Quote Originally Posted by decsis View Post
Hello,
Since a more than a year, I've become very interested in Russia. It's huge size, that beautiful landscapes, the culture.....every russian I know are soooo kind and open-minded....I love it! I've started to learn the language, as it's the most beautiful language in the world and necessary to visit russia. I've already planed to visit russia next year!

However, when i'm talking with friends about it, they tell me I shouldn't do that cause russia is dangerous for tourists. Personally, I don't really give attention to those statements cause, I think, russia isn't more dangerous than every other country and that negative reputation is a result of our media here in Switzerland/Germany.

I've a friend who was in Moscow and he told me, the only dangerous thing in Moscow for example, is to drive car, because it's sooooo different how people drive compared to our country. But I wouldn't have to be scared of attacks of rassists or gangsters or whatever you hear or read when you research in the internet.

So, what would you say?

Thanks


You shouldn't act like an innocent child as the Russians would say. No place in the world is 110% safe and to think nothing bad happens in Russia is being stupid and very naive. You shouldn't trust anyone that tells you "Oh, nothing bad happens over here" But in reality there is bad and good people everywhere you go and one who isn't citizen should be more careful, just for the fact, if you need help, you might not get in Russia. Before you tell me "Police will help." Not always in Russia. Police are still very corrupt, and you don't know if you will get corrupt one or not. Plus, you are foreigner, and there many pick pockets in Russia and they will target you, because they think you are rich. No one can say your trip will be fine and have no troubles, because everyone trip is different, some have a good time, and some have a horrible time. You shouldn't go to Russia thinking nothing bad will happen and everyone is so nice, because you will find yourself in trouble, just for thinking that. Another thing that could get you in trouble if you don't understand Russian culture or language. One Russian here said she got rob, and that doesn't stop you from getting rob. If you go to Russia, be smart, don't be stupid, go to embassy, read about dangerous, beware of the dangers, so you can travel smart. I would tell you more, but if you think nothing bad will happen to you there, why should I even go on about what to look out for. And if you think Russia is like this garden of Eden when nothing bad happens, then go to Cheneya, or go all over Russia.

When traveling one should be realistic. I will say this. Problem with some Russians that have not traveled, they do not understand how different their country is, and they have family and friends to help them when they are in trouble. Russians don't trust the police, so they take care of their own, but being Swiss, you will not have friends or family you know there, so if you get in trouble and need help, you might not get it. Being too trust worthy of people that seem nice can get you in trouble, because there are wolf in sheep clothing. And there will be some people that will take advantage of you, because they will know you are not Russian. Like for one thing, you will get charge 5 times more than a Russian, just for the fact you are not Russian. And I don't care what anyone says. You will have to carry a copy of your passport and information, just for the fact Russian police trust no one, if you don't have your papers, and policeman stop you, you could go to jail. And don't give police your real passport, because they will take it from you and you will have to pay a fee just to get it back.

Before you go to Russia, read the dangerous, read about what to do to keep you out of trouble, learn the language and the culture, understand how the people do things, these things will help you not to get in trouble.

If you are going to go, go on a tour, because the tour guild will take care of you and tell you what the do's and don'ts so you won't get in trouble. Remember, Russia has different laws and some times, police will get on your case, just to give you trouble and try to get money from you.

A lot people have said who have traveled to Russia, don't step on the grass, police will send you to jail or you can pay a fee. Don't take pictures in the metro, travels have had the police bother them. Keep a watch on your bags, you will get picked pocket lot, there is a lot of petty crimes in Russia. So never think bad things won't happen to you there, because there bad everywhere you go. so be smart.