasia came out, I became (I guess you can say obsessed) I did not find it expensive for me coming from the U.S. the visa and hotel yes but I've seen tickets as cheap as $717 round trip for like 10-14 days. I found it cheaper than Mexico for the most part. I felt like I was home there.

  • @Crosshead1
    @Crosshead1 Před 7 lety +158

    I'm amazed just how similar this sounds to when I visited the Soviet Union back in 1973 when it was a communist country. And back then, the people were fantastic, so warm and friendly, not at all what we had been told.

    • @waxh9679
      @waxh9679 Před 6 lety +11

      no matter what kind of politics a nation has, the people will not drastically change to match the times. i am sure russian people have been warm and friendly forever

    • @Undead38055
      @Undead38055 Před 6 lety +17

      R L in Russia it doesn't matter if your American,black, Asian. If your nice we're nice👌 just don't say curse words in Russian because curse words are takin seriously in the Russian language.

    • @waxh9679
      @waxh9679 Před 6 lety +3

      that sounds about right! i know better than to curse around certain people in my family, so avoiding some words in a foreign language would probably be do-able
      really hope i can visit someday!

    • @Undead38055
      @Undead38055 Před 6 lety +4

      R L and when you do I really hope you enjoy your time there

    • @utube1255
      @utube1255 Před 6 lety +4

      Crosshead1 I'm from Moscow :-)
      The thing is that soviets been told that Western's are bad as fuck and soviets couldn't travel around the world and especially to West, it had been forbidden.
      So if u had a chance to see smth with ur eyes, the soviets didn't and they kept on hating West. The older generations of Russians still do and Putin effectively uses it to save his absolutely corrupted power by making Russians hate West through shitty propaganda.
      Такие дела, братан :-(

  • @daniloribeiro2865
    @daniloribeiro2865 Před 6 lety +21

    My top tip if you like souvenirs. NEVER buy them in the Kremlin/red square region. It is a ripoff. There is a traditional market named Ismailovskyi, and there you will find the same souvenirs for really good prices. Not to mention that it is also a flea market, which means you will find lots of unusual stuff for a good price. At the market, always haggle over the price. They love that. I've been living in Russia for a year and whenever I go back to Brazil, I spend no more than 1500 rubles in souvenirs for the WHOLE family, while 1500 rubles is the price of one Russian doll in the kremlin region. Enjoy!!!!

  • @Elenenigma
    @Elenenigma Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you so much for videos! It is a great pleasure to watch them. You are always right . You mention so many important details what can really help tourists ! Great job!

  • @louisronan5903
    @louisronan5903 Před 2 lety +6

    If you live in the U.K. then getting a visa for Russian is easier than taking candy from a baby. I applied for mine on Monday 14th February and I had it delivered to my house 4 days later. I’m going to Russia on April 16th.

    • @wildsurfer12
      @wildsurfer12 Před 2 lety +3

      I don’t think your comment has aged well.

    • @louisronan5903
      @louisronan5903 Před 2 lety

      @@wildsurfer12 : Yeeaaahhh

    • @chriscox1535
      @chriscox1535 Před rokem

      @@louisronan5903 did you visit Russia yet?

    • @louisronan5903
      @louisronan5903 Před rokem

      @@chriscox1535 : Yeah without any problems. I’m going again in a week (4th feb to 19th of feb).

  • @FlyingBrick2000
    @FlyingBrick2000 Před 6 lety +25

    Hi! I work in the one of St.Petersburgs hotels. Thank you so much for reminding about registration and migration cards. Some foreigners think its just a paper and throw it to garbage. Pleeease, guys, never do this mistake

    • @Mikehawk323
      @Mikehawk323 Před 3 lety +1

      What happens if it's lost?

    • @FlyingBrick2000
      @FlyingBrick2000 Před 3 lety

      @@Mikehawk323 You should make a new one it in the Federal migration service office.
      If you lost it an realized it while going through custom penalty fee may apply. I don't know how much is it. As my Swedish friend told me, no-one ever checked his immigration card except hotel. And perhaps custom officers don't do it much but if they do and you don't have it, it may cost a lot.
      Just put it into a safe place :) also you may ask a hotel you check-in to make a copy for you just to feel safer

    • @FlyingBrick2000
      @FlyingBrick2000 Před 3 lety

      @@Mikehawk323 also it is always a good practice to have a photocopy of your documents while traveling :)

