[Lyric] Traveling in Russia: A Primer (Voidspace)

When in Rome...
- Don't drink the water


- The cheaper the food, the better

- Avoid more than three people wearing red

- Kvas is your friend. Learn to love it now

- Everything else is awesome too!

- Drinking in public is totally acceptable, but be smart

- Phones?

- Police range from great to entirely corrupt. The key word to know is the one for "fine."

- Passport

- Taxis
- If you see expats in Moscow, go somewhere else

- Stay in a hostel

- Get to Lenin early and prepare

- GUM and Red Square are AMAZING, as well as the secret mall

- Take time to appreciate Russian architecture - it's over 1000 years old!

- The Metro is amazing

Train
- Carry as little as possible

- Drink at your own risk

- While theft is not too common, always have someone in your cubby at all times

- Do not expect to have outlets or power - the trains are OLD

- Time to kill

- Stations are funny. Some have the best food, but also prepare for flash mobs in the worst sense

- Get the tea!
- You will have to talk with people. Study up on some common phrases now, but you should be okay with English for the most part

- Make sure to look out the windows. Siberia is STUNNING

Money
- A great conversion rate does not mean cheaper stuff: do not expect to save money on buying anything in Russia except for food and alcohol

- Rely on cash

- Carry a bank card, clear it for international use BEFORE leaving, and use ATMS to convert

- Forget a travel wallet

Culture
- People love Americans, despite what the media says - you will be approached in an extremely friendly way

- Russians are well known for fierce loyalty to friends and a certain coldness to strangers

- Avoid eye contact and slow walking on sidewalks

- You may see coins or money on the ground. LEAVE IT