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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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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