    • @stanspb763
      @stanspb763 Před 3 lety

      @@Mikehawk323 Nothing. The system is so automated now that the card is no longer really used but they collected it at passport control exiting Russia and that is it. There used to be a more manual system and those papers were important so not having it could result in a 1000 ruble fine, about $13 but they do nothing for the last 3 years or so. The registration is not even essential anymore, but hotels automatically register on their computer connection to Federal Migration Service, and if not going to a hotel but staying with a friend, the friend can register your stay at any post office. Registration was a carry over from the Soviet era when they wanted to know where every foreign was staying but it has outlived its usefulness and wil be phased out soon. If one does not register, now it is not a big deal The change of attitude has been gradual but the mass incoming without visas for the 2018 World Cup and the utter lack of problems and great response from the first time visitors the officials see that none of these is really needed. As a result the number of countries with visa waivers has increased a lot and a new eVISA program begun after a couple years of testing it in the far east of Russia and St Petersburg 1 year, they decided it worked well enough to offer electronic web applications for visa within 4 days of arrival for another 53 countries so all together citizens of 97 countries have visa waivers or the new eVISA where you fine on-line and within 24 hours you can download a PDF visa to use at your entry point. US and UK citizens do nor qualify for either but US citizens get a very good 3 year multiple entry visa that no one else gets and allows long stays. In most cases visa policies are determined by what hassles Russians go through to get visas to those countries and UK and US make it hard but the US does issue a long visa which is good. The UK is generally hostile to Russians applying so Russia requires more documents than citizens of other countries.
      There are also the short-term visa-free entry for cruise ship passengers and for ferry passengers arriving in St Petersburg from Baltic Sea ports for 3 days of visa-free entry. Technically one needs to buy a tour from a registered tour operator authorized to invite and host foreign visitors. One of my companies does that, provide intensive 2-3 day tours visa free that is an overall excellent experience of St Petersburg and southern palace estates for cruise ship passengers. In the summer about thousands of cruise passengers disembark. The Passenger Port is fairly new and can accommodate 9 large ships arriving at one, for up to 20,000 plus 5000 crew with port leave per day. The Neva River ports are right in the city center walking distance to the Hermitage/Winter Palace, for smaller cruise ships, up to about 1500 passengers per ship.
      Most visitors arrive in Moscow or St Petersburg but after the great success of the 2018 World Cup fans got to see some other region capitals, 12 cities hosted games in 13 stadiums, the world seems to have discovered great cities that are relaxed and beautiful like Kazan and Volgograd so visitors are getting more adventurous to explore other regions. Also Crimea is a wonderful destination.

    • @stanspb763
      @stanspb763 Před 3 lety

      @@FlyingBrick2000 Photocopies are not substitutes for originals but a photocopy of your passport really speeds up replacement by your country's consulate. Losing a passport is a problem and requires the tourist to leave the country after they receive a travel document from their consulate. Most consulates can supply a replacement new passport in a few days to 2 weeks but they can also issue a travel document that allows the person to leave the same day. UK consulate in St Petersburg shut down and one has to travel to Moscow which is a real pain and expense to hire a private car to drive to Moscow since train and plane require a passport to use.
      Document numbers and visa copies should be photocopied so you have the correct document numbers for any agency one needs to deal with. Line a photo copy of one's drivers license does not allow one to drive but it has the correct info on it to allow the motor vehicle department to look up your record and create a new license. The same with all your entry, visa, entry stamp page of the passport and visa should all be copied and stored in a safe place. Also copy any tickets and reservations because it helps people find your records.

  • @dionysise5008
    @dionysise5008 Před 6 lety +81

    just came back from Moscow. the most unique and huge city on earth. it was great. these advice the video gives kind of make sense btw. but my final take is that Moscow and Russian people are great

    • @user-kd1qn4ox6g
      @user-kd1qn4ox6g Před 5 lety

      В Москве живут не только русские .

    • @sumarvic
      @sumarvic Před 3 lety +3

      @@user-kd1qn4ox6g в английском языке слова русский и россиянин звучат одинаково - russian. Так что говоря russians, иностранцы имеют в виду, как правило, всех жителей России, то есть россиян.

  • @sherylannnarvasa6922
    @sherylannnarvasa6922 Před rokem +3

    I am living here in Russia since September and all I can say is the people here are amazing they are friendly, kind, and polite, and there are a lot of places here that are beutiful

    • @bluepurple3877
      @bluepurple3877 Před rokem

      Most Russians support Putin and the genocide in Ukraine, unfortunately.

  • @drelizaanam
    @drelizaanam Před 3 měsíci +2

    The first warning I give to visitors is that Russia can be a lot more formal when it comes to eating and drinking in public. At lectures, meetings and classes people are not supposed to be drinking or eating. Even chewing a gum can be considered disrespectful and ugly.
    Dressing up is also important. It’s is not about looking good for yourself, it’s more about looking pleasant for others around you. In other words it can be disrespectful to go around with messy hair, dirty clothes etc.

