Russia Travel


|
|
Travel Video Television News Travel Videos by Bea Broda Connolly News Categories Afghanistan Africa Airlines & Railways Alaska Albania Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bali Bangladesh Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burma Cambodia Canada Caribbean Central America Chile China Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cruise Ships Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark/Greenland Dubai East Timor Ecuador Egypt England Environmental Issues Europe (General) Fiji France Galapagos Islands Georgia (E. Europe) Germany Greece Guam Guatemala Guyana Hawaii Himalayas Holland Honduras Hong Kong Hotels General News Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao PDR Latvia, Estonia Lebanon Libya Macau Macedonia Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Mexico Middle East General Monaco Mongolia Morocco Nepal New Zealand Oman Outer Space Pakistan Palestine Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Scandinavia Scotland Seniors Travel Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South America South Pacific Spa Resorts Spain Sri Lanka Switzerland Syria Tahiti Taiwan Thailand Tibet Travel Advisory Travel Industry Info Turkey Ukraine United States United States Central United States East United States North United States NorthEast United States NorthWest United States South United States SouthEast United States SouthWest United States West Uzbekistan Vietnam Wales View All Wed Dec 28, 2005 Cultural events 2006 in Kyrgyzstan The following cultural events will be organized in Kyrgyzstan. March 21 Nooruz (sometimes called Muslims New Year) - National holiday, with folklore representations; dramatized processions and horse games. - Bishkek More... Thu Dec 15, 2005 Courtyard by Marriott Reaches 100,000-Room Milestone With Opening of 218-Room Hotel in Moscow Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott International's (NYSE:MAR) moderately-priced lodging brand, reached the 100,000-room milestone today as the 218-room Courtyard by Marriott Moscow City Center opened within a 10-minute walk from the Kremlin. It is the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Russia. More... Tue Oct 18, 2005 Great success of the 1st MICE Workshop & Conference in Moscow MICE Mocow, the first MICE conference & workshop on the Russian market, took place one day before the well established tourism trade fair Otdykh-Leisure. 112 participants from 31 countries and more than 400 trade visitors attended MICE Moscow. The event was such a success that the Viennese organiser MSI Fairs & Exhibitions decided to organise an exhibition alongside the conference next year. MICE Moscow 2006, the International Trade Fair for Business Travel, will take place from 19 21 September simultaneously with the 12th edition of Otdykh-Leisure. More... Tue Sep 27, 2005 Russia's Middle Classes Trip Out Russias emerging middle-class is driving annual growth rates of more than 7% in outbound travel, according to a new Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) report entitled Total Tourism Russia. PATAs Strategic Intelligence Centre. (SIC) launched the executive summary of the report today at a PATA Travel Mart 2005 educational workshop entitled Russias Potential. More... Thu Aug 04, 2005 Swissotel Opens in Moscow After a year of eager anticipation from the public, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow opened on 18 July 2005. More... Wed Jan 26, 2005 Moscow International Travel Workshop offers opportunities with the Russian Travel Industry If you are looking for business from the rapidly growing Russian travel market the best way to make direct contact with Russian travel trade professionals is at the Moscow International Travel Workshop on February 10th. More... Fri Dec 17, 2004 To Russia With Grandtravel - Cosmonaut Training Center, KGB Headquarters And St. Petersburgs Hermitage Are Highlights Lunch with a Russian cosmonaut, a glimpse at the world of espionage at KGB headquarters in Moscow, shopping in Russias largest department store, a hydrofoil trip across the Bay of Finland and a tour of Catherine the Greats Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum are just a few highlights of Grandtravels new program to Russia. The 10-day White Nights and A Red Square, adventure with two summer departures, July 12-21 and August 2-11, 2005. Grandparents and grandchildren split their time between the city of the tsars, St. Petersburg, and Moscow, the capital, exploring the diversity of Russias past, present and future. More... Tue Aug 10, 2004 MICE Russia completely sold out The first edition of MICE Russia, to be held 21st September 2004 at Ararat Park Hyatt, Moscow, has not only completely sold out two months prior to the event but there is a waiting list for participation. An impressive list of players from the business travel industry will convene in Moscow for the event