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Tuk Tuk through Russia - is it safe? Tuk Tuk through Russia - is it safe?
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  #1  
Old 12 Apr 2006
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Location: Bristol, UK
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Tuk Tuk through Russia - is it safe?
Dear Hubbers,

Has anyone ridden through Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Perm, Saratov, Samara, Volgograd recently ie Southern Russia? My friend and I are about to leave to drive a tuk tuk from Bangkok to the UK (www.tuktotheroad.com) and in July are going to be tukking along this stretch. We've heard the Russian people are wonderful but does anyone have an opinion on how safe we will be, how likely we are to get robbed, and whether we will be OK as two girls on our own?

And is anyone going to be in this area at the same time? If so and you see a bright pink tuk tuk trundlign along then come and say hello!

Thanks

Ants
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  #2  
Old 12 Apr 2006
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Hi there,

traveled from Krim peninsula to Astrachan and then along the Volga via Volgograd, Saratov, Samara to Nishnij Novgorod last year. Felt perfectly safe, the russians are wonderful.

South of Volgograd the police could be annoying, wanting money, presents or simply a closer look at my motorbike. I never paid or gave anything, just sit, wait and smile until they wave you on.

Have fun!

Lars
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  #3  
Old 13 Apr 2006
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Thanks Lars.

Glad to hear that. Did you find it easy to find places to stay too? And what time of year were you there? Was the weather OK!....sorry, lots of questions.

Also, what did you find is the best road atlas of Russia?

Happy Easter!

Thanks

Ants
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  #4  
Old 13 Apr 2006
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
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Hi Ants,

no problem to find hotels even in smaller cities. But do not expect high standards or nice rooms. I did not have hot water most of the times and I preferred several times not to use the bathrooms. In smaller cities you will still find soviet style hotels (btw never ask for hotel but for "gastiniza"), which are quite cheap (but beware of bedbugs). A room averaged around 15 Euros per night as far as I can remember. Soviet style gastinyas were as cheap as 4 Euro in rural areas, in larger cities (esp. Volgograd) I paid more. - Why don't you camp?

I entered russia by end of may and the weather was mostly dry and warm to hot. Lots of mosquitos and flies south of Volgograd sometimes - I was fine in my motorbike clothing and helmet, while police officers would sometimes avoid to get out of their huts or cars .

I used the certain russian atlas, which was recommended here on HUB and it was indeed very good. Cannot remember the name right now, but you will find it here.

Regards

Lars
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  #5  
Old 13 Apr 2006
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Thanks again Lars.

Oh good, so the weather should be pretty warm then. Just the flies to deal with...

I'll have a look for that map.

I looked at your site - its really good, love the style.

We don't want to camp too much as we have got a hell of a lot of equipment on board and are two girls, think it might be a bit of a risk....we'll take the essentials though in case we have to.

Happy travels, thanks for your advice.
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