Quote Originally Posted by Ramil View Post
Nothing like that. If you don't sell drugs or waving your AK-47 out in the open, if you don't attack other people and not running around naked, there's really nothing to be afraid of (from the police). Sometimes loud voices (or shouting, etc) can attract some attention, but nothing serious would come out of it (especially, if you're obviously - a foreigner).
Oh, don't try to participate in some civil protest actions - you can end up in a police station.

No matter what happens - just don't panic when police approaches you. They're mostly civil and polite. They will ask you for some documents and walk away. You might have heard some horror stories about militia but if you haven't done anything - there's little to worry about. Even if they detain you - you'll be released in several hours (in the worst case, provided you're a law abiding tourist).
If they try to extort a bribe - haggle (arguing or refusing will cost you several more hours of wasted time - they'll release you anyway, so if you have spare time just ask to inform the ambassador or your country ))). Tell them you don't have much, you're a poor person and you've been saving for this trip during the last decade. You can even shed a tear or two... (no, really). Avoid aggravating them. Be calm and polite (even if they don't).
Good tips! Thanks! Generally I'll try to stay well out of their way.
All sounds reasonable and in line with what people have been saying here.

After 10 years in England I am not used to showing documentation!

I understand that it's common in Russia to get asked for it. Is that right? Is there any particular situations where Russia is extra (unexpectedly strict about ID? What would I have to show them - my passport only, or ID card? Do I have to carry it on me when I walk around in town?

(I only have my Swedish ID and passport - English people strongly believe that ID documentation of any kind is true evil.... I have practically never needed to show any ID for as long as I've lived here. In the rest of the EU, they never ask ID from people with British credit cards/passports - so I literally never get asked for ID anywhere... Almost forgotten what it feels like.)

Otherwise Russia seems quite relaxed - not hassling people unnecessarily or making a big stink out of minor laws. Good!