  • @Seahorn_
    @Seahorn_ Před 7 lety +294

    NEVER talk about politics, doesnt matter which country you are, you are a guest and no local needs/wants to know how you think about their politicians/politics

    • @MrCmon113
      @MrCmon113 Před 7 lety +35

      Seahorn
      I do.
      Tell me what you think about German / Bavarian politics when you come to Munich. I'm glad for an outsider's perspective.
      Why should ones concern end at the border?
      Cowards like you are what's wrong with the world.

    • @Seahorn_
      @Seahorn_ Před 6 lety +53

      What ever you think, I dont care. If you are on holiday in a country you are a guest. And you should behave as one. If you think that a local resident of a country, ANY country, is interrested in your point of view of their politics I can tell you that most of them are NOT. Dont be suprised if the locals tell you to bugger off, or worse
      Do yourself a favor go to for instance England, go to a pub, and go tell how stupid they are with their Brexit,. Go to the USA and start a discussion about Trump or Clinton. Not to mention countries like Turkey (subject Erdogan), Russia (subject Putin). If you dont have the intelligence that talking about politics can be very sensitive (even in western countries!) sooner or later you will have some very nasty surprises. Cowardice has nothing to do with it, common sense does....... edit: and politness

    • @zloychechen5150
      @zloychechen5150 Před 6 lety +9

      in russia it's fine, so long as your conversation partner understands media.

    • @justinwashburn496
      @justinwashburn496 Před 6 lety +3

      Taxtro wow you have issues

    • @Seahorn_
      @Seahorn_ Před 6 lety +2

      Exactly what I thought too.

  • @blablak9942
    @blablak9942 Před 7 lety +349

    To the wailers:
    THIS IS A TRAVELING CHANNEL AND NOT A POLITICAL PLATFORM.
    So get lost and share your statements where you can't bother travelers!

    • @davidchisholm2323
      @davidchisholm2323 Před 7 lety +7

      PC culture in the West is not favoured by majority, hence Brixit ,and Trump. Putin and Stalin are saints then according to you, even while oppressing ( murdering ) their own people let alone their neighbours ! FUCK off russians, are scared of their leaders , is this how you live?

    • @anzelmasmatutis2500
      @anzelmasmatutis2500 Před 6 lety +4

      @MIN SLAVA Stop smoking because you clearly see imaginary things.

    • @davidchisholm2323
      @davidchisholm2323 Před 6 lety

      give me the numbers ! where exactly, "tens of millions" easy to write down then. Lets have them, where and when

    • @yesim1829
      @yesim1829 Před 6 lety +4

      JoshPageLP you have enraged the Americans, they now bring their irrelevant opinions even more than bedore.

    • @pastormatthew4362
      @pastormatthew4362 Před 6 lety +1

      and 75 million preborn children butchered in our abortion mills in the U.S. And that's just since 1973.

  • @88GreenMaple7
    @88GreenMaple7 Před 5 lety +9

    Thank you for making this wonderful video about Russia! I'm half Russian so its nice when someone makes a positive video like that about this country. As a native Estonian though, may I please recommend that if you can, please visit Estonia as well? I can recommend loads of awesome places in Tallinn and in the countryside of this country too. Would be happy to answer questions or provide suggestions. Thanks so much for a great travel channel!! All the best!

  • @jcp012000
    @jcp012000 Před 6 lety +1

    You really deserve a lot more subscribers. Very professional and well informed channel

  • @737tech
    @737tech Před 7 lety +31

    I have really enjoyed my trips to Russia. I got my Visa through a web site and it took only 2 weeks. Total I have spent over a month there. Moscow is now my favorite city. Never had any problems.. I spend all my vacations there now...

    • @pelvis_assley
      @pelvis_assley Před 6 lety +1

      Saint Petersburg is better though, come on

  • @Ken_sent_me
    @Ken_sent_me Před 7 lety +353

    "Don't bad mouth. Dont comment on politics"
    Not just for Russia..
    I think they should just hand out this memo to every American who are on their flight out of their country.

    • @shadowmatrix0101
      @shadowmatrix0101 Před 7 lety +50

      Agreed. As an American, I facepalm everytime I see another American being a total ignorant douchebag. Like, gee, thanks for upholding that stereotype every other country seems to have against us, I now know why they have it thanks to morons like you. I'm tempted to wear a Canadian flag patch on all my clothes so people won't hate on me sometimes when I travel.

    • @TheWoollyFrog
      @TheWoollyFrog Před 7 lety +8

      Rose C As a Canadian I am worried about our reputation when I hear of Muricans doing that patch trick. Soon you will have to find another stereotype of niceness to infiltrate in order to receive preferential (or at least equal) treatment abroad.

    • @MrSaint13ization
      @MrSaint13ization Před 7 lety +1

      you can say whatever u want

    • @thitran1362
      @thitran1362 Před 7 lety +9

      So basically the American tourist are similar to the Chinese tourist?

