Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Apr 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
"Green Card" Insurance for Russia

I am on my way to Russia via a number of EU countries. I imported my bike from Australia and no where along the line has anyone asked me about insurance and as such I haven't bothered to chase it. Given that there is no real border in the EU I can't see that I am going to have any issues (unless I have an accident) until I get to the Russian Border.

My question is it easy and relatively inexpensive to get at the border or should I be looking to get it before then? Or will the Russians let me in given I am coming from the EU.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southampton
Posts: 24
Russian Insurance.

The insurance can be bought at the border, 18 months ago is cost me $20.00. The police stopped me before I bought the insurance, and of course demanded to see my policy that I did not have. I was all a game, as the insurance booth was on the opposite side of the road to the Police check point , they were after a money gift. If you have no Russian Roubles, make sure you have U.S.Dollars. Other than that issue, Russian police were OK.

Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Apr 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Normally they dont let you through customs on the Russian border until you show them your insurance - which is always for sale at booths at the border.

How much it costs depends on how long you stay there ... the longer out you go the cheaper it becomes. 1 month or less is about 1000 rubles. 3 months 1500 rubles and 6 months is about 2000 rubles.

If you have longer than a month in Russia and or multiple entries then get insurance one to cover you up till you leave the final time - plus an extra month for safety. Just present the insurance doc each time you enter the country then and all is sweet.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Apr 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
Thanks for that, works out to about $60 Aussie, cheap enough.

The Danes were stopping people at the border. I thought I going be in trouble but they waved us through.

Do they take plastic or will I need rubles?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Apr 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig.iedema View Post
Thanks for that, works out to about $60 Aussie, cheap enough.

The Danes were stopping people at the border. I thought I going be in trouble but they waved us through.

Do they take plastic or will I need rubles?
There are banks at the border that change stuff like USD and EUR into rubles.
In Russia everything is rubles. Domestic payments in any other currency are technically illegal. All payments within Russia must be in rubles. The huts at the border may take plastic, but dont count on it. Stop at the first major town and hit an ATM for ruble cash once you have been let in.

Against some currencies (like GBP) the ruble has been very stable for quite a long time. Over the last 3 years its been 47 rubles to the pound +/- about 6% (between 44 and 50 rubles to the pound) which is about as stable as anything has been vs the pound in that period.

GBP/RUB | GBPRUB=X | Charts - Yahoo! Finance UK
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Apr 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
Well that was a little strange went through Passport Control, Customs and some other control off the Ferry in St Petersburg. No questions about insurance anywhere. Might be because the normal port is closed and they are using an old port. Who knows, it was a bit of struggle with the paperwork as there was not much English.

I will have to see if I can find some in St Petersberg on Wednesday (May Day Holiday tomorrow). I suppose if I don't get it I will be in the crap somewhere along the line.

Either way I have the bike in the country so that is something.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Apr 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
I have never been asked to produce Insurance going in to RUS, either by UK registered car or bike - both of which I have done quite a few times and at different EU road border crossing points from/to Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.

Although RUS insurance can be purchased at the border area, you are permitted to drive/ride to the next town and buy it there (where it will work out a bit cheaper, too!).


Bike insurance cost me about £12 and an average saloon car about £20, both for the first month although longer periods are pro-rate cheaper.
But this is only the very minimum insurance required by RUS Law and will not cover damage to your own vehicle.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
Tony any recomendations of company? Need a SPB office or agent.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
Sorted!
Just for others reference I got it from Allianz at

26 Morskaya Bol'shaya ulitsa
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg
Russia
191186

Or in Russian

ул. Большая Морская 26
Санкт-Петербург
Санкт-Петербург
Россия
191186

2282 руб

It is just off Nevsky Prospect walking distance from the Palace Bridge.

This is about 15 minutes from the current ferry port if you catch either the Helsinki or Stockholm Ferries.

Lady who served me wasn't particularly helpful, glad I had a Russian person with me.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap motorcycle insurance for Argentina (and other MercoSur countries) everson65 Trip Paperwork 13 21 May 2023 17:10
Selling US registered bike in Argentina/Chile? Bazmataz SOUTH AMERICA 27 19 Jan 2016 22:54
Corrupt Police in Argentina. Ruta 14 Kilometer No. 341 Laser Jock SOUTH AMERICA 171 19 May 2015 18:38
All Insurance Leads Have Been Blocked and Failed for USA Resident Ravensquawk Staying Healthy on the Road 18 31 Dec 2012 02:12
Help - USA insurance for Europe citizens pweigand Trip Paperwork 2 20 Oct 2011 17:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:39.