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A:
Yes, but... we
recommend that you bring a combination of cash, travelers checks and
credit cards. Visa,
MasterCard and American Express are accepted at many restaurants,
but not all. Cash
advances are available at many hotels, banks and currency exchanges
as well.
But keep a few things in mind:
-
In
general, Russia and Ukraine operate with a "cash
economy", meaning that in most situations you will be
expected to pay for goods and services in local currency, not with
dollars or credit cards. However
there are many, many currency exchange offices available.
It is very easy to exchange dollars for Rubles or Grivnas.
-
The
banking situation is unstable in both countries.
In 1998, the August banking crisis hit with no warning,
making credit cards useless overnight.
Don't get caught short!
Always have 3-5 hundred dollars in cash or travelers checks
kept in reserve, just in case your credit cards suddenly don't
work.
-
Travelers
Checks are for security, not convenience!
There are a limited number of places to cash travelers
checks, and there is a fee for doing so.
It can take up to a few hours, by the time you go to the
American Express office, stand on line, cash your checks and get
back to your vacation.
We recommend wearing a money belt and bringing mostly cash
instead, but of course, it's completely up to you.
Q:
What is the dress code for the Socials?
A:
There is no actual "Dress Code" for our Socials,
however, we strongly recommend that you dress as you would when going
to an "event". The
ladies attending the Socials anticipate these events for months, and
take great care to look their best.
They will be wearing their best outfits and will no doubt spend
hours in preparation. Some
even travel hundreds or thousands of miles to attend.
As a gesture of respect, and a representation of your
seriousness, you should try to look your best as well.
Jacket and tie is generally considered appropriate, but any clean,
neat attire is fine. What
is most important, is that you be yourself while also putting your
best foot forward.
Q:
Should I bring a Photo or Video Camera to the Socials?
A:
Yes, absolutely! Do
yourself a favor and bring the following items to the Socials:
| A
Small Notebook with a few pens |
Many
men come up to us after a Social and ask, "Do you remember
the blonde I was talking to yesterday?
She was about so tall and had a blue dress and the cutest
little smile. Her
name is Elena." Unfortunately,
there will be about 40 Elenas, 50 Svetas, 35 Katyas, etc.
everyday, and our staff will not be able to track someone down
for you after the fact. YOU
MUST write down information about the ladies you meet WHILE THEY
ARE STILL WITH YOU or you will probably never see them again.
We recommend getting their Name, Address, Telephone #,
Height, Hair Color, Profession, and anything that strikes you as
unique about them. It
is important that you realize beforehand, that after meeting
dozens of women, it will become difficult to remember who was
who. You will need
your notes!
Don't fall into the trap of calling one of the 5 "Svetlana"s
you've met and not know which one it really is!
Don't ask her about her sister, when she is actually an
only child, etc. Every
woman wants to feel special, not like the "next one on your
list". Write
down the details.
|
| A
Photo or Video Camera |
Take
photos of any lady you are even slightly interested in, and have
someone snap pictures of you and her together.
While it makes a nice momentum, it is actually more
important than that. To
apply for a Fiancée Visa, you must provide the Immigration and
Naturalization Service with proof that you have met the lady in
question prior to applying for the visa.
You never know what's going to happen.
You may not wind up seeing each other after the socials,
if for instance she is from out of town, or has to work during
the times you are available.
You may wind up corresponding with her after you get
home, and then decide that you would like to have her visit you.
If that happens, you will be very happy you took a few
seconds at the social to get those photographs you need for the
Visa Application.
We highly recommend bringing a Polaroid camera if possible, that
way you can give the ladies you meet at the socials a little momentum
right on the spot. |
| NOTE:
Have photographs taken of you and your lady every time
you get together during the tour.
Remember, the INS is not in the business of letting
people into the US, they are in the business of screening people
to keep out. The
more documentation you give them of your relationship, the
smoother and faster things will go.
Keep photos, phone records, letters, e-mails, faxes,
anything that will show them that you actually know each other,
and that your visa application is legitimate.
|
| Photos
and Other Materials Showing Your Hometown and Lifestyle |
| Highly
recommended. At the
very least, these make good conversation pieces, but their real
value is to show a woman you meet who you are, where your from,
what your life is like (and what hers' would be like if you
marry) much more clearly than you can with words in a short
amount of time. Pictures
really do speak a thousand words.