    • @shadowmatrix0101
      @shadowmatrix0101 Před 6 lety +19

      You're mistaken. There are two types of people who live in this country.l 'Muricans and Americans. You don't need to worry about "Muricans wearing your patches, it's Americans who are tired of being lumped together with the ignorant, rude, loud-mouthed, douchebags that feel the need to remind everyone within yelling distance exactly what country they're from because they should be treated like special snowflakes. Trust me, it's a compliment when Americans want to wear Canada patches because that's the closest we'll ever get to NOT being lumped in with that stereotypes.

  • @YeasyYuriAndropov
    @YeasyYuriAndropov Před 6 lety +1

    Another tip- don't give money directly in the hands of the cashier. It's a custom that you put it on the small tray next to the cash register. Vice versa, the cashier will never give you change directly in your hand- money in stores is always exchanged through the tray! :)

  • @marynichols438
    @marynichols438 Před 5 lety

    I appreciate all of the advice that you give in your videos.

  • @Bagunka
    @Bagunka Před 7 lety +25

    Why we take off empty bottles of the table:
    1) They cramble you the space. So if you have a big table at a house party and there are 5 empty bottles, there is a huge waste of open space for food and drinks. Also you cannot see other people on the table as well because of the bottles.
    2) If it's a wine or a beer bottle you can't really tell if it's empty or full, you rich out to take the wine you like and turns out it's empty - that sucks. so you always take empty bottles of the table (we ether trow it away or put it under the chair).
    Hope that explains it

    • @pawelpap9
      @pawelpap9 Před 7 lety

      Alex V to Yes, keeping empty wine bottles under your chair really shows your class. Indeed, you explained quite a bit, he he.

    • @antonbeton5738
      @antonbeton5738 Před 6 lety +1

      Ахахаха 😂 Я думаю иностранцы понимают почему русские убирают пустые бутылки со стола. Но я думаю они не очень понимают зачем держать их на полу, а не выбросить в мусорку или хотябы можно унести на кухню

    • @user-bg9ik5sn9v
      @user-bg9ik5sn9v Před 6 lety

      Yes, in Russia we put it to wastebasket, but why its so strange to put garbage ( emrty bottles) to basket?))) - sorry for my English, i dont use translator guyz)

    • @0fg4
      @0fg4 Před 6 lety

      It is mainly a superstition. You can leave an empty pack of juice on the table, but leaving a bottle is not tolerated.

    • @IkkebottExpirson
      @IkkebottExpirson Před 6 lety +1

      Actually, it's a consequence of Napoleonic war. When russian army came to Paris, waitress at bars would count the check at the end by the bottles that were on the table. So russians eventually started to hide bottles under the table. =:)

  • @coldwaterhunter8176
    @coldwaterhunter8176 Před 6 lety +41

    I was in Kaliningrad in June. The cops were overly friendly and wanted to take pictures and such. I had the fortune of having a private guide. I never stayed in a hotel. My guide would get on the phone and talk for about half an hour. We would then stop at a grocery store and buy groceries and something like a tea maker or some other household item. We then went to a hosts house and make dinner and that's where I would spend the night. (This was mostly in the rural part of of the Oblast.) Despite my fears, the people were really nice. They tried to teach me songs and words and whatnot. On the flip side, I have been stationed in Germany twice during my 20 year military career. I speak passable Low German taught to me by my Opa. Quite a few people were pretty rude and you definetley don't mess with the cops. They all seem to be in a bad mood. Even when I would speak German there were some that would tell me just to speak English as my syntax and vocabulary were apparently annoying.

  • @FireRaptor100
    @FireRaptor100 Před rokem +5

    Unfortunately, due to the current situation I dont think i'll be visiting Russia anytime soon :(
    PD: Your cards won't work there for the moment

  • @mikegehre570
    @mikegehre570 Před 3 lety +8

    I totally loved Russia. Pricey visa for sure. I was so afraid I’d lose that paper to exit. St Petersburg was impressive. Took a a five hour train ride to Moscow. The kremlin tour was fantastic and Moscow underground is not to be missed. Gorgeous women too. Highly recommended taking an organized tour. In short, memorable. Top of your bucket list should be Russia

  • @onlyastron4ut
    @onlyastron4ut Před 6 lety +298

    "Russia is expensive" Yeah right.. Try the Netherlands!

  • @ddiesel1836
    @ddiesel1836 Před 7 lety +177

    I went to Russia (moscow, SP and Kazan) last may
    a) it wasn't that expensive. we stayed in an Air BNB rented Flat which was about $32 a night. pretty cheap. the food wasnt really expensive. Public transportation (Metro & Bus) is cheap. Uber is also Cheap. It was more expensive in Tokyo or Seoul
    b) didn't experience any of the pickpocketing and bullying
    Spasiba!

