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 16 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zutphen, Netherlands
Posts: 40
Safety Russia?

Sorry I don't have time or oppurtunity to read the archives

We will be driving a 4x4 soon from Estonia to St Petersburg then on to Finland.

We would also like to visit moscow from ST, P and return to carry on to Finland
What sort of roads, checkpoints, hassle etc. can we expect.

Is it generally safe?
Where can we camp (we sleep in the car)? Petrolstations? Bush? etc

Tnx
Ian
__________________
www.overlanding.nl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
All roads to Narva (Estonia) are as good as anywhere in the EU.

Once in Russia, from Narva to StPeter and then to Moscow are generally good with some potholes and deformed sections but improve the nearer you are to big cities.

From StP to Mosc avoid the marked "new" road by-passing Novgorod to the east. It was less than half built when the money ran out. One carriageway graded but hardly surfaced, taking both directions of traffic. The other carriageway virtually non existant - good for off-road practice except it's not open! Far more comfortable going through the town, and probably quicker too, as all the lorries crawl along the by-pass. Unless things have changed since last July, that is.

Apart from Borders, Roads Police spotchecks occur from time to time - generally documents checks. No hassel if your docs are in order. You are on your way within a couple of minutes. Expect to be stopped on average once every few hundred miles on main roads/entry to big cities. Its a game of chance - having foreign front number plates will attract more attention than usual, as you are more interesting that the beaten up old Ladas held together with duct tape!

Radar speed checks often in villages along main roads - note the town name signs, which indicate an automatic speed linit. Often these extend a long way either side of the built up areas. Oncoming drivers often helpfully warn of radar checks by flashing lights. But if not, the going rate for bribes is about 500 rouble ($20 - £10)

No experience of camping. Should be OK in those parts off the main roads and out of sight. But what do I know....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zutphen, Netherlands
Posts: 40
Thanks for the useful info.

Our visa cost us so much in the end that we want to make the most of it and visit Moscow while we are in the area.

Although we have heared that getting a visa outside own country can be a problem it was real easy in Vilnius, Lithouania. They didn't however accept our insurance as it is in Dutch . We got a 'new' insurance across the road for 15 us for 14 days

After travelling almost 70000 km around Africa, Arabia and Europe I shouldn't sound like a novice but

Do I need to use th Carnet for Russia and will I have to buy compulsory insurance at the border?

Grtz

Ian
__________________
www.overlanding.nl
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
no carnet for russia and yes I am pretty sure you get the insurance at the border
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 May 2008
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
[quote=Tony P;189780]

Radar speed checks often in villages along main roads - note the town name signs, which indicate an automatic speed linit. Often these extend a long way either side of the built up areas. quote]

Thanks for the tip...also heard something about town names indicating change of speed limits...
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Russia - Insurance

Russian authorities (border, police etc) only accept Insurance issued by a Russian Company. They do not recognise anything else, even if you are fully covered with Insurance bought elsewhere.

You can buy Russian Insurance just before the borders at Travel Agencies. I went to the Tourist Office in Narva to ask and they gave me a list of 20+ places where I could buy it, all within the town.

For up to 3 months on a bike last year this cost me 725EEK (about GB£32 or US$60). But this is only the very minimum legal "Roads Insurance" liability and does not cover your own vehicle in any way. That is what you get at home on your Green Card.

The resulting Russian Insurance Certificate is valid for multi-entries up to the expiry date - anywhere in Russia including Kalliningrad..

Carnet not required for Russia.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Zutphen, Netherlands
Posts: 40
Thanks for the info

Do you know if there is a minimum validity that can be bought?
We will only be there for about 10 days. Buying a 3 month insurance will be very costly.


regards

Ian
__________________
www.overlanding.nl
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Ian

I think it was by the month with 1 month as a minimum.

But I am not certain on that - although I planned to be there for about 2 months I bought 3 months to be safe in case I was delayed for any reason.
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
Colombia safety Giacomo Olcese Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 6 12 Feb 2008 20:38
Safety First chipompom Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 30 Oct 2006 15:45
russia and safety, any advice? Dodgydago Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 22 Jun 2006 02:05
safety gassa Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 26 Dec 2003 00:53
safety in Iran Frank Amberger Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 22 Oct 2001 18:18

 
 

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 12:47.