Way to Russia Talk Lounge

zots · Guest

ok, here is a cynical question for you. Can you guys give me an assessment of the risks and merrits of bringing and declaring cash on entering Russia (in my case via Vyborg on train)? I need to bring mostly cash for a month long stay. I am not bringing too much - about US 700$. But if I show this to the customs officials is there a chance they will steal it? Is it necessary to declare all the money you bring in? I read your Money page and it was very good but this is still not yasno to me. Also, the Visa travel card sounds like a good option. Thank you so much and for the last answer too - Zots

UsualSuspekt · Guest

OK,
I generally don't declare all my cash, I put some in my pocket or sock or money pouch, about 150-200 worth. Why? What happens if you don't get a receipt when you exchange (more likely to happen at an "obmen Valyuti" than a Bank)? Explain that one when trying to leave!! I do take Visa Travel Money as there are lots of ATM's that'll take it (Sberbank, Inkom etc).
Having said that, the risk is all your own, as I acknowledge that it will be all my problem if "questions are asked"..... I personally don't think you'll be ripped off, as there will be other people around watching proceedings. Mostly the Customs guys are there for smugglers etc. So a hot tip is not to have a white powdery substance around your nostrils or be sweating and scratching your arms. Other than that, just relax as it is no big deal.

And a last disclaimer, I've never crossed the border by train as I've always flown in, but have seen what happens at the major Trans-Sib junction points (Ulan-Ude & Chita).

Regards
UsualSuspect

nicola · Guest

hi!

just did that route on 29th may and easy-breezy. i almost had my clothes off and bag unpacked waiting to be checked but the customs officer only wanted to see my papers. how disappointing. seriously. i declared syringes and needles and about 500$us and he just read the declaration and stamped it. i wouldnt worry if i were you. my provodniki were incredibly nice and almost overwhelmed at having a foreigner in their cabins. if you want to take the morining train (finnish train) buy your ticket the night before (if i remember correctly the desk closes at 1730). i missed opening hours and had to take the afternoon train but ended up being fantastic. was russian train - smelled fantastic and advanced arrival in the anticipated country by several hours. still light in stpb when arrive and easy to get from station to hostel by metro. metro stop in train station and get out vosstania. about 3-4 blocks. gorgeous square.

anything else?
good luck.
nicola

zots · Guest

This is another revelation. I thought I would do this trip without thinking about it too much to make it more exciting and now I realize there is some important stuff to figure out. This might be the last question though. Do I need a receipt from a bank for all my foreign currency? Really I did not think of this before. When my homestay xhozayka said she wants 20 dollars a night I assumed I would be giving her US dollars. No? I guess I should call her. Now I am wondering your take on this.

Hi, Nicola - Thank You for your help. Do you remember when the Russian train leaves Helsinki in the afternoon? That sounds like the one. Also, anything else you can recommend. I am bringing like nothing with me. But maybe you can recommend something that would be good to have along. Or something cool to do. I speak Russian. I have been to St Pete but do perestrioki.

zots

exvagabond · Guest

at 1542 daily and arrives in St. Petersburg about 2130. Good luck, I plan on being on that train in early August.

zots · Guest

thanks exvagabond.

i guess my only question then is about the receipts. On exit do you really need to show receipts for all the foreign currency you declare on entrance?
i've tried to call my xhozaika to find out what currency she expects but she hasnt been home for a week. Could be interesting if I get over there and there's no place to sleep. thanks everyone - zots

UsualSuspect · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 2:06 pm Post subject: Damnable bits of paper....

Zots,
You are supposed to show receipts for only what you cash. You know you'll get an "exit" Customs Form, and supposedly you declare how much cash you have left. This is why I generally have the undeclared "slush fund". Like for your landladies payments or when you have to exchange cash at the last minute or something. I do change money at a bank and keep the receipts when I decide it's "official" cash time.
Having said that, I've never had anyone at Customs do anything but stamp the Exit one and put both of them in a drawer. But you never know when it might rain on your parade! I certainly don't want a stand up shoutfest with Customs people when I am trying to get out before my Visa expires.......

Don't forget that other half of the migration card as well......

Regards
UsualSuspect

zots · Guest

thanks so much usualSuspect. -

this site has made the trip so much more easily possible. im leaving my little town outside new york in a couple of hours. Be in St Pete in a couple of days.

zots

WayToRussia · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003 4:16 am Post subject: money

guys, but now there's a rule that you can bring in up to 3000 bucks in cash without declaring, so no worries. Wink