    • @yellowyellow7476
      @yellowyellow7476 Před 6 lety +1

      D DIESEL Air BNB is really shameful. Especially in cities where housing prices are high.

    • @ddiesel1836
      @ddiesel1836 Před 6 lety +8

      Belarus-chan that"s crap. it depends on what city you stayed and with what people. I have booked air BNB during our vacations in Tokyo, Seoul, Moscow and St Petersberg. The price was much cheaper than hotels, the place we booked was clean and had everything, the location of the place was very convinient, the neighborhoods were very pleasant and all our hosts were kind and helpfull. Put more hours into your research before booking a place to avoid unpleasant experiences. Air BNB has been a God send to Travellers like me

    • @deagle9102
      @deagle9102 Před 6 lety

      Nu poka lesli pontavilas

    • @LaMuffin-il7ei
      @LaMuffin-il7ei Před 6 lety +3

      D DIESEL May I ask how long it took for your visa to arrive??

    • @ddiesel1836
      @ddiesel1836 Před 6 lety +2

      i applied for the visa directly with the consulate. after i completed my requirements; i was told to come back for the visas in 2 weeks

  • @RussianMermaid
    @RussianMermaid Před 5 lety +12

    *I really like the beginning! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR IT!*
    Please, don`t prejudge Russia, it`s a wonderful country with beautiful nature and friendly kind people! Even though they don`t smile at you they are glad to see you and are always ready to help!
    2019 update: now you can pay by a card even in a small city. Russian people are getting more and more used to using cards and sometimes don`t have cash at all.

    • @arnauuu1
      @arnauuu1 Před 4 lety

      Well, I think you should keep using cash. Once you get used to cards, you always end up spending much more. Cards are your nr 1 enemy if you want to save some money ;)

  • @YurikoKataoka
    @YurikoKataoka Před 3 lety

    Thanks for having this video. I’m from the Netherlands and this video was in my final exam !

  • @JuneJupiter
    @JuneJupiter Před 7 lety +20

    Thanks for this video Mark! I'm American and my fiancé is Russian. Russia has so many beautiful places to visit that not many Americans are aware of. Moscow and St. Petersburg should be major tourist destinations for travelers wanting to see stunning architecture, world class ballet, centuries old art, and the home of some of the most renowned musicians and writers whose works people around the world love (Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Pushkin, Tolstoy, etc)

  • @killawhale8726
    @killawhale8726 Před 6 lety +118

    Make sure you learn the russian alphabet at the very least. It's fairly simple and I learned it in like 2 days.

    • @robertjarman3703
      @robertjarman3703 Před 5 lety +14

      It's also a lot more straightforward than you'd realize, given that each letter has one sound (thanks a lot English for having so many different ways you can use letters, like fish can be represented by ghoti strictly speaking), and the letters also are drawn in a way that the Latin script is as well, using clear angles and not curvy like Arabic or Hebrew.

    • @robertheilmeier2671
      @robertheilmeier2671 Před 5 lety +3

      +Yoshi_IX I agree, it is quite simple and actually enjoyable to learn, here is a link to a video I used to learn it for those interested : czcams.com/video/vIi05c5lbbk/video.html

    • @MintyMiku
      @MintyMiku Před 5 lety

      Same. I learned it from internet. I thought it would be hard, but when you see it everyday you can read it a little.

    • @Sunbirdinthesky
      @Sunbirdinthesky Před 5 lety +5

      As used to say my mother, she visited the Soviet Union in 1973, and she said there were PECTOPAH everywhere : and then she learned that PECTOPAH just means restaurant… :-)

    • @andrewherbert5132
      @andrewherbert5132 Před 4 lety +1

      @@Sunbirdinthesky the same thing happened to me with BAP.

  • @KamramBehzad
    @KamramBehzad Před 5 lety

    Thanks Mark. Helpful as always.

  • @elenoir7753
    @elenoir7753 Před 4 lety +1

    wolters world you blog is amazing. Thanks from Milanooo

  • @nwprepper525
    @nwprepper525 Před 6 lety +118

    So basicaly, follow all the basic rules of international travel that apply to everywhere. Awesome! You forgot to tell us to look both ways before crossing the street.

    • @pennypay1
      @pennypay1 Před 6 lety +16

      Most of it is indeed common sense. As a native New Yorker, I was constantly on my guard in the streets of Montego Bay and in the subways and plazas in European cities. Never been pickpocketed or gotten in an altercation. Always had a purposeful stride and avoided sketchy areas. Unfortunately, a lot of people are too preoccupied taking selfies or checking in with social media. They assume the US dollar, or credit cards, are accepted anywhere. They act too conspicuous, and they assume that any mix-up with their paperwork or connecting flight can be fixed immediately. It's not always their fault; they may have had limited experience with travel, or they were young enough that their parents took care of the details, or they lived in small towns and have trusting natures. But it's always good to research before traveling. Knowing about the countries' local customs made me feel better about what to expect.

