Post: #1

I am going to russia for two weeks for business and always stayed in hotels. Now I would prefer to stay in apartments as it would be more cost effective since its a longer stay....any help on short term apartments in moscow or st.petersberg near the action would be much appreciated..

Post: #2

Airbnb for shortterm... I stayed in SPB for 6 months and we rented a place in the city center - most amazing time of my life.

Post: #3

(03-14-2014 03:46 PM)DQA Wrote:  Airbnb for shortterm... I stayed in SPB for 6 months and we rented a place in the city center - most amazing time of my life.

Guys, I'm thinking of hitting up Russia this summer to do some touring, perhaps travel a bit on the Trans-Siberian express as well. Question is, aren't you required to register with the government officials if staying in a private apartment vs staying in a hotel (they take care of the paper-work as I understand). I would think this is minor so if a foreign tourist does not register upon arrival in a private flat with local passport agency what would happen to them?

Post: #4

The law is that you should register your visa if you stay more than 7 days on the russian territory. It is true that it is much more simple to do this with hotel and its kind of headaches to do this with private owner of the flat, even though it is feasible.

Having said that, nobody checks your registration; Some years ago they could check it on the passport control when you go out from the country but they dont do it anymore (I go in and out from Russia from 2 years almost 3 times per month and I ve never been asked to provide registration). It might be possible that cops from the street ask you to provide registration but it is highly not probable. Never heard about any cases around me, they do it only to hasle poor immigrants from central asia

So you must have registration only if you open bank account or marry with russian girl etc For tourist you should not bother with this question, you will be fine with a valid visa.

Post: #5

I believe you have the register if you stay more than 7 consecutive days. I believe local agencies can do it for you or you would have to go to one of the immigration offices yourself - which may be quite a hassle. I cannot say what would happen (probably nothing or just a fine) but I personally feel Russia is not the place to take such risks.