Things You'll Need:
- Passport
- Travel visa
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Step 1
Beware of cars whenever you walk through the streets of Russian cities. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in Russia, and traffic fatalities involving pedestrians are alarmingly common. You may not even be safe on the sidewalk, since some drivers may jump the curb in order to avoid heavy traffic.
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Step 2
Stay safe in Russia by remaining aware and ever vigilant, especially in train stations and airports. Pickpockets like to target Westerners just as the train pulls into the station, allowing them to make a swift and clean getaway. In addition, you should avoid getting drunk with locals in Russian bars--or else you may wake up in an alley with your wallet and travel papers missing.
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Step 3
Keep your passport and travel visas on your person at all times in order to stay safe in Russia, even if you are merely wandering down to your hotel lobby for a newspaper. Police in Russia will often stop Westerners for document inspections, and if you cannot comply, you may have to pay stiff penalties (or even bribes) to stay out of trouble. Remember that travel visas usually need to be renewed in each city or town that you visit in Russia.
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Step 4
Avoid romantic encounters with locals in order to stay safe in Russia. Sexually transmitted diseases are very common throughout Russia, and AIDS in particular is on the rise in the big cities. This may be another good reason for not getting drunk with locals in Russian bars.
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Step 5
Be prepared for instances of discrimination while you are traveling through Russia, and plan accordingly. Blacks, Jews, homosexuals, Westerners and Asians are all vulnerable to varying degrees of persecution in Russia, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may find it particularly difficult to get rooms in hotels, service in restaurants and bars or even a taxicab on a dark, rainy night.
