[dajop]

Originally Posted by sully

The visa process is not easy and it generally should be obtained before arrival but it is no more expensive than most visas.

I helped some relatives get visas for both Ukraine and Russia last year. The Ukrainian visa was simple, a single night's hotel confirmation from the internet/flight itinerary and the fee paid - done, simple. The Russian visa needed hotel bookings, a visa authorisation from a Russian travel agent (organised through hotel - for a fee), and the fee, as well as flights. It was much more complicated.

[redroo]

Russian visa's are a pain in the a@#%. As an Australian you can get 30 days on a Tourist Visa but as others have pointed out you will need a hotel booking for each night in country. I would not recommend it but I know some who book and pay for first night, let the hotel/hostel register them (VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!) and then disappear. danger is if you visit a city not registered in your visa and the Police stop you on the street (or in the airport) you will NOT escape without paying a substancial bribe. All Police can not be trusted to act in your best interest, so make sure you have the Moscow Embassy phone number and your Passport on you at all times (or a photocopy that includes your visa page).

St Petersburg could easily take a week of your time. The Hermitage Museum a couple of days alone. make sure you go out to the Summer Palace as well. Beware dual pricing for westerners, you WILL get ripped off in Russia. St P airport is a long way out of town, and you probably have little choice other than the Taxi mafia.

Train to Moscow can be taken as a sleeper overnight, but many reports of theft amogst Russian people themselves.

Moscow is a two trick pony, Kremlin/Red Square, and the metro stations. One day is as much as you want. In side the Kremlin advise paying extra to visit the museum with the Faberge eggs etc.........mind blowing Tsar/Tsarena extravagences. As others have mentioned you can find incredible guides, and they are worth the money.
Moscow traffic is gridlock most of the day. The taxi mafia will attack as soon as you exit customs, but both major airports now have rail/mini bus connections to the city now.

Do not expect smiles or customer service (an oxymoron in Russia) in any airport, train station or in any offial dealing. The public on the other hand can be extremely helpful and friendly.

If you are not travelling with the wife/girlfriend you will be approached, but be warned it will cost you one way or another!

The night club scenes are hot if you are young enough to be still into that, but cater to the new rich and have "face control". Dress up and identify yourself as an Australian, gets you into most places.........but refer warning above!

Kyviv, great place to visit but Odessa is much better imho

[Jobu]

Originally Posted by NM

Is this is business visit, or for leisure? Enjoy Kiev, its a great city full of history.

Fantastic thanks NM.

Trip is for business.

Speaking of which, what is the best way(s) to get to Kiev from Australia? Preferably OneWorld with minimal transfers (and if possible, not via London?). When I look at the OneWorld map it only seems to show flights to Kiev from

- Budapest
- Amman
- London
- Helsinki

Also, based on your suggestions above, which of the partner airlines would be best (J class)?

Cheers and thank you muchly,

JOBU

[NM]

Each of my visits has been using BA via London. Twice on QF FF awards and once as part of a DONE4.