I'm going to St.Petersburg in december and maybe for a couple of days to Moscow. I've heard that most of russians don't speak any english and I was wondering how to communicate with them. Don't have any friends there and don't know russian language. I was just wondering what the deal is with security situation there - corrupt police, robbery..
In all, crime is not so bad in Russia, you just need to be attentive in some situations. Like to have your documents with you at all times, watch your valuables and don’t drink too much with local people..
As for communication, it’s much more difficult. I’ve been to Moscow and St. Petersburg this spring. Moscow is a crazy place in all aspects and I also found out that just a few people there could speak English and even a good phrasebook could help me just a little. But in St. Peters it became much better. There in my hotel they gave me a special device, something like a virtual interpreter and guide, that helped me a lot. I don’t remember how was it called (“voyager convoy” or something) but, probably, you’ll find it in yahoo or google.
I’m sure others will have other advices, but I hope this one helps. I’ll try to find some info about this device myself and post the results.
Its Mat again. Have you found some more info about this voyager convoy I told you about? Anyway, I'm sure it would be interesting for you to read something from my own experience. In general this device looks like a cell phone connected to another speakerbox via bluetooth. so wherever you are you can call the operator who's a professional interpreter and guide. Consequently, you can talk to local people with the help of this virtual interpreter in different situations - from business meetings to restaurants and night clubs. It helped me greately (to put it mildly)!!! Besides, they give you all possible info and instruction like different timetables, directions and up to on-line guiding inside the city.
that's about all I know about it. If you finr something more and post it - that'll be great!!
It’s Alex again. Thank you all for your good advices and help – I’ve already started packing my bags. Yes, by the way. I found more info about this voyager convoy. Man, it’s really great. You never need a guide or interpreter to communicate with local people – just a couple of devices and that’s it!! That's ingenious. Man, I wish I'd thought of that. I bet the guy who came up with it is sitting on a beach somewhere not worrying about how to translate "Uno mas Mojito, por favor or another vodka, please."
Besides, it helps in case of emergency. It has an emergency button to contact police or your consulate and all the conversations in this situation will be recorded by police. Sounds great, especially if staying too late in some night clubs outside the downtown. This voyager convoy is from St Petersburg. So, if you go there, keep it in mind. By the way you can find it on traveltelecom.ru and they have an English version there.
Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 13949 Posts: 451
Posted: 2005-10-06 13:45:00
well a friend of mine recently been to russia ,and said tht things are much better compare to last year ,so i think if one is bit careful and well informed about the plans ,then should not be a problem
The point is that I visited traveltelecom.ru today and the idea is really great. But still I have some questions. Can this voyager convoy only be used in St Petersburg or also in Moscow, or China, for instance? I’m planning to go to China this winter and there communication with local people is even worse, than in Russia.
i am Russian and have been living in China for eight years, just came back home to St. Petersburg. If you you ned help, you can conntact me by email seagull_ll@hotmail.com or ICQ 91393154
[quote]
On 2005-10-04 10:04:00, alex30 wrote:
Hello,
I'm going to St.Petersburg in december and maybe for a couple of days to Moscow. I've heard that most of russians don't speak any english and I was wondering how to communicate with them. Don't have any friends there and don't know russian language. I was just wondering what the deal is with security situation there - corrupt police, robbery..
Any help/advice would be appreciated.
best regards,
Alex
[/quote]
Sorry I’m too late to reply but I wanted to say this: Saint Petersburg and Moscow are FULL of tourists and everybody is used to them and to communication with ‘em! Many people can speak English. Moreover, you can always use non-verbal means of communication :)