Don't bore her with a hundred photos of your house or
drinking buddies, a few will do.
But bring some extra photos of you in your own
surroundings to give to the ladies you meet. |
Q:
What kinds of small gifts should I bring for ladies I meet?
|
A:
There are lots of gift items for sale in the tour cities
we go to. Everything
from fine chocolates, to flowers, ceramics, perfume, clothing,
etc. is readily available.
But if you want to purchase some things in advance, your
might want to buy things like Bath Oil & Lotion Gift
Baskets, Disney T-Shirts or Sweatshirts, or items unique to your
home state. You may
also want to bring a small gift for a lady's child, such as a
plush-toy.
Gifts
that we do not recommend you bring from the US:
|
| Jewelry,
Perfume or Cosmetics (you need to understand a woman's
personal taste very well before buying these kinds of
items for them) |
| Jeans
or Other Tight Fitting Clothing (they won't fit) |
| Lingerie
(inappropriate) |
| Chocolate
or Candies: (most
Russians like European style dark chocolate, but do
not like American chocolate) |
| Soap,
Toilet Paper, Staple Items (these ladies are looking
for a husband, not a handout) |
|
Q:
What will the weather be like?
A:
It depends on the time of year that you take your tour, but
generally the weather in temperatures in Moscow, St. Petersburg and
Kiev will be about the same as they are along the US/Canadian border
(as in Maine or Minnesota, for example).
Spring starts a little later, Autumn starts a little earlier,
etc.
In both spring and autumn, you will need to bring some
warm clothes.
Expect daytime temperatures to be in the mid 50s-60s , and
night time temperatures to drop into the low 40s or even mid 30s on
occasion.
Summertime
weather is usually fantastic, with daytime temperatures in the mid 70s
to lower 80s, and night time temperatures in the mid 60s.
Q:
What kind of clothing should I bring?
A:
Weather considerations aside, be yourself and be comfortable.
Bring a mixture of both casual clothes for daytime and clothes
you would normally wear out on a date.
There is no "right" or "wrong" way to
dress, so relax and wear what you want.
Q:
How do I call the US from the hotel?
A:
You can call the US directly from your room, however, all the
hotels charge outrageous rates for overseas phone service (average
charge is $6.00 per minute or more).
In general, AT&T, MCI and SPRINT calling cards will not
work in Russia/Ukraine.
We recommend that you call your friends in the US and have them
call you back, instead of being charged $6.00 per minute.
Q:
What kind of electricity do they have in Russia/Ukraine?
A:
Electricity in Russia/Ukraine is 220volts, 50 Hz AC.
You will need a European plug adapter (with round pins) plug
into electric sockets. Adapter
kits can be purchased at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and luggage stores.
American electrical appliances will also require a
"step-down" converter, that "steps" the
electricity down from 220v to 110v.
Note:
Most new video camera Battery Chargers can be plugged into 220v
or 110v sockets.
Consult your Operating Manual for details on your camera model.
Q:
How much luggage can I bring?
A:
You may bring (2) pieces of "check-in" luggage, and
(1) "carry-on" bag.
Maximum
Dimensions & Weights:
Check-in
1
Piece: Total
Dimensions = 62" (LxWxH) / Total Weight = 70 lbs.
1
Piece: Total
Dimensions = 55" (LxWxH) / Total Weight = 70 lbs.
Carry-on
1
Piece: Total
Dimensions = 45" (LxWxH) / Total Weight = 45 lbs.
NOTE:
We recommend that your carry-on bag contain a full change of
dress clothing and toiletries.
In the unlikely event that your check-in luggage doesn't arrive
with you, you will need clothes for the first Social.
(About 1 in 60 of our clients has a problem with his luggage
arriving late.
This is normal for all international airlines, and luggage is
invariably delivered within the following 24 hours).
If
you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Tour
Manager at tours@russianbride.com,
or call 207-262-9595. Ask for Steve.
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