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Can't Bring GPS into Russia?? Can't Bring GPS into Russia??
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  #1  
Old 6 Dec 2004
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Can't Bring GPS into Russia??
According to Lonely Planets "Russia & Belarus" guide (3rd edition, 2003), GPS devices may not be brought into Russia (p. 73). Does anyone know if this is still true?

Thanks.

Mike

[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 06 December 2004).]
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  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2004
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I read that too, but i know people who have ridden through with a GPS. I wasn't asked at the border.
Sean(freezing my arse off in Russia)
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  #3  
Old 7 Dec 2004
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Thanks for the info, Sean. Questions: Wouldn't the gps need to be declared on the travelers custom delaration upon entry to the country? If so, wouldn't the authorities then know a traveler had one? Or, do they not look at the custom declaration until the person is leaving the country?

Thanks again.

Mike
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  #4  
Old 8 Dec 2004
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Simple - dont declare the GPS
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  #5  
Old 8 Dec 2004
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Call it an electronic compass.
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  #6  
Old 8 Dec 2004
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I apologize for being so dumb on this, but I've never been (yet) a world traveler and had to deal with things like customs declarations. What would happen in Russia if an expensive item, such as a gps, is found which isn't listed on the customs declaration? Is it confiscated, is there a fine or tax, etc.?

Thanks again.

Mike
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  #7  
Old 9 Dec 2004
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Technically foreigners are not allowed to have a GPS in Russia without pre-authorization. Realisticlly only the border guards know this. I watched as one rider(a regular on this forum) just put his GPS in his jacket pocket before going through customs and of course didn't declare it. Later on at police checkpoints(which you will go through dozens if you do a crossing) the police thought it was the coolest thing when he was showing them how it works. They have no clue. Its only the borders that you need worry about. I was asked only once about GPS and that was when leaving Russia and entering Mongolia. The Russian controls kept asking me if I had a "sputnik" and pointing to the sky.

I don't use one, just a map. There are a few travelers and contract workers right now in Russian jails on spy charges(carrying a GPS) so nothing is certain. Your choice...


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  #8  
Old 9 Dec 2004
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WOW!! Jail for having a gps! What a sobering thought. I depend heavily on one for navigating through unknown territory, especially if roads are poorly signed, and had planned to take mine. But, if jail is a possibility, sounds like I had best leave it at home.

Thanks for the info.

Mike

[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 09 December 2004).]
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  #9  
Old 11 Dec 2004
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Recently I purchased a Garmin 76s for a trip to Siberia and Mongolia. Then a few days ago I read this post. Researching it further, I came across this,

http://travel.state.gov/travel/gps.html

Just wish I had know sooner. Now the GPS will have to stay home. It’s not worth the chance of getting shaken down by corrupt L.E.O.’s (Law enforcement Officers). Once the word is out about the legality of having a GPS in Russia, It will be seen a way of generating personal income for many. Better to stay legal, than to give someone a reason to shake you down.
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  #10  
Old 3 Jan 2005
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We travelled through Russia and Mongolia from Vladivostok to Murmansk. When we flew into Vladivostok we simply carried our GPS and noone said anything. Police check points saw our GPS but either did nothing or were interested to see it working. Nobody ever indicated that they were prohibited.

I read that the rules in Russia have changed and that GPS's are now legal. GPS receivers can also be purchased in Russia.

The roads in Russia are very well sign posted and straight forward. Therefore, a GPS in Russia is really only useful in getting in and out of cities. We found very good Garmin maps for all cities and they were very useful in Navigating through cities. I will post the details on our WEB page as soon as I get time.

If you are going to Mongolia then I would rate a GPS as VERY USEFUL if not mandatory.

If you have a GPS then my recommendation is to take your GPS with you.

Happy travelling,
Geoff.
http://overland.dreamers1.com
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  #11  
Old 3 Jan 2005
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Geoff, thanks for posting your experiences. I've bookmarked your site and look forward to reading the Garmin map info you plan to put there.

Mike
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  #12  
Old 18 Jan 2005
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mike,

noticed your posts - obviously you're still going ahead. i lost your contact details because my computer crashed - be interested to know how things are going with the plans - offer of acommodation still stands.

starting to think about planning for the trip in summer '06. rooting for you - good luck.

zenbiker
(simon h.)
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  #13  
Old 23 Jan 2005
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I rode from Vlad to Moscow via Mongolia with no problem showing my GPS to cops at checkpoints. When departing for Mongolia, an English speaking female border guard said if I had a GPS to be sure and hide it when returning and not declare it. Did as directed and had no trouble. Now in Pakistan. wwww.strikingviking.net
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  #14  
Old 24 Jan 2005
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I live in Mongolia and I see a lot of overland travelers who have been through Russia. No one I have spoken to has had a problem with the GPS inside Russia, but the borders can be a problem. The smart choice at the Russian border seems to be just tuck it away somewhere. Why leave it out in the open and take a chance on trouble?

By the way, GPS is completly legal in Mongolia. Garmin has the best GPS mapping for Mongolia (on the Garmin WorldMap CD-ROM). As Geoff says, GPS is VERY useful for Mongolia, though some brave souls like COuntpacman have made it through just with maps and a compass.

-Scott
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  #15  
Old 20 Feb 2005
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Yes, and across Moscow walk bears playing on balalaikas)))) Friends, not so it is terrible in Russia as write in guidebooks. Recently has replaced old, 1998 "Magellan" on " Garmin 60C " Any problems with use GPS in territory of Russia was not. Cards of regions can be taken here
http://www.rus-roads.ru/gps/garmin_map.htm
http://corsar.avtostop.ru/gps/index.html

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