    • @SuperCosty2010
      @SuperCosty2010 Před 6 lety +2

      Left first

    • @Stuntmandouble08
      @Stuntmandouble08 Před 6 lety +8

      Moscow is much more safer than western cities nowadays. Minsk is to be said very clean and safe.

    • @rosiemccattail6350
      @rosiemccattail6350 Před 6 lety +4

      To look both ways when crossing a one-way street, especially.

  • @malcolmnorman6684
    @malcolmnorman6684 Před 7 lety +28

    I was in Russia (Moscow and Saint Petersburg) for two weeks in May last year and really enjoyed my visit. It's something I would do again. Your don'ts were correct but I have to disagree that Russia is expensive. On the whole, I found it reasonably priced (maybe because last year the ruble was lower in value). You are right about pick pockets because I was pick pocketed in SP on the last day (actually I was going back to my hotel to get some rest before catching my flight home). Sometimes, I do things right and kept my credit cards in a separate location (in a money belt) and they didn't get my passport. But incident hasn't put me off Russia - you can get pick pocketed anywhere . A reminder to be more careful when I am traveling.

  • @CrazyRussianAdventurescom

    Thanks for a great, honest advice about visiting Russia!

  • @sarah-rubywilliams-ramouta8146

    Thank you for your wonderful video, really informative about the important things! 👍

  • @sway2000
    @sway2000 Před 7 lety +248

    I'm from Boston and I will be going to Russia with my soccer coach brother for the world cup. I think it will be a great trip and I look forward to visiting museums and especially World War 2 related museums/sites. I will make sure to respect the local culture and expect to meet many good Russian people.

    • @TheWoollyFrog
      @TheWoollyFrog Před 7 lety +21

      And you will be totally accepted even if you are gay. Very tolerant, inclusive and secular country (I am TOTALLY not getting paid to write this comment). /s

    • @manatee2500
      @manatee2500 Před 6 lety +10

      I thought the Russian fake rape story was about Berlin.

    • @igorzherebiatev5751
      @igorzherebiatev5751 Před 6 lety +4

      I don't know how I can explain it to you, but there are two types of Russia here. One of them is good beautiful place, created for showing to foreigners. And another, that they will never show you. But there live most of Russians. And don't forget that WW2 - named here great blighty war and it started here in 22.06.1941 and ended 9.05.1945

    • @philippsokolov
      @philippsokolov Před 6 lety +5

      I hope you'll enjoy the visit! If you get a chance, visit the Kubinka Tank Museum -- its about 30 miles west of Moscow, but its one of the biggest and would totally worth a trip.

    • @aphex0011
      @aphex0011 Před 6 lety +6

      Vasya, what the hell are you talking about?
      Why do you write scary tales to people?

  • @klement1337
    @klement1337 Před 7 lety +41

    Don't forget to visit the subway stations (museum for the people).

    • @russianmovieswithenglishsu4128
      @russianmovieswithenglishsu4128 Před 6 lety +8

      Good advice BUT. Avoid going to the subway (in Moscow) 8 to 9-30 and 17-30 to 19. It's too overcrowded.

    • @panzer4391
      @panzer4391 Před 6 lety

      Russian Movies With English Subtitles, not every line and station.

    • @bbcmotd
      @bbcmotd Před 6 lety +1

      Museums are also museums for people you know

    • @lenadima5168
      @lenadima5168 Před 6 lety +1

      Yes. Not only in Moscow. In SPb and Kazan subway looks very good and interesting too

    • @rain_y01
      @rain_y01 Před 6 lety

      Yeah-yeah, not only if you're in smaller cities (where I live, for instance). Okay, sure, you can use subway stations to get somewhere but it is so ordinary, not like a museum.

  • @Th3AngryPooch
    @Th3AngryPooch Před 6 lety

    your videos are so cool and informative, especially the happy tone of your voice really makes your videos nice to watch

  • @bloodygorecomix
    @bloodygorecomix Před rokem +2

    I like how one piece of advice is to not ask for help from cops

    • @LanaLion517
      @LanaLion517 Před 10 měsíci +2

      In fact, it's nonsense what he said about the cops. He broadcasts his American fear of American cops to Russia. You can safely turn to them for help. And if I had any problems, for example, on the street or in the subway, the first thing I would do is find the nearest policeman and get to him. Sometimes I ask them how to get to a certain place faster.