as demand soars above all expectations, highlighting the tremendous potential of the Russian MICE market. More... Wed Aug 04, 2004 Visit Santa on a Magical Christmas Journey to the Arctic Circle and Russia Visit Santa Claus, his elves, and his reindeer, too, at the North Pole on an exciting pre-Christmas adventure to Russia and Lapland. Children and grandchildren will never forget giving Santa their Christmas list in person at the North Pole. Shop at a Christmas market in Helsinki, and see a ballet performed at the birthplace of the Nutcracker Ballet, the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Join Beyond Boundaries Travel for this Magical Santa Claus Tour December 16-23, 2004. Prices start at $1549 for children, exclusive of airfare, for this 7-day/6-night delightful family adventure. More... Tue Aug 03, 2004 TUI Enters Russian Market - Joint Venture With Mostravel TUI AG, Europe's leading travel group, has entered the Russian tour operator market. TMR (TUI Mostravel Russia), a joint venture of TUI and Russian tour operator Mostravel, starts work on 1 August 2004. TUI will initially have 34 percent share. TUI can acquire a further 17 percent in a second phase from 2006, boosting its holding in TMR to a 51 percent majority. Mostravel will transfer its entire operations, business and employees, into the new company. More... NEXT page News Search Advanced search Join Our Mailing List Enter your email address below News Archives December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 News Archives View by Date View by Category What is RSS? Click here for an RSS feed of the top stories from TravelVideo.TV Travel News Home | Travel Video Television Home | eBrochures | Contact Us | Sitemap Produced by BC Pictures © 2005 TravelVideo.TV Read Disclaimer
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Communications You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Communications Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Communications From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Communications services throughout Russia vary according to the region, although improvements are gradually coming.
Post Office
Russia has 40,000 post offices. All of them sell stamps and envelopes and can process domestic and international letters and cards. Larger post offices will offer more service, including domestic and international parcel post, telephone calls, domestic and international express letters, Internet service and currency exchange.
The post can take some time to be delivered in Russia. For quicker and more reliable service, use American Express if you are a member or a private delivery service.
Telephones
The country code is for Russia is 7.
The city code for Moscow is 095 and for St. Petersburg 812.
In larger cities, you will find modern public telephone booths that accept phonecards, for sale at hotel front desks, post offices, newspaper kiosks and metro stations.
To make an international call from Russia, dial 8, wait for a tone, then 10 + country code + area code + number. To dial another city in Russia, dial 8, wait for the tone, then the city code + number. Send faxes from your hotel, business centers, or telegraph offices. Some post offices can also send faxes.
Mobile Telephones
There are three main providers of mobile telephone service in Russia:
Mobile Telesystems - MTS
VimpelCom
Megafon (Russian-language site)
If you want to use your own GSM phone (it has a Subscriber Identity Module smart card that has account information about the subscriber) you should check with your local provider about which company to use in Russia. However,the cost per minute will likely be high.
GSM is a popular system in Russia, although other standards also operate on different networks.
A good alternative is to buy a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. You can purchase one from a telecom shop for not much money.
Internet Service
You can find Internet cafes throughout Russia, and naturally cities have the greatest abundance. You won't have any trouble finding an Internet cafe in St Petersburg or Moscow. For a list of Internet cafes in Russia, see Globaltrek .
Radio
Radio stations abound in Russia. With the Internet, you can listen to Russian radio stations. See this list for a list of radio stations in Russia.
Television
Russians enjoy numerous television stations, now that satellite transmissions supplement the traditional fare. Major stations are:
1TV
Ladya-TV
RTR-Planeta
Here you can get a list of other stations with Internet transmission.
Newspapers
There are several English-language newspapers published in Russia. The Moscow News and the Moscow Times are dailies. The St. Petersburg Times is an English-language paper published twice a week. Pravda has an English edition as well as its Russian version .
Webcams
Webcams provide a current look at far away places. Here are webcams of some favorite spots around Russia.
