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24 Sep 2022
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 141
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I am currently in moscow on my bike.
German passport + bike german reg.plate. 30 days Tourist, single entrance.
Documents for visa as required. Health insurane covered by premium membership of
ADAC (German Car Club). Issued within 4 working days, used visa agency.
Passed C19 PCR in Helsinki one day before showing up at border.
Entered from Finland, Vaalimaa. 2022.09.22
Waiting/passing time:
Finland 15 minutes
Russia 90 minutes
No questions asked (both sides) regarding money in/out - just regular russian custom
forms. No C19 check.
As known, no cards working. Get yourself some Rubel before you enter.
Banks in Europe will not help you, I used eBay and russian bus drivers in Helsinki.
No exchange tried in Russia so far.
As all German car insurance agencies I asked refused to cover Russia on a green/white insurance card I helped myself, enhanced an old one using well known software.
No check at the border, not of interest for customs, only needed in traffic check points.
Could not notice any opened border insurance shops.
No advise, you are responsible for yourself.
Things can change quick in these times.
But for now I enjoy
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24 Sep 2022
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,364
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbla
I am currently in moscow on my bike.
German passport + bike german reg.plate. 30 days Tourist, single entrance.
Documents for visa as required. Health insurane covered by premium membership of
ADAC (German Car Club). Issued within 4 working days, used visa agency.
Passed C19 PCR in Helsinki one day before showing up at border.
Entered from Finland, Vaalimaa. 2022.09.22
Waiting/passing time:
Finland 15 minutes
Russia 90 minutes
No questions asked (both sides) regarding money in/out - just regular russian custom
forms. No C19 check.
As known, no cards working. Get yourself some Rubel before you enter.
Banks in Europe will not help you, I used eBay and russian bus drivers in Helsinki.
No exchange tried in Russia so far.
As all German car insurance agencies I asked refused to cover Russia on a green/white insurance card I helped myself, enhanced an old one using well known software.
No check at the border, not of interest for customs, only needed in traffic check points.
Could not notice any opened border insurance shops.
No advise, you are responsible for yourself.
Things can change quick in these times.
But for now I enjoy
|
Hey Uwe
What's your itinerary in Russia? Are you heading anywhere near Volgograd? I'm hoping to cross the border around the top of the Caspian Sea, coming from Kazakhstan in less than a week. I have a visa.
Not sure if FB works in Russia, or if you're able to use a VPN to get round any restrictions. We're FB friends and could continue chatting on Messenger there. Or on WhatsApp?
We met in Ulan Bataar in 2012, or was it 2013?
Best
Chris
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25 Sep 2022
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
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If you are still in Moscow, let me know. Can do a  and advise on exchange if required
Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbla
I am currently in moscow on my bike.
German passport + bike german reg.plate. 30 days Tourist, single entrance.
Documents for visa as required. Health insurane covered by premium membership of
ADAC (German Car Club). Issued within 4 working days, used visa agency.
Passed C19 PCR in Helsinki one day before showing up at border.
Entered from Finland, Vaalimaa. 2022.09.22
Waiting/passing time:
Finland 15 minutes
Russia 90 minutes
No questions asked (both sides) regarding money in/out - just regular russian custom
forms. No C19 check.
As known, no cards working. Get yourself some Rubel before you enter.
Banks in Europe will not help you, I used eBay and russian bus drivers in Helsinki.
No exchange tried in Russia so far.
As all German car insurance agencies I asked refused to cover Russia on a green/white insurance card I helped myself, enhanced an old one using well known software.
No check at the border, not of interest for customs, only needed in traffic check points.
Could not notice any opened border insurance shops.
No advise, you are responsible for yourself.
Things can change quick in these times.
But for now I enjoy
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26 Sep 2022
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 141
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PM sent
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10 Oct 2022
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbla
I am currently in moscow on my bike.
German passport + bike german reg.plate. 30 days Tourist, single entrance.
Documents for visa as required. Health insurane covered by premium membership of
ADAC (German Car Club). Issued within 4 working days, used visa agency.
Passed C19 PCR in Helsinki one day before showing up at border.
Entered from Finland, Vaalimaa. 2022.09.22
Waiting/passing time:
Finland 15 minutes
Russia 90 minutes
No questions asked (both sides) regarding money in/out - just regular russian custom
forms. No C19 check.
As known, no cards working. Get yourself some Rubel before you enter.
Banks in Europe will not help you, I used eBay and russian bus drivers in Helsinki.
No exchange tried in Russia so far.
As all German car insurance agencies I asked refused to cover Russia on a green/white insurance card I helped myself, enhanced an old one using well known software.
No check at the border, not of interest for customs, only needed in traffic check points.
Could not notice any opened border insurance shops.
No advise, you are responsible for yourself.
Things can change quick in these times.
But for now I enjoy
|
Yes money is a problem cards do not work you have to do currency exchange and carry enough cash. I have gone from KZ to Finland in June and from Georgia to Central Asia in July and that was the biggest issue.
I was not able to get insurance when I got in and russian bikers told me that b/c of sanctions insurance companies stopped insuring motorcycles; so they ride without it. Fines are pretty minimal if you get stopped or so they say.
Surprisingly my US phone worked didn't have to get local SIM card. Population was pretty friendly except for one Karen hotel manager but that could happen anywhere/anytime.
My suggestion stick to big border x-ing if you get flagged for additional checks they're much more business-like; on small x-ings if you get marooned for military background or looking too fit you may have to wait for tier-2 guys take an hour+ to arrive from nearest town and then take sweet time talking to you.
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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)

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Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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