Question about Dual U.S./Russian Citizenship

[Rob_Lesya 4]

I would like more helpful data...name of taxi company(ies), phones, web sites, do I need to speak Russian? I'd hate to just use Google and randomly choose a company.

Haven't used Terminal D yet but glad it has made life easier. Maybe the taxi issue is moot unless you're heading into Moscow or another nearby town?

Welcome to the new SVO, visaveteran!

As Neonred mentioned, for the vast majority (probably 90%) of travelers through SVO there is no longer a need for transportation between terminals. You can simply use the "peoplemover" to take you between Terminals. If you are one of the unlucky few who actually needs to go outside and go to a completely different building on the other side of the runways, there are still the free Aeroflot buses to carry you there. The "taxi mafia" is pretty much out of business now (at least at SVO)

As for transport into and around Moscow, the company I've used for many years, and which has been recommended by me and others many times on this forum is www.go-to.ru <-- (Don't forget the dash!) You can book them online, the dispatchers speak English, MOST, but not all of the drivers do as well. The prices are reasonable, and the service has always been outstanding. Having a delayed flight is no problem. You give them your flight number when you make the booking, and they are able to check the arrivals board on the SVO website and know if your flight is delayed. Many times I had flights delayed as much as 10-12 hours, but when I walked out of Customs, the go-to.ru guy was always standing there waiting for me.

But now, the only time I would use a taxi between the airport and the city is if I have a LOT of luggage. Most of the time I now just use the Aeroexpress train. You can book your ticket online in English(Aeroexpress.ru), the business class only costs about 500 rubles. There are regular class cars which are a little less expensive, but I've never used them. The train is a direct shot from SVO to Belorusskaya station. From there you walk (if you're staying at one of the hotels at the upper end of Tverskaya) or catch the metro to whereever you need to go. easy-peasy.

Russia, and Moscow specifically, is still not the most tourist friendly place on the planet, but they HAVE made significant improvements during the past decade at making the city a little more easy to navigate for foreigners.

[visaveteran 1]

Welcome to the new SVO, visaveteran!

Russia, and Moscow specifically, is still not the most tourist friendly place on the planet, but they HAVE made significant improvements during the past decade at making the city a little more easy to navigate for foreigners.

Well, that's great news and good, detailed, information which I have duly noted and saved for future trips. Thanks!

That trip between terminals was such a pain. So, do you still have to get your luggage and schlep it to Terminal D?

Happy New Year!

Edited December 31, 2010 by visaveteran

[Neonred 3,604]

I also used go-to.ru, but it was several years ago. My flights always arrived early instead of late. Wife and I also used them while traveling to/from St. Petersburg.

As I understand it, yes you have to pick up your luggage and take it to the next terminal.

[ggg12 0]

I can't say exactly or comprehensively, but an accountant that you can trust is one, for starters. You'll probably need connections to notaries and bankers, although if you have the cash that's not such a big deal since these services are explicitly for sale. Depending on what type of business you are running, you'll probably need connections to get permits and licenses on a timely and economical basis. You'll need someone who knows about real estate in the local market. In reality, none of these things are unique to Russia. You'll need these sorts of things in any country where you want to do business. They're just a lot easier to come by if you are a native.

And on the more seedy side of things and more specific to Russia, you'll need a way to keep the mafia and cops off your back (the two are surprisingly closely connected in some instances). A family member with Mafia connections is good even if you don't plan on doing something illegal.

Like I said, I'm by no means an expert on doing business in Russia. But if you want to do it, you'll need people you can trust to help you. In general, my advice would be that if you do end up with the type of funds you are talking about, don't rush into anything. Spend some time in Russia getting to know things and people before you commit any significant amount of cash to anything. You'll be able to live off the interest from the cash that you have (probably indefinitely if you're careful).

I appreciate your help a lot. I'm definitely going to have an accountant and I'll definitely need permits because the business I'd like to start is a private security contracting company as I'm from a military background. You're right though, I'll probably take a year or two and get a feel for living in the country, work on getting permits for the company, and putting down some roots.

Have a good new year.

Edited January 1, 2011 by ggg12

[visaveteran 1]

I appreciate your help a lot. I'm definitely going to have an accountant and I'll definitely need permits because the business I'd like to start is a private security contracting company as I'm from a military background. You're right though, I'll probably take a year or two and get a feel for living in the country, work on getting permits for the company, and putting down some roots.

Have a good new year.

Blackwater in Russia. Good luck.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Blackwater in Russia. Good luck.

[slim 1,530]

If you need an employee, sign me up.