St. Petersburg
Moscow
Ekaterinburg Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings
Chicago Vacation Packages Free
Cheap vacations to Chicago - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor Chicago vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > United States > Illinois > Chicago > SmartDeals > Vacation packages Chicago tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Dining Deals Getaways Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., Chicago hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Chicago Chicago Overview Chicago Hotels Flights to Chicago Chicago Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers Chicago Attractions Chicago Restaurants Chicago Forum Chicago Maps Chicago Discount Hotels Chicago Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Chicago Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown e-mail this page to a friend Chicago vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more Chicago tourism Hotel + air deals to Chicago * Featured specials - December 28, 2005 Chicago : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Chicago : Buy Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Chicago : Affordable Vacations on Hotwire Hotwire.com Get a discounted all-in-one rate and go! Special Vacation Package www.atlantis.com Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. The Belden-Stratford www.beldenstratfordhotel.com Chicago Lincoln Park landmark hotel packages currently available. Travel Deals www.itravel2000.com Discounts on Cheap Travel Deals. Get Away For Less - Book Today! Vacation Packages www.funjet.com Book Your Vacation with FunJet! 30 Years of Service Excellence. All-Inclusive Resorts www.resortvacationstogo.com Great rates on the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Caribbean. Hotels (80) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Sofitel Chicago Water Tower , Chicago Popularity index: #1 in Chicago based on 131 sources Sofitel Chicago Water Tower : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Sofitel Chicago Water Tower : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Amalfi Hotel Chicago , Chicago Popularity index: #2 in Chicago based on 146 sources Amalfi Hotel Chicago : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Amalfi Hotel Chicago : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hotel Burnham , Chicago Popularity index: #4 in Chicago based on 118 sources Hotel Burnham : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hotel Burnham : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel , Chicago Popularity index: #6 in Chicago based on 114 sources Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hotel Monaco , Chicago Popularity index: #7 in Chicago based on 101 sources Hotel Monaco : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hotel Monaco : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Renaissance Chicago Hotel , Chicago Popularity index: #8 in Chicago based on 51 sources Renaissance Chicago Hotel : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Renaissance Chicago Hotel : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown , Chicago Popularity index: #9 in Chicago based on 58 sources Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown , Chicago Popularity index: #11 in Chicago based on 42 sources Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel , Chicago Popularity index: #12 in Chicago based on 16 sources Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Conrad Chicago , Chicago Popularity index: #15 in Chicago based on 74 sources Conrad Chicago : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Conrad Chicago : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 Read more about Chicago travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in Chicago. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on Chicago travel . Our Chicago hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in Chicago? Try our Attractions page! TripAdvisor's Chicago restaurants page shows you the best local places to dine. Planning a weekend trip to Chicago? Check out our Chicago weekend itinerary ! Visit our Chicago forum page to ask questions and get advice about Chicago travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our Chicago forum . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our Chicago discount hotels page for great savings on Chicago hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to Chicago on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to Chicago, Illinois. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Health and Safety You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Health and Safety Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Russia Travel Guide Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Health and Safety - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide With a little foresight and common sense, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling in Russia. Read on to learn what you need to know.
Crime and Violence
The U.S. State Department recommends that travelers avoid the Caucasus region of Russia, particularly Chechnya, because of continued unrest and violence.
Like other European cities, occasionally there are acts of terrorism in large Russian cities. In October 2002, terrorists seized a Moscow theater and held its audience captive for several days before Russian Special Forces stormed it. More recently, a bomb went off in the Moscow subway. Travelers should be alert for unusual behavior, unattended luggage in public areas, and other possible indicators that something out of the ordinary is in progress.
The U.S. State Department also has this important information to share:
As a visitor to Russia, be alert to your surroundings. In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse-snatchers. Persons carrying valuables in backpacks, in back pockets of pants, and in coat pockets are especially vulnerable to pickpockets. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. Walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the street. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms and residences -- even when locked or occupied. Para. Members of religious and missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in their beliefs.
Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Some travelers have been drugged at bars, while others have taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged and robbed. In many cases in which a credit card was stolen, thieves used them immediately. Victims of credit card or ATM card theft should report the theft to the credit card company or bank without delay.
Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have generally found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. Travelers are advised to be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport. Crime aboard overnight trains has occurred. On some trains, thieves have been able to open locked compartment doors. Always watch for pickpockets in these areas.
Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. Be wary of persons representing themselves as police or other local officials.
To avoid highway crime, travelers should try not to drive at night. Never drive alone at night. Never sleep in vehicles along the road. Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers, who not only pose a threat to your physical safety, but also put you in danger of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are transporting marijuana or other narcotics.
