|
|
10 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Posts: 11
|
|
GPS in Russia.....Dont! (Mod Note: This thread opened 5 years ago)
This has been posted in other sites, but I thought I share it with you. Just bought my Garmin GPS for my trip thru Siberia. Now I read this............
http://travel.state.gov/travel/gps.html
Bummer!
|
10 Dec 2004
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
|
|
Oh well, you can get good road atlas's cheaply in book stores and there are not so many roads in Siberia......I created alot of interest when I offerred to show the Novo mechanics my GPS and then alot of laughter when i produced my atlas. Its just more stuff anyway.
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
|
10 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 148
|
|
I took my GPS into Russia last year and had no problems. I popped it into my pocket at the border crossing and only got stopped by the GAI once.
He was a very nice cop, no bribe or any nonsense - he just checked my papers were in order and sent me on my way - so some you win and some you lose...
Maybe I was just lucky?
------------------
Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)
__________________
Fuzzy Duck
(I\'m quackers about bikes)
|
11 Dec 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Thanks for posting this. I do notice that the warning is dated 3/98, so it's 6 1/2 years old. Sometime in the next month I hope to visit the Russia consulate in Seattle, and I'll ask if it's possible to get authorization to bring a gps and cell phone into the country.
Mike
__________________
Mike
|
13 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Posts: 312
|
|
I don't think it's worth it to try and get permission. I took one into and out of Russia twice this year and I know plenty of others who have as well. Just hide it(and put a jacket over the mounting while you do the paperwork) When one guy was leaving Russia for Mongolia they asked if he had a GPS and he said yes. The reply was "Well hide it when you come back across the boarder into Russaia"
|
16 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Sinzig, Germany
Posts: 19
|
|
That's bullshit! It's 6,5 years old...
I had my big GPS (Garmin 176C) on the bike crossing the border and the guys at the border were very interested to get it explained - same with the GAI officers on the road...
Just take it with you and stay cool ;-)
www.joedakar.com
|
24 Dec 2004
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Posts: 134
|
|
hey man!
Russia is no problem at all! Don't ask for a permission for anything. It's probably the only country in the world where you can do anything! Even flying into space is possible.
I was 4 1/2 months in russia and never ever had any problem. I had the same worries like you before I started, but in the end it turned out that it was complete nonsense. Police stopped me sometimes 4 times a day. Twice I had to pay a penalty for driving too fast, but instead of doing it the way via bank, they just charged me the official amount (200 roubles) and took it into their own pocket.
In general, you can say that russian people are very guestfriendly and helpful. As a tourist, you can do a lot of things there, which you couldn't do if you were russian, so don't be too scared :-)
Marco
http://www.schnueriger.net
|
24 Dec 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
|
|
Thanks for the information, Marco. Where are you these days? Have you left South Korea?
Happy Holidays.
Mike
__________________
Mike
|
29 Dec 2004
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Posts: 134
|
|
I'm now relaxing a bit in Valparaiso, Chile. My bike should arrive here tomorrow, but I will only start to drive after new year's eve!
Marco
|
10 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
|
|
GPS in Russia
What GPS were you using? Has anyone tried using TomTom in Russia or SE Asia for that matter?
|
10 Jul 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
agreed, no problem entering anywhere around Russia with GPS. The ban on GPS was an anti-espionage throwback to the USSR.
The GPS I took was a bag of c%$* though, ended up staying in the bag and I used a cut-out from a world map to navigate with, which worked absolutely perfectly and is what I will use next time for sure. If you are asking for directions you only really need to know the next country you have to be in, and asking for this guarantees a funny response and probably a free meal! Of course if you have somewhere to be it is a poor poor plan as you WILL get 'lost'.
One of the things I like best about solo overlanding is that getting lost isn't a big issue, as long as the sun is in your face in the morning you are going east!
|
12 Jul 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, England
Posts: 141
|
|
Pfft, keep your cellphone, satphone and GPS buried with your dirtiest stank underpants if you're that worried. I've only ever had my topbox searched, and that was just a brief visual.
Obviously as far as forms go, you're bringing in no currency nor any telecommunications devices
Last edited by KTMmartin; 12 Jul 2008 at 23:55.
|
13 Jul 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Stop hiding your SatNavs
Russia's prohibition on importing and using SatNavs ended a few years ago.
They are on sale everywhere throughout Russia - same makes and models as anywhere else. Map/software also available from dealers and very very cheap unlicensed copies on street stalls alongside pirated DVDs.
The Customs Declaration form requires you declare items over a certain value/cost. Some SatNavs fall within this. But this is only a Declaration of higher value items (and cash) you are bringing in and taking out. As long as it is for personal use, part of your baggage, and intended to be taken out with you, nothing is payable.
I have even used mine to mollify Roads Police by showing them the location of Chelsea Football Club ground in relation to where I live. I got smiles and back slaps acompanied by cries of "Abramovich".
|
13 Aug 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
Yes that sat nav prohibition stuff is totally out of date.
All new BMWs, Mercs, Range Rovers etc sold in Russia now have built in GPS sat navs, and while currently NAVTEQs street coverage only covers Moscow and St Pete, its apparently a priority for them to get as much of russia onto their database ASAP. Its a big project mind you. big country. But its already Europes largest new car market now, so you can assume inthe next year or two will be europes largest sat-nav market too.
|
5 Apr 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: brussels
Posts: 46
|
|
first i have to say i have no knowledge about GPS's in russia at all and this sounds pretty shocking!
i would like to suggest to exercise caution though. the law may be old but if you somehow happen to piss off an official, they could still use that law to make your life miserable.
i think i remember a story about UK plane spotters who were jailed in greece for taking photos of airplanes near the landing strip of a commercial airport ... and i wouldnt imagine russia being a nice place to end up on the wrong side of the law.
your local russian embassy should be able to advise you on this id imagine.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|