to travel to Russia for work?

[RiddleyW]

I have been asked to attend a 3 day conference in Russia in June. DH doesn’t want me to go because he’s worried it’s dangerous.

This is balls isn’t it?

Arrgh, "I'm jealous"

I’m so jealous I could cry! Need anyone to carry your bags?

Be careful OP. Forgeiners don't seem to realise how dangerous it can be. Make sure that someone always knows when to expect you to arrive. Don't walk through dark streets. Just common sense stuff.

St Petersburg - am very jealous!

With the crime figures in the UK together with Salisbury, I’m not sure that there is any additional risk.

St Petersburg is amazing, you should definitely go! They are more used to tourists there as I think many come on cruises via Finland and don't need visas for up to 72 hours. There's also signs in English on the metro etc which you don't find even in Moscow.

Most Russians are very welcoming and hospitable, unlike the Western media would have you know.

Why wouldn't it be safe for lbtq people? How would anyone know? Do you go everywhere with your tongue down each other throats shagging in doorways and skipping down the street holding hands? 😒

lgbtq rather. Absentmindedwoman

peony WHAT? just like regular people?

You mean then DON'T have three heads and lynch people in the street?

Go, it's fine. DH is just about to start a job with a Russian company so will be traveling to Moscow and St Petersburg a lot in the future. I'm not concerned and neither is he. Are your work getting you a visa? They are a right pain in the arse to get and cost about £180.

Definitely go. St. Petersburg is a magical city and you’ll be there at the very best time of year (the white nights). I spend a great deal of time in Russia and I have never felt unsafe. Even back in the wild ‘90s, when the economy was in free fall and anxiety about the future was palpable.

The anti-Western propaganda is quite relentless these days but it has never affected any interaction I’ve had with individual Russians. I speak Russian which probably helps matters, but in touristy places it’s relatively easy to find people who speak some English.

Are your work getting you a visa? They are a right pain in the arse to get and cost about £180.

Work paying certainly but I’m sorting I think / liaising with the inviting Russian company. I think I need to go and give biometric data.

I’m quite excited now!

St Petersburg is very Westernised, and set up for tourists. It's crammed with Germans in the summer. Wear a money belt, don't get "steamed" on the buses, and you'll be in Conference-land anyway, so with groups of locals + other delegates. You'll be fine. And skive off one day and go to the Hermitage. You'll need about 3 or 4 days to see everything, but an afternoon on the floor full of Rembrandts is lovely.

Even back in the wild ‘90s, when the economy was in free fall and anxiety about the future was palpable

I remember Moscow in the early 90s. It was like the Wild West - bags checked for weapons at even the poshest nightclubs ... and rotgut vodka cheaper than water.

I would never go to Russia ever.

Wish my work would send me to St Petersburg! Always been fascinated by Russia but never gone any further east than Poland.

St Petersburg is great and safe and probably the best introduction to Russia for a Westerner. The only places I'd avoid would be the areas bordering the Caucasus (Chechnia, Daguestan etc).

Do report back upon your return OP. OMG I just realised you might be there for the White Nights?

My DP has to go as part of his job for the World Cup and I'm absolutely terrified but everyone I know has loved it and all their briefings regarding security ahead of the World Cup have been positive. It's a few days, I'd go if I were you

@SkaPunkPrincess
You mean then DON'T have three heads and lynch people in the street?

I know this post was tongue in cheek but I advised OP upthread not to go based on my own experiences of actually getting lynched in the street by a gang of being nazis when I was twelve on a school trip to Russia. I know I’m biased in my replies based on my experiences but I also don’t think people should be downplaying the other posters question and caution of asking whether it would be safe for gay people there. If they were out and not prepared to lie about it if asked then plainly, no it’s not safe for them.

I work in Moscow, it is safe and brilliant, I love it.

@MissionItsPossible

You were lynched?

Lynched?

But you're posting!

St Petersburg is amazing. I strongly recommend a trip to the Faberge museum! The whole city is breathtaking and pretty safe for tourists. The centre is relatively compact so easy enough to walk around. Moscow is a bit heavier and I didn’t feel as comfortable there, but St P is a terrific place.

The visa is a truly monumental arse though. I strongly recommend using CIBT in London. You have to pay an extra fee but they check all your forms before they submit and arrange the biometrics so you can do it in their office instead of spending half a day at the embassy. I’ve done mine twice, first time directly and second through CIBT and I would pay that fee every time!

@bestBuddyBestPal

🙈🙊 This is the second death-related gaffe I have posted on this site in the last 24 hours (the first stating I didn’t go to school when capital punishment was still legal).

Well, as long as people don't take your opinions seriously ...

Ooh I'd love to go to Russia! What an awesome opportunity - go!

My experience influenced my opinion when replying.