Overall, I had a good time in Russia but I spent more than twice what I had intended to (which I had figured was already a good size budget). I spent over $600US on cabs alone (about half getting back and forth to the airports several times).

I wouldn't make a trip to Russia just for hobbying, but if you happen to be there, particularly in Moscow, there are some great opportunities.

Here are some notes, in no particular order:

1. Escort sites abound for Moscow and St. Petersburg, but unless you speak Russian and make arrangements far in advance, they are worthless. Most of time when I called there was no answer or a guy answered in Russian. Use the escort sites to get an idea of the kind of talent/looks, but make arrangements through an interpretter if you are going to use them. I think the going rate for apartment girls is only 1000 rubles an hour, but according to explorer, they require some knowledge of the Russian language.

2. Hotel security is obnoxious and wants to be paid off. Either you can do it or the girls. If you pre-empt the process and tip a 500 ruble note (at a good western hotel) and then walk the girl out there should be no hassle. Otherwise, the girl will get shaken down for $50US or more (some hotels maybe even $100).

3. I was expecting to see signs for the famous russian saunas, but they are not easily located, especially the ones with the girls. Again, get addresses in advance.

4. In Moscow, get used to using pirate taxis or take the Metro. There are few regular cabs around. To get a pirate taxi, just go to a main road and hold out your hand. Someone will stop. I typically offered 150 rubles or 200 (if I knew the location was far away). If it was inappropriate, the cab driver would look wistful and I would add 50 rubles more.

5. The ATM machines will usually give either rubles or dollars. If dollars, will usually be $10 bills. If rubles, will typically be 500 ruble notes. You can get change at any of the many locations offering exchange in Moscow. Cab drivers rarely have change and you should not expect any change from a pirate taxi.

6. Taxi drivers never wear seat belts and seem offended if you do. I always sat in the front seat, especially of pirate taxis, which seem to avoid the police shakedown. I wore my seatbelt, if it was in working condition, about half the time. Drivers like to race around and will often drive on the wrong side of the street and run red lights.

7. Get a business card from your hotel with the address written in cyrillic letters as many drivers cannot read the translitterated roman letters and your pronunciation may not be good enough.

The above is all pretty much accurate.

Don't think that the term 'pirate taxi' means that these are somehow criminal in nature, these are just regular people who make an extra buck in their private car picking up customers.

Russian saunas - in fact most establishments in Russia - don't have big signs.

I'm staying at the Marriot Tverskaya and I haven't been shaken down for having overnight guests. I found a list of girl-tolerant hotels on another website and this was one of them. The others were: Kempinski, National and Baltschug Kempinski. It said to avoid Metropol and Intourist.

Another great report, Uwphoto. Money aside, can you compare the women in Russia and Argentina, in terms looks and attitude? Thanks again for your report.

The rule of thumb is that there is generally no prlblem taking girls back to hotels operated by Western chains (like Marriott). The down side is the hotels cost a small fortune per night.


As for the Intourist, if you manage to get a room there, it would be a miracle.

uwphoto; Great report. little late to complement you on such adventure. ciertainly is worth keep your experiences on note for a possible Russian trip. do appreciate your effort.///