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Before you continue, please read the disclaimer 4lastminute search advertise with-us e-mail us lodging4 submit 4 link exchange UNITED STATES Alabama Rentals Lake Eufaula Rentals Thomas Creek Lakefront Arizona Lodging Sedona Vacation Rentals Sedona Vacation Rentals Red Rock Realty Red Rock Realty-Pg3 California Lodging Bishop Joseph House Inn Catalina Island Catalina Vacation Rental Crystal Cove Newport Coast Newport Coast Luxury Dana Point Harbour House Rental Ivory Coast Condo Monarch Beach Home Coastal Cottage Condo Dana Point Town Home Headlands Luxury Condo Dana Point Condo The Cleopatra Luxury Luxury Beach Condo Dana Point Beach Condo Dana Point Monarch Beach Dana Point Ocean Breeze Monarch Beach Links Home Dana Point Condo Luxury The Strand Headlands-II Cabana on the Coast Disneyland The Barclay House Huntington Beach Rentals Surfside Beach House B21 Beach Cottage B75 Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Alpine Chalet Lodging Cheyenne Tahoe South Lake Tahoe Keys Inverness 2210 South Shore 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Jack's Edgewater Condo En Soleil En Soleil Luxury Condo GulfCrest Myra's GulfCrest Luxury Christy's PCB Condos Hidden Dunes Hidden Dunes Luxury Hidden Dunes Condo Inn Paradise Myra's Inn Paradise -- Dorothy's Inn Paradise Mariner West PCB Mariner West Regency Towers Cindy's Regency Towers Sumner's Regency Towers Angie's Regency Condo Hartzog's Regency Towers Seachase Resort Sharon's Seachase Condo The Summit Cindy's Summit Beach Condo Myra's Summit Condo Judy's Summit Condo Dorothy's 3 Summit Condos Horton's Summit Condo Walters' Summit Condo Carolyn's Summit Condo Anita's Condos Summit 1414 Condo Hartzog's 2 Summit Condos Whidden's Summit Rentals Parrothead's Beach Condo The Regency Summit Condo KB Summit Condo The Sunbird Cindy's Gulf Front Sunbird Jaclyn's Sunbird Condo Sharon's Sunbird Condos Casey's Condo Sunbird "B" Deluxe Suite Sunbird Penthouse Condo Kornecki Sunbird Rentals 208W "B" Deluxe Suite Karin's Condos #610E 405W "B" Deluxe Condo Sarah's 808E "B" Condo Top of the Gulf Top of the Gulf Treasure Island Treasure Island Condo Christy's Condos Pensacola Beach & Bay Portofino Pensacola Condo Ponte Vedra Beach Blue Water Villa La Mer Ponte Vedra Hawaii Lodging Big Island Kailua-Kona Condo Kona Coast Resort Beach Condo Kailua-Kona Kanaloa at Kona Condo Hualalai Oceanfront Villa Kauai Poipu Beachfront Maui Maui Kai #906 Whaler Kaanapali Kaanapali Beach Pineapple Inn Maui Maui Whaler Molokai Miller Molokai Molokai Shores Condo Oahu Vacation Rentals Turtle Bay Resort Hiatt Hale Idaho Lodging Sun Valley Curry's Log Home East Fork Sun Valley Maine Lodging Cape Elizabeth Cape Elizabeth Waterfront Massachussetts Lodging Marthas Vineyard Seaspray Vacation Rentals Marthas Vineyard Sandpiper Michigan Lodging Torch Lake Torch Lake Vacation Rental Missouri Rentals Lake of The Ozarks Osage Beach Cottages Osage Beach Houseboat Osage Beach Rental Montana Lodging Big Sky Vacation Rentals Big Sky Meadow Village Hidden Village Montana Cabins Arrowhead Big Sky Rental Lone 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Bachelor Sunriver Meadows Lodge Northwoods Lodge Sunriver Lodge Home North Course Fairway Executive Lodge Home Sunriver Ledgerock Lodgehome Sunriver Vacation Home Sunriver River Rock Retreat Bachelor Sunriver Haven Sunriver Mt. Bachelor Sunriver Pine Lodge #1 Sunriver Pine Lodge #2 Sunriver Escape Rockaway Beach Rockaway Beach House Pennsylvania Lodging Bedford County Hemlock Hill Rhode Island Lodging Newport Vacation Rentals Newport Hillside Farm Estate Utah Lodging Park City Vacation Rentals Grand Love Shack The Morton House Park City Grand Luxury Deer Valley Luxury Home Large Woodside Park City Mountain Family Home Old Town Victorian Park City Mountainside Park City Downtown Resortside Luxury Homes Park City Claim Jumper Park City By Owner Deer Valley Vacation Home Joyce's Condo Park City Park Ave Park City Rental Home Park City Rental Park City Vacation Rental Luxury Deer Valley Condo Park City Crestview Deer Valley Townhome Cedar Way Home Powder Pointe Condos Silver Cliff Village Ski-in/Ski-out Snowflower Solitude Mountain Powderhorn Lodge Washington Lodging Mount Baker Glacier Chalet #7 Port Townsend Pilot's Cottage CANADA Alberta Lodging Calgary Vacation Rental 25th Ave Executive Penthouse British Columbia Lodging Lake Okanagan Cove of Sand Whistler Vacation Rentals Whistler Ski-in Ski-out Whistler Accommodations CARIBBEAN Bahamas Lodging Abacos Vacation Rentals Bahama Vacation Villas Lubbers' Quarters Cay Great Guana Paradise Green Turtle Cay Beach House Green Turtle Cay Osprey Cottages Shorecrest II Outisland Bahamas Eleuthera Island Breeze Bahamas Island Breeze Bungalow Point O'Vue Beach Villa Exuma & Exuma Cays Exuma House Bahamas Bahama Villa Rentals Seastar Bahamas Jamaica Lodging Montego Bay Villa Olga Carib Vista Villa Negril Beach House Villas Leeward Islands Lodging Anguilla CuisinArt-Resort & Spa Antigua Antigua Villas French West Indies Lodging St. Maarten & St. Martin Esmeralda Resort Alamanda Resort All Inclusive Le Flamboyant All Inclusive Hotels & Resorts Affordable Villas Large Luxury Villas Grand Villa Estate Rentals Baciata dal Sole Luxury Villa Chateau des Palmiers Estate La Salamandre Villa Estate Le Tropezienne Grand Deluxe Reservations Center 4FunStMartin.com Why A Villa Vacations Christmas in St. Martin MEXICO Akumal Vacation Rentals Akumal Private Villa Translate this page to ... 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Europe Travel Planner 10