Violent, racially motivated attacks on people of color and foreigners have become widespread in Russia. Many of these attacks target university students, particularly those of Asian and African origin, but older tourists have also been targeted. Travelers are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by "skinhead" groups and wherever large groups have gathered. Incidents of violent crime directed against homosexual men have also been reported. Four foreign men reported to have been gay have been murdered since 1999.
It is not uncommon for Americans to become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials. Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases. Try to obtain the officers name, badge number, and patrol car number, and note where it happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Report crimes committed against you by persons presenting themselves as police or other governmental authorities to the U.S. embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate.
Next page: What to do if your passport is stolen. Also information about sex in Russia and medical emergencies.
Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
1 2 Next Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings
Mexico Travel Net PUERTO
Ensenada Mexico Hotels & Sport Fishing CABO LA PAZ LORETO Mexico Travel Net PUERTO VALLARTA CANCUN COZUMEL ACAPULCO EAST CAPE MAZATLAN ROSARITO BEACH IXTAPA MANZANILLO ENSENADA L.A. BAY HUATULCO CABO LA PAZ LORETO Mexico Travel Net PUERTO VALLARTA CANCUN COZUMEL ACAPULCO EAST CAPE MAZATLAN ROSARITO BEACH IXTAPA MANZANILLO ENSENADA L.A. BAY HUATULCO Ensenada Baja California, Mexico Ensenada's main downtown area is as tourist-friendly as Mexico gets. The city's merchandise selection is extensive, and shopping is concentrated along a single street Boulevard Lopez Mateos. Just a block from the waterfront, this shopping section attracts mostly cruise passengers and day trippers who browse for an afternoon. Many of Tijuana's top stores have Ensenada branches on Lopez Mateos. But there's far more to do here than shop. Ensenada is the heart of Mexico's wine country , and eight wineries in Baja's "Bordeaux Belt" of sheltered valleys near Ensenada produce almost 90 percent of Mexico's wines. The scenery picturesque vineyards surrounded by mountains alone merits a trip to Ensenada. Inexpensive tours and tasting is offered six days a week by several Guadalupe Valley and Ensenada wineries, and the mid-August wine festival, sponsored by the area's Wine Brotherhood, is one of Baja's most popular annual events. Known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific", Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border, a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Its warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and accessibility by land, air, and sea have made Ensenada a favorite tourist destination for many years, and Mexico's second most-visited port-of-call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats. Ensenada Hotel & Resort Accommodations Hotel Cortez Ensenada Las Rosas Resort & Spa La Pinta Ensenada Baja Beach Resort Hotel Santo Tomas Villas at Bajamar San Nicolas Resort Estero Beach Resort Hotel Coral & Marina Hotel Villa Marina Ensenada Ensenada Map Click Here Where: 75 miles south of the border, an easy drive of just over an hour. Three tolls total about $6.15 one way. Spectacular coastal scenery en route rivals Big Sur. Best time to visit: Year-round. The weather is similar to San Diego's coastal areas, with pleasant ocean breezes in the downtown area in summer and a balmy, mountain-valley climate northeast of the city in the wine country. Cost : Inexpensive by California standards. Cheaper, overall, for hotels and meals than Tijuana, but a bit more expensive than Rosarito. Culture shock: None. Credit cards are accepted at most major restaurants and shops. English is spoken almost everywhere in the main tourist areas. Dollars are accepted everywhere. Kid-friendly: Absolutely. Curio shopping in the downtown area; lots of fun at the fishing pier; beach activities south of town, with calm water and good shelling along Punta Banda. Bajamar & Real Del Mar Golf Information Ensenada Area Wineries Ensenada Fishing Museums & Galleries Whale Watching Nearby Day Trips Group Transportation Local Beaches Baja Rent-A-Car National Parks and Natural Attractions Ensenada Activities & Attractions Group Transportation Baja Rent-A-Car Mexican Auto Insurance "CLICK HERE" to Visit Our NEW site - MexicoTravelNet.com CABO LA PAZ LORETO Mexico Travel Net PUERTO VALLARTA CANCUN COZUMEL ACAPULCO EAST CAPE MAZATLAN ROSARITO BEACH IXTAPA MANZANILLO ENSENADA L.A. BAY HUATULCO Top of Page HOME Contact Us