  • @Alexx120493
    @Alexx120493 Před 6 lety +44

    I think most rules that apply to travelers to every country apply to Russia as well. I think the language is the key to really arrive in Russia though. Except for hotel personnel most people speak only a tiny bit or no English, so you should know at least a bit Russian to get along. I personally experience Saint Petersburg as a very clean and orderly city. There were barely any disputes or arguments on the streets and the entire atmosphere was very calm and friendly. The only exception was the traffic, because Russians have a bit of a different approach to traffic regulations than we in Germany do. I can only recommend to visit the city, it is definetly worth it. And BTW most of the people there are gorgeous, I did not trust my eyes at first.

  • @pennypay1
    @pennypay1 Před 6 lety +37

    Make sure of the policies regarding any of your prescribed medications. Russia has an opiate crisis, and travelers on MMT cannot bring in their medication, even with a doctor's note. (The majority of other countries DO allow exceptions for travelers with doctors' notes, even if those countries don't have opioid replacement programs in place.) This affects a minority of people, but is a good thing to bring up nonetheless. Check Russia's policies on prescribed controlled medications.

  • @user-ml3sz3mm5y
    @user-ml3sz3mm5y Před 6 lety +18

    Take your shoes off when stepping into someone's home.

    • @zuzanna1456
      @zuzanna1456 Před 3 lety

      It’s disgusting I’d rather be rude than wear in house shoes they give u

    • @user-ml3sz3mm5y
      @user-ml3sz3mm5y Před 3 lety +2

      @@zuzanna1456 feel free to stay outside, then.

    • @gammondog
      @gammondog Před 3 lety +1

      @@zuzanna1456 You can walk in your socks. The idea is to not bring dirt, bum spit, and dog shit into the home on the bottom of your shoes.

    • @SRBOMBONICA86
      @SRBOMBONICA86 Před 3 lety

      @@zuzanna1456 ewwww you are gross

  • @mr.andrew.0a996
    @mr.andrew.0a996 Před 4 lety +6

    I was there last year in Russia, during the World Cup. It was beautiful, nice hotels, food, and lots of places visit. The country was totally different though when they lost against Croatia, guess that just shows you how proud they are of being Russian.

  • @toroniman
    @toroniman Před 7 lety +26

    I went to Russia two years ago and had a wonderful time. Went in June which was nice both weatherwise and for the long daylight. Since I went on an EU passport so the visa process wasn't that bad, but it is a more onerous process if you're US. Also be sure to learn as much Russian as you can if you're traveling alone or without any Russian speakers because I found the language barrier, even in Moscow & St. Pete to be bigger than I anticipated. It's definitely not like going to Germany or France where almost anybody (even if they're reluctant to) speaks English. Also PS, best time to go to St. Petersburg is in June for the White Nights!

  • @kaktotak8267
    @kaktotak8267 Před 6 lety +34

    Don't ever say in public anything that you hear from russians in online games. Pretty much all of it is offensive, some not even legal.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  Před 6 lety +11

      that seems to be all nationalities when playing online gaming. That's how you learn the bad words these days :)

  • @emilydurkee8664
    @emilydurkee8664 Před 5 lety

    I love your videos, this is one of the best I've seen!

  • @UnknownASPD
    @UnknownASPD Před 2 měsíci +1

    Very useful! I will be studying there in two years

  • @AntonRodionovGomez
    @AntonRodionovGomez Před 6 lety +6

    As a Russian, it’s such a pleasure to see and hear such wonderful feedback. Thank you :)

  • @mihaimiclea3234
    @mihaimiclea3234 Před 7 lety +13

    As someone who stayed more than a month travelling on the Trans-Siberian railroad, i can tell you that they are very friendly and try to understand what you are saying, even if they don't speak english. The waiters are very kind and no, you don't put your empty bottles on the floor.

  •  Před 7 dny

    I had been in Moscow and Saint Petersbuurg three times . What a stunning cities.... love them. Beautiful, clean and people are helpful and kind . Cheers from Brazil 🥰

  • @gabrielgodoi4565
    @gabrielgodoi4565 Před 6 lety +2

    I friend of mine who lived in Russia said it's basically Brazil with snow. The first thing I'd do if I were to visit a place like that is get to know a local, someone who can help as a guide so you don't get overly exploited in cabs, cafes, restaurants or wherever you go.

  • @midlandmachine
    @midlandmachine Před 7 lety +27

    Surely not messing with the police is common sense?

    • @MrNordulf
      @MrNordulf Před 6 lety +1

      In most Western Europe is no problem to mess with police as long you just "off the boat" ;)

  • @c32amgftw
    @c32amgftw Před 7 lety +50

    Been subscribed to you for years now and tis the moment I've been waiting for the most... your Russia video :D Thank you!