Eastern Europe Travel Planner Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Transitions Abroad Magazine September/October 2000 Related Topics Independent Travel Budget Travel More by the Author Work in Prague Paying Bills Back Home Eastern Europe Travel Planner 10 Tips for Visiting The Other Europe By Mishelle Shepard Its true that the majority of Eastern European destinations are not for every traveler. Those who seek comfort and luxury should probably not venture far beyond capital cities like Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Tallinn, and Warsaw. But for those wishing to travel beyond the tourist zone and seek real off-the-beaten path places, people and experiences, Eastern Europe has countless options. Musicians add ambiance to a stroll on the famous St. Charles Bridge in Prague (Photo by Kent St. John) Guidebooks and locals have different definitions of what exactly constitutes Eastern and Central and Southern Europe. Including Albania and Romania with the same traveling advice given for the Czech Republic and former East Germany poses loads of obvious problems. Still, some general tips apply to many countries and can help alleviate minor discomforts. Bring Some Necessities I laughed the first time I left for Eastern Europe in 1990 and my grandfather told me to bring toilet paper. Thinking surely since his visit to communist Russia in the 70s theres been some improvement, I dismissed the idea. Little did I know that after a couple of weeks I would be begging my family to send me even a 4-pack of bargain brand. Although I wouldnt dream of loading myself down with such things as kleenex, plastic zipper bags, feminine products, or anti-perspirant, outside the main capitals such things are still difficult to come by. Even in a decent restaurant in a major capital the toilet paper resembles something close to a thin brown-paper lunch bag, and in public facilities its rationed according to a per-square price. I consider traveling with emergency reserve tissue an absolute necessity. Choosing Accommodations Planning ahead online is now so convenient that its a waste of time not to make reservations when traveling to the major cities in summer. In general, however, even where accommodations are plentiful there can be lack of mid-priced choices. The convenient and popular chains that have sprung up all over the West have not yet filtered deeply into Eastern Europe. When considering where to stay, a good up-to-date guidebook with phone numbers of accommodations in your price range provides quick and easy piece of mind. Some countries also have extensive hotel and pension listings online that offer discounted reservations, but a follow-up call or fax is still a good idea. In smaller towns, hotels are reasonably priced and can be found right in the town center. Remember, however, that public transportation stops early in the small towns and a lack of taxis could find you stranded. Even in a heavily touristed spa town like Karlovy Vary during the International Film Festival, a stay in the pedestrian center with breakfast in a well-run 2-star hotel costs about $40. Pensions are a good budget choice in larger cities and are usually friendlier than a crowded hotel. Still, pensions are only a good option when theyre close to public transport, because a late night taxi ride when public transportation is sparse can quickly offset the savings in room cost. The same goes for private rooms offered by individualschanging from bus to subway to tram can cost considerable time and money. When alone, a hostel cant be beat for meeting other travelers. Junior hotels are a similar option in many Eastern European countries and they often rent bikes and other sports equipment. And hostels are not just for students, they offer an affordable alternative for families and other budget-minded travelers. Camping is a great way to meet lots of locals, but, of course, packing gear is inconvenient when traveling around a city. As in Western Europe, the bungalows fill up quickly in summer, so hauling around a tent may be unavoidable. Unfortunately, in a few countries the camping facilities might be the best accommodations available. Money In major cities credit cards are an easy and safe bet, but not some pensions and campgrounds or smaller bars and restaurants. When paying with a credit card outside the capitals, be warned, sometimes the machine is (mysteriously) broken, and youll be asked to pay in cash. If its absolutely necessary for you to pay by card, its best to make sure in advance. Cash machines are easy to come by in cities, but rare in villages. Carrying cash to smaller destinations is unavoidable, but costs are still relatively low outside the popular spots, so a little goes a long way. The foreigner pricing system still exists but is becoming less common because merchants realize travelers dont appreciate spending two times the normal price for the same services. Not everything is a bargain in Eastern Europe and doing a bit of research can help you avoid mistaken assumptions or false claims. For example, skiing in some Eastern European destinations is just not worth the meager reduction in cost when you consider the T-lifts, crowds and quality of rental