Happier Abroad Forum Community

Hey guys, I was wondering, what are some of the things I should bring with me to Russia? And, what are some of the things I should do before I go to Russia? For example, do I need to file a tax form to the IRS to let them know I'll be overseas for a while? Also, what kind of extra clothes should I bring with me? I made sure to buy a winter jacket, a pair of ski pants, waterproof artic-boots, and fur hats and gloves. Do I need anything else? And if anyone could give me advice on setting up a bank account in Russia, figuring out my expenses, visa help and anything else, it would be most appreciated!

I need to dress more lady-like for the coming winter carnivals. I came to know of the www.arctic-store.com store who claim to have a huge collection of russian fur hats, winter caps, fur hats and other fur accessories. Can anyone provide me feedback on this store?

I need to dress more lady-like for the coming winter carnivals. I came to know of the www.arctic-store.com store who claim to have a huge collection of russian fur hats, winter caps, fur hats and other fur accessories. Can anyone provide me feedback on this store?

Wow, you're going to Russia? Well it's probably a good idea to visit them before they visit you.

What if the US brings sanctions? Better not rely on your ATM card.

I think it gets quite hot there in the Summer. So you'll need to layer your clothes.

Do you still need an HIV test for a visa? I heard that used to be the case.

Random comments...

Your idea of getting a Russian bank account is a good one, especially in view of the possibility that (as Xiongmai pointed out) the banking connections could conceivably be broken. Could be hard but do try. Try small bank if big one says no. Try savings if checking is a no.

If possible to do, forming a Russian company might let you open a bank account even if you dont have residency yet.

Xiongmai is right about getting a visa. you cant just buy a ticket like some places. Consulate time - you're in New York right? Easy-peasy.

If you are working online, some customers from BRIC countries might nicely augment your income from US customers in case of currency changes.

Belize has easy IBC's (offshore companies) with merchant card service in case you need an alternative to PayPal. If you are getting paid this way you wont have to explain to PayPal when youre traveling and for how long.

Some countries, even if tough for residency (e.g. Colombia I think) will still let you register as a sole proprietor even on a tourist visa. This would allow you to earn on-the-books local income ... just in case there are problems with outside income. Not a work permit but tacitly permits local self-employment.

Also if your work involves websurfing, check latency (ping speeds) times from various Russian locations. Just so there are no surprises.

Other than that, store your stuff with a relative or friend so you can stay as long as you want, pack your shaving and toiletries, bring a suit as if you were going to a wedding (they love formal parties), and bring a fifth of Johny Walker Black in checked luggage.

And GODSPEED!

PS Do a Polar Bear dip and post pics

There was one member here who did a travel report from Kamchatka to Mongolia, I forgot who. it would be great to find and review his thread.

Check the date on the OP. Zboy1's Russia plans were superseded by the China adventure.

gsjackson wrote:Check the date on the OP. Zboy1's Russia plans were superseded by the China adventure.

d'OH!

Jester wrote:

gsjackson wrote:Check the date on the OP. Zboy1's Russia plans were superseded by the China adventure.

d'OH!

Yeah, I was supposed to go to Russia, but backtracked at the last moment. I think I made the right decision as there's too many problems in Russia right now. I'm glad I came to China instead...wart's and all.

Jester wrote:There was one member here who did a travel report from Kamchatka to Mongolia, I forgot who. it would be great to find and review his thread.

That would be CheezeRaider. He's Asian American, too!--like Winston. He's said he enjoyed himself in Russia, so maybe I was wrong about the country?

zboy1 wrote:

Jester wrote:There was one member here who did a travel report from Kamchatka to Mongolia, I forgot who. it would be great to find and review his thread.

That would be CheezeRaider. He's Asian American, too!--like Winston. He's said he enjoyed himself in Russia, so maybe I was wrong about the country?

Miss the guy, I thought it was so cool when he did the Genghis Khan horse ride in Central Asia. Wonder where he went?

zboy1 wrote:Hey guys, I was wondering, what are some of the things I should bring with me to Russia? And, what are some of the things I should do before I go to Russia? For example, do I need to file a tax form to the IRS to let them know I'll be overseas for a while? Also, what kind of extra clothes should I bring with me? I made sure to buy a winter jacket, a pair of ski pants, waterproof artic-boots, and fur hats and gloves. Do I need anything else? And if anyone could give me advice on setting up a bank account in Russia, figuring out my expenses, visa help and anything else, it would be most appreciated!

So did you go to Russia? Do tell us what happened. Or did you decide on China instead?

polya wrote:

zboy1 wrote:Hey guys, I was wondering, what are some of the things I should bring with me to Russia? And, what are some of the things I should do before I go to Russia? For example, do I need to file a tax form to the IRS to let them know I'll be overseas for a while? Also, what kind of extra clothes should I bring with me? I made sure to buy a winter jacket, a pair of ski pants, waterproof artic-boots, and fur hats and gloves. Do I need anything else? And if anyone could give me advice on setting up a bank account in Russia, figuring out my expenses, visa help and anything else, it would be most appreciated!

So did you go to Russia? Do tell us what happened. Or did you decide on China instead?

No, went to China instead. Russia...well, maybe in the future, but not right now.