Manila to Russia

Hi jonelmdorde,

I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve moved this topic across to our ‘Russia’ branch, as I believe you’re more likely to get some useful answers over here.

Best of luck with planning your trip. :)

Hi jonelmorde!

I can't help you much with the tickets from Manila to Moscow, but I just wanted to give you some advice about staying in Russia. You say that you have a place to stay, with your friend...is that right? To get the necessary VISA to come into Russia you need to decide what kind of VISA you'll be needing! To stay with your friend you will need them to get a private invitation for you, which basically tells the Russian immigration service (FMS) that your friend is willing to vouch for you, and take care of you financially, and make sure you leave when your VISA says you have to leave! If you friend doesn't do this invitation for you then you will need a hotel...if you're getting a hotel then I recommend that you speak to the hotel or a travel agency (agency probably a better idea) to get you an invitation organised...it's normally quite cheap for them to do this for you. Is your friend Russian? If so they will know about registering you when you arrive in Russia...if your friend isn't Russian just say and I can give you a bit more advice.

As for is Russia safe...yes! I am here now for 3 months and I have had no problems at all with Russia or Russians! I would advise you read Lonely Planet's guide to Russia "Dangers and annoyances" section...I have copied and pasted the link for you here... http://www.lonelyplanet.com/russia/moscow/safety. Like any big city Moscow has problems with pick pockets and so on but nothing major compared to other cities! I can honestly say I have so far not met a Russian that I didn't like! I like to think of them like the Soviet apartment blocks that fill every city skyline over here...some of them look stern, scary and unfriendly (don't be worried if they seem reserved or grumpy...that's just some Russians - or as I heard it put "Why smile unnecessarily? I don't know you and I am not drunk or stupid")...but once you get to know them they are bright, warm and welcoming! Any language problems I had (my Russian language isn't perfect) was laughed off by the people I was trying to talk to and they tried to help me understand where I was going wrong. As for things not to do...I think the general idea is the same as any other country, no offensive language, no loud, rowdy behavior or behavior that they could see as offensive and you'll be fine! I might suggest you learn a few phrases before coming out to Russia...in my experience the sight of a foreigner trying to speak their extremely complicated language only ever makes the Russian people smile.

Hope that helps, and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask I am more than happy to give you any tips or advice that I can!

G

Hello,

You already got some help with the visa. I recommend to check this site: http://waytorussia.net/RussianVisa/

I'm afraid you left this a bit late for booking flights. Flights are best booked several months in advance if you're looking for a cheap fare. Getting the visa at such a short notice can be tricky as well! Why don't you postpone this trip to next year, for example May when the weather is better and you have plenty of time to get a cheap ticket.

Checking my favourite airfare site( https://matrix.itasoftware.com/) I see return flights from Manila to Moscow for around 900 USD in November.

Actually checking 2016 May as well, I can't see much cheaper flights!

Most flights are via Hong-Kong or other Chinese cities. I think this could be a great opportunity to make a stopover and see 2 countries on your first trip! Depending on the fare rules of the ticket you can often make stopovers for free or a relatively small extra charge.

Other than searching the web for flights you could try travel agencies in Manila specialising in airfares. I'm sure there are plenty of them.

Russia is overall a safe country. Moscow is certainly safer than Manila.

You could also look into booking 2 separate tickets Manila - Hong-Kong and HongKong - Moscow as this could be cheaper than Manila - Moscow on the same ticket.

Hello Xanthei,

Thank you for your help. I am new in here and I have to be honest that I do not know how to use the forum. This is the first time that I have written/asked question in this type of platform so I really do not have an idea. Appreciate your help. I really do.

Enjoy your travels!

Hello Gav_88,

Thank you for your response and I really appreciate the information/tips that you have provided on your response. This will really help me. As I was saying, this "would be" my first trip out of the country and I am not quite sure if I have to pursue with my plans.

To answer your question, YES, my friend is Russian and he is from Semenovka, Russia.Would you happen to know that particular city/town? He said that it is around 80 and/or 800 miles away from Moscow.

I was actually thinking to talk about the place that I "would be" staying while in there should I continue with this planned trip to a travel agency here in Manila and Im sure they can help me and provide me the necessary information/details.

I have also read the things about Russia in the link that you shared and it is very helpful. I actually have fears of visiting because of the things that I have heard in the news or in international news agencies. I am not being stereotyped :). Oh well, I have a friend who visited Moscow and he said that he had the best time of his life when he visited Moscow.

I am starting to learn basic Russian phrases just like what you have said because I understand that it will really help me; just in case.... just in case :). I have read some blogs how difficult it is to obtain a visa to Russia if you're a Philippine passport holder, but I guess they're just doing their jobs.

Anything that you can add will be appreciated.

Again, thanks for all your help!

Enjoy your future travels.

Hello Eristwiederda,

Thank you for your response to my enquiry. I really appreciate the tips that you have mentioned on your response.

Actually, I was thinking of postponing this trip by next year and we (my friend) have talked about it last night. I think you are right, this trip is too late as we haven't really planned it carefully. This is the reason why I wanted to gather information in advance, so that I will have an early heads up. So, you were saying that it would be best to visit Moscow May of next year? Would you happen to know how severe the weather can be in Russia or in Moscow in particular?

I have checked the link that you have sent and I have to agree with you that the airfare is a little pricey even in 2016. I have not checked with a particular travel agency here in Manila, but I am also considering it. Perhaps they could give me a better deal right?

Well, I still have plenty of time to plan regarding this "would be"trip. Your insights were very helpful and with that I really thank you.

On the other hand, we have also talked about my friend visiting the Philippines other than me going to Russia. Russians could enter/visit the Philippines without a visa for 30 days (max). Do you think it would be a good idea? Whats your take on this? So, he just need to worry about the money for the airfare because I am going to host him upon his arrival in the country.

Again, thank you.

Hello Gav_88,

I have another question for you please if you dont mind me asking.

Whats you take on my friend visiting me instead of me flying to Russia. Russians can stay/enter/visit the Philippines for a maximum of 30 days without a visa. Im thinking that in this way, he just need the money for the airfare because I am going to host him upon his arrival. Do you think this is also a better idea?

Thanks.

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