  • @catherinek7681
    @catherinek7681 Před rokem

    Thanks, everything mentioned is so correct and it is so precisely said as one of the first things: don't be prejudiced, good job. Before this video I've already fell in love with your style of narration upon other travelling issue, around UK, USA, Europe, but since Russia is my native country and said everything up to the point now like your videos even more

  • @masterticcu35
    @masterticcu35 Před 6 lety +1

    I just watched your finland video from 2013 and wow man you have changed. You look awesome now

  • @noelswonderland
    @noelswonderland Před 6 lety +11

    I've been wanting to visit Russia and I've been learning the language for a few months. This was SUPER helpful! Thank you!!!

  • @ObesePuppies
    @ObesePuppies Před 6 lety +41

    he looks like the comic book guy from the Simpsons

  • @TsarEventsDMC
    @TsarEventsDMC Před 3 lety

    Thank you for wonderful video! It is really interesting and useful! Plus motivate to travel! Cannot wait when all of us start travel again!

  • @whatdidyouexpectsomething4523

    So if i pass my entrance exams I get to go to Russia.
    Wish me luck

  • @turboslag
    @turboslag Před 6 lety +40

    Russia intrigues and fascinates me, I'd love to go there one day. They have an amazing military vehicle museum that I'm desperate to see! Amongst other things of course!

    • @alexkatc59
      @alexkatc59 Před 6 lety +1

      You also can look every year's military live expo with new examples of russian weapons too.
      Once i even touched Su-57 myself.
      Looks great.

  • @pepperloud1740
    @pepperloud1740 Před 7 lety +249

    I actually live in SPb and work in a hotel. So can tell for sure that the hospitality service is way better in Russia (at least in Moscow, SPb, Kazan, Sochi, etc) than in any European country I've visited. The staff would go out of their way to help you out if needed. In addition if a Russian smiles at you they really mean it (true fact)
    Don't be scared away by some silly stereotypes. Russia is a bit different. But different is not bad.

    • @Commentator541
      @Commentator541 Před 7 lety +16

      In Hotels... maybe, at the post office, any government building, public transport etc. Employees are yet to hear of such thing as "polite".

    • @pandaDotDragon
      @pandaDotDragon Před 7 lety +5

      Well I guess the other Crowne Plazza hotels in Europe are going to appreciate that the one in St Peterburg is the only one valuable :-)
      (yep linkedin was helpful on that)

    • @sighberian5463
      @sighberian5463 Před 7 lety +6

      Commentator541 I live in the US and the people at DMV never heard of customer service either.

    • @pepperloud1740
      @pepperloud1740 Před 7 lety

      panda dragon them damn links😂

    • @nottoday3817
      @nottoday3817 Před 7 lety +1

      Not sure if it is possible for foreigners, but I think on certain occasions you can also get to go shooting

  • @florianaugsbergers6756
    @florianaugsbergers6756 Před 4 lety +5

    Truly liked this.

  • @SilverSurfer5150
    @SilverSurfer5150 Před 5 lety

    Great video and many thanks! :)

  • @PatMaxAdventures
    @PatMaxAdventures Před 7 lety +13

    Thank you so much for this video! I will be traveling through Russia for a month in October. i'm really looking forward to my trip there. Already studying Cyrillic and learning some important phrases ^^

  • @hasafienda
    @hasafienda Před 7 lety +17

    Russia's always fascinated me and either Russia or Spain would be my first European destination. Or Italy. I'm Catholic, so a lot of my travel is religious, but Russia has been a personal obsession since I was a child.

    • @mariequin5141
      @mariequin5141 Před 7 lety

      Nathan Nguyen my advice, go to Italy. Or Spain, not Russia. But I've been in all these countries and Italy is most beautiful

    • @Commentator541
      @Commentator541 Před 7 lety +1

      Italy>France>Czech Republic>Turkey>Britain>Russia>Austria>Germany>Netherlands>Sweden>Spain
      In that order. Everything else is optional

    • @pawelpap9
      @pawelpap9 Před 7 lety

      Commentator541 Is Turkey in Europe now?

    • @omranpanda9304
      @omranpanda9304 Před 6 lety +1

      Is Russia in Europe now

    • @raimethefumeknight2062
      @raimethefumeknight2062 Před 6 lety

      pawelpap9 The Hagia Sophia is located on the European side of Turkey so yes

  • @user-jm4vd5ft8u
    @user-jm4vd5ft8u Před 5 lety +16

    Many thanks for this video! It's always good to hear nice things about Russia.. especially from Americans ;+) those things, that are not so nice, yet are the true ones ;+)
    As for the empty bottles, this tradition comes from 1812, when our troops defeated Napoleon and spent some time in Paris. In Paris restaraunts that days they made bills calculating the number of empty bottles on the table, that's why our officers learned to put empty bottles under the table... to reduce some costs ;+))) BTW, French word "bistro" originates from Russian "быстро", and also dates back to 1812.

  • @diana.diamond
    @diana.diamond Před 6 lety

    thank u for your videos...they are so informative