equipment. Beyond the Capitals Traveling as an English-speaker to small towns and villages may get you some longer-than-average looks, but it will also get you warm hospitality, a more authentic perception of local life and some great cross-cultural experiences. Choosing a destination depends on your interests. For first-time travelers, it can be less isolating and still very rewarding to visit vacation destinations that are popular with Eastern Europeans but fairly untouched by native English-speakers. Places like the Great Masurian Lakes near the border between Poland and Lithuania, the coast of Croatia, the Giant Mountains of Slovakia, or the spa towns in many countries are good choices. UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, the medieval town of Torun in Poland, or the famous caves of Slovakia and Slovenia are also interesting destinations. It can be fun to plan atheme trip, focusing on historical sites and castles, wine regions, or tracing your roots. To Drive or Not to Drive When renting or buying a car for exploring Eastern Europe you have to consider all the hidden expenses. Many countries have toll roads that require you to have a sticker or else dish out a hefty fine on the spot. Sometimes extra insurance is required for cars originating from the West, and gas prices are very high. City-to-city travel by car usually isnt worth it for groups of less than four. On the other hand, driving can be beneficial if you have limited time and want to see as many places as possible, including all the quaint country villages and castles along the way. Getting Educated For many of us, even the biggest culture hounds, Eastern Europe has remained largely a mystery. Misinformation during communist times has been followed by a general lack of information since. Still, there are numerous books, including Eva Hoffmans Exit into History, that poignantly describe the culture, politics and history of the region in an entertaining style. There are also some very informative web sites on Eastern Europe. When researching the culture, dont exclude fiction, especially books written by communist dissidents. A much truer picture of the people, their dreams and their difficulties will emerge than if you limit yourself to non-fiction. Another good cultural education option is to see popular locally produced films, which you can often view with English subtitles at cinemas in the capital cities. Opportunities for work and study are continually expanding, although most economies are still in heavy transition. Those countries hoping for EU entry are adopting stricter visa regulations, so it pays to keep up-to-date at the various embassy web sites. In the major cities, there are many news sources that will keep you up-to-date, and internet cafes have changed the face of traveling altogether. From keeping in touch with family and friends, to knowing whats going on in town to meeting people, nothing beats the convenience of on-line access when abroad. The Dreaded Languages Unfortunately most of us didnt have a couple of years of college Ukrainian and Polish along with our French and Spanish. In Western Europe, most travelers can usually manage, but in off-the-beaten-path Poland the choice is to either to improve your gesturing skills or grow very attached to your phrasebook. If youre staying for more than a few days, its worth the effort to learn some of the language. Its not easy, but youll be rewarded with mountains of praise from the locals. Theres no need to take formal lessons unless you plan to work or go to school. Instead, just try offering an exchange of English for Czech, Hungarian, or whatever, and chances are you can work out a mutually beneficial arrangement. Speaking Russian in most countries wont win you a popularity contest. The few locals who remember their required Russian dont usually care to speak it and would rather try their hand at charades or even very broken English. Services Although its true the atmosphere has changed considerably in the last ten years, that change has stayed primarily in the capital centers. But even in the capitals, old habits die hard. Service varies widely between downright tippable to completely aggravating. However, many of us are spoiled. I, personally, cant recall ever getting better service anywhere in Europe (with the exception of London) than I get regularly in the States. The rule I try to stand by is, dont pay any more attention to the service than they pay to you. That way when its good youre pleasantly surprised and when its not you hardly notice. This attitude has taken a bit of training, but its been worth it in the long run. Meeting the Locals Visiting the local festivals is a great way to meet people in a milieu that is not necessarily language-dependent. Medieval reenactments, world championship sporting events, or traveling Romany festivals attract more locals than tourists. Its easy to find out whats going on by simply asking around, checking information centers, or reading the monthly cultural guides available in cities and on-line. Not only have many of the natives changed in the past ten years, the ex-pats have as well. The number of ex-pats living in the most popular Eastern European capitals has actually gone down since its height not long after the fall. Hanging out at one of the typical ex-pat bars for the true cross-culture seeker used to mean selling out and choosing cultural