Nick, I think Anna is right. A foreigner is more vulnerable if he is outside alone, ecpecially if he doesn't speak Russian, so keeping in groups seems more safe. On the other hand, I know lots of people who often go out alone, but they do not look that foreign, and the militia hardly ever stop them. You put it right that it is 9 times out of 10 that you don't have a problem, so I guess that 1 time in your life may be more than enough. So my advice is:carry the original of your documents.
Lena Ha ha, I look totally foreign, not really Kaukasus, but foreign and I never have problems. I got stopped 3 times in the four years I am here. Each time they found some "problems" (usually missing registration), but I could get out of it with a 500 Rub bribe. Usually they caught me, when I left a club or I was on my way home from a club in the early morning, even with friends. I have always been shitfaced. Guess that's why they stopped me. In every day life I never had problems. I think its because I am confident and not afraid. I shortly look at the militia, but then look away (respectfully), like they are the most usual thing (not afraid). One day I had an argument with my girlfriend of the phone. I went down the street, looking to the ground when I bumped into a guy. It was a cop who wanted to stop me and check my papers. I just looked up and I must have had a "Not you, not now. I am mad already. Get lost." Expression in my face. He obeyed and moved to the side without any comment. I guess you heard about the immigration law change from January, which makes the registration process easier. With that change there was also an order not to check foreigners papers on the street anymore, unless it's a terrorist thread. If a cop wants to stop you, you should give them a "don't even fuck with me" look and attitude if he still has the guts to check your papers, ask him for his ID. If your papers are not OK, you may still end up with troubles and the need to bribe, but at least it's worth a try :-) Also try pretending you don't understand anything and pull your mobile in order to call your embassy. I have never done that, but friends do that and get away with it. Good Luck on Moscow streets, especially after a long club night. Chris _______________________________________________ Expat mailing list [email protected] http://www.lists.ru/mailman/listinfo/expat http://www.expat.ru/forum/