isolation, but now many of the foreigners living here are in intercultural marriages and actually speak the language or heartily try. Moreover, the locals have found the ex-pat hangouts a great place to meet young travelers and practice their English. Shunning the ex-pat scene today could mean missing out on where the jobs are or the chance to meet locals who are looking to get to know you. The Invitation More so than in Western Europe, social life takes place in peoples homes. Just a bit of preplanning is a sure-fire way to meet people even before you arrive. More than once Ive started correspondences with people on-line and had the time of my life when they invited me over once I arrived in town. Its important to be cautious, of course, but an invitation to a locals home opens otherwise tightly closed doors. Rustic weekend cottages and garden plots play a big role in local life in many countries and are a great way to really get to know people. What began as a practical and economical alternative to traveling remains a favorite escape from the city and a special treat for the honored guest. The East in general has retained a sense of formality and hierarchy that has become foreign to most of the West. At the same time, Eastern Europeans seem to expect the traveler to break the rules. The same faux pas that would probably get you a repressed sneer in France will be noticed with only a subdued snicker in Poland. Reading up on the local customs will remind you that taking off your shoes in someones home, bringing a small bouquet to the host, avoiding probing questions over dinner, sitting with strangers at a restaurant and other common courtesies are not typically shared by westerners. Perhaps undeservedly, Americans (and other native English speakers) are, for the most part, still adored in most of Eastern Europe. Of course, there has been quite a bit of demystification on both sides in the last ten years, but now even among the older generations apprehension has been replaced by full-fledged curiosity. That means the typical tourist misses out on great opportunities for a real cross-cultural experience while their eyes are glued to the cathedrals and their ears are pinned to the city guide. Many first-timers from the West are surprised how far the major cities have come compared to what theyve read or seen in the past. Other travelers notice how little has really changed in some of the more remote villages. One thing is certain, though; while prices are still low and locals still curious, its well worth it to take advantage of this part of the world and appreciate what is undoubtedly a fleeting moment in time. Selected Web Sites www.inyourpocket.com . www.centraleurope.com . www.cdc.gov/travel/easteurp.htm. goeasteurope.about.com/mbody.htm. www.culturekiosk.com . www.hotelscentral.com . www.adventureguide.com . www.concierge.com . Newsflashes General Complying with EU regulations means many countries are updating visa policies. All Canadian tourists will need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic in 2001. Long-term visas are already required for Americans, but the requirements for obtaining one may become less stringent. Slovakia Food and service is still regularly improving and many new options have opened in Bratislavas The Old Market Place. The new Montanas Grizzly Bar has already become a popular hang out. Czech Republic In Karlovy Vary the famed Nezvala theatre of Helmer and Fellner, complete with the original curtain by G. and E. Klimt and F. Matsch, has finally reopened after several years of reconstruction. The annual International Film Festival, which takes place in early July, is gaining more international recognition every year. The 1999 appearance of Woody Harrelson caused quite a stir, and Milos Forman is a regular favorite. Prague was chosen as one of the European cities of culture for 2000. Under the broad theme of cultural heritage the city has different activities planned throughout the year. The famed ex-pat meetingplace and bookstore The Globe has moved to a bigger and better location: Pstrossova 6 in Prague 1. Eastern Germany This year marked the third year for the annual Summerfest of Theatres in Berlin, for budget travelers its a great way to enjoy scenes of local productions for free. The Erotic Museum is an interesting alternative for travelers tired of the run-of-the-mill art and history museums. Poland Krakow, is another of the Year 2000 cities of culture, plans to extend the cultural events into a 5-year program to promote tourism. For nightlife seekers in Krakow the new In Vitro dance club is a popular hip-but-cheap option. Slovenia The international summer festival in Ljubljana is getting bigger and better every year. Not to be missed is the International Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museum of Modern Art. The Julian Alps are a cheaper alternative to a mountain getaway than her Austrian and Italian neighbors, but expect higher prices than other Eastern European countries. MISHELLE SHEPARD is a freelance writer currently teaching English and French at Charles Univ. in Prague. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Czech Republic from 1994-96. You may contact her at mischelleshepard@hotmail.com . 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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
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