Traveling to Togliatti to meet the women with
whom you have been corresponding has never been easier with the support,
guidance and travel tips offered through A Volga Girl.
A Volga Girl's
"Trip Bundle" $139
• Arrangement and confirmation of your hotel reservation.
• Ground transportation from the airport servicing
Togliatti (Samara Airport: reservation code KUF). One of our staff members
will be waiting to greet you upon your arrival.
• Registration With OVIR: Some holdovers from the
old Soviet regime still exist in Russia. Registering with the local authorities
once you have reached your final Russian destination is one of them. Our clients
are free to complete this free registration on their own (though few visitors
are prepared to spend what can prove to be an entire day standing in line
at the registration office). Therefore -- A Volga Girl is willing to complete
the registration for you. Failure to register with OVIR will result in a $300
penalty payable before the authorities will allow you to leave Russia.
• Support & Guidance by our multi-lingual office
staff NEVER A CHARGE.
Utilization of our multi-media office quarters are available as a home base
throughout your entire stay. Arrangement of meetings with the ladies with
whom you have been corresponding and limited email access anytime.
Estimation of
Basic Togliatti Trip Expenses (based upon a 10-night stay)
Below for your review please
find a detailed cost-estimate of the specific expenses that would comprise
a 10-night stay. A majority of our clients travel to Togliatti when
they feel the time is right. Travel to Russia is similar to traveling
to other countries in Europe and safety is really no concern. You
will find the Russian people very friendly and accommodating. They
will go out of their way to help foreigners visiting their country.
Airfare $1400-$1700 from Continental
US or Canada
(cost from Europe is 50% less)
Your ultimate destination is Samara Airport (airport code
KUF), located 600 miles south east of Moscow (airport code SVO). There are a
several travel options available.
Many of our visitors to Togliatti fly from John F. Kennedy
(JFK) Airport in New York City, Dulles International Airport (in Washington
D.C. area), Los Angeles International Airport or Toronto, Canada Airport
nonstop to Moscow on Aeroflot Russian Airlines. In addition, a high
percentage of our clients fly on Delta from Atlanta airport to Moscow. Most clients arrive Moscow at
the Sheremetyevo International Airport - Terminal F, and can
fly on Aeroflot domestic flights from the same terminal. Also,
flights from terminal F, E and D are now connected by breezeways and there
is no need to take a taxi to these terminals. In fact, it is
wise to make your reservation for this domestic leg online at
www.aeroflot.ru/eng, this way
you will have your flight reserved in advance and the price is much cheaper
online than in the terminal. Others choose to fly Lufthansa Airlines to Frankfort, Germany, and then connect
to Moscow. Other Lufthansa flights bypass Moscow completely and land at Samara
Airport. Please see this link for a map and information on the
Sheremetyevo International Terminal.
Of the three airlines listed above; both Delta and Aeroflot Airlines offer
good pricing values. The planes flying between JFK, Dulles and LA to Moscow (SVO)
offer good connections and are reliable and are usually on time. Delta flies
the same route at almost identical departure and arrival times and flight
are dependable and usually on time. Lufthansa flights are usually
slightly more expensive, though
many of our clients do choose to fly Lufthansa.
For those clients traveling through Moscow, you will be landing
at the Sheremetyevo International Terminal - F. The primary delays will be
encountered here center on Passport Control. When there is more than
1 plane landing at same time, the lines involved here can be somewhat daunting. At times one can clear Passport
Control in 10 minutes, at other times it can take well over an hour.
By the time one clears Passport Control, your luggage is
usually waiting for you. We suggest passing through the "Green Line"
(customs) whereby you are declaring nothing liable for import duties. Small
gifts intended for one or more ladies do not qualify as an item to declare
nor does "duty free" purchases at airport shops and on the airlines. Most of
the time you can clear "Customs" in a few minutes and your luggage is not
searched at all.
Once your luggage is safely retrieved and you have passed
through "Custom", you will be on the first floor of Terminal F.
We suggest go to the "currency change" station on the first floor of terminal
- F and exchanging a few hundred dollars. To connect with your Aeroflot domestic flights
simply go to the check-in counter on the 2nd floor (via elevators) of
Terminal F. Make sure you go to the domestic Aeroflot check-in
counters to check-in for your Aeroflot domestic flight to Samara (KUF).
The marquees for arrival and departures flights are easy to read because
they are both in English and Russian. If your domestic flight is
out of Terminal - B or C, you'll have to take a shuttle bus to these
Domestic Terminals. The cost is around
200 rubles or $7.00 US. You'll need to pay this fare in rubles, so
don't forget to exchange some US dollars for rubles in the international
terminal in Moscow. We strongly suggest steering completely clear of the taxi drivers
at Moscow Airport. They will do their best to charge you $50-$100 for the
7 mile ride between terminals, and do not readily take "no" for
an answer. See below for the free airport shuttle which is recommended
for transfer between terminals.
Transfer between Terminals - Free Shuttle
Passengers can travel between the South (D, E, F) and the
North (B, C) terminal complexes using the free shuttle, which departs the
25th and 55th minute of every hour from 6:25 A.M. to 1:25 A.M. Moscow time.
Buses run between the terminals via the airfield. See this link for
current transfer info
between terminals.
From D, E, F to B, C
From B to D, E, F
Attention! You can not use the free shuttle bus
to get from Terminal C to Terminal D, E, F and the Aeroexpress railway station.
The transfer via the airfield from the terminals D, E, F to the terminals
B, C takes 20 minutes. In this case, please note that in addition to the
duration of the trip, you will spend some time for boarding on the bus
(10 minutes) and the walking time from the bus stop to the check-in desk
(10-15 minutes). Also keep in mind
the Aeroexpress trains and bus
timetable.
Thus, the total length of the time may be 60-70
minutes, while the bus ride itself is only 20 minutes.
We recommend you to save your time and arrive at the airport
in advance. Service is available only if you have a ticket. If you purchased
an electronic ticket, you must print it out using the self check-in desk.
If you go from Terminal D, E, F to Terminals B or C, follow the orange
signs to “Shuttle-bus to Terminal B, C”. The gate to the free shuttle-bus
is located in the left wing of the arrival lounge of Terminal E.
Flight and Booking Information
Flights from Moscow to Samara Airport can be purchased from
both Aeroflot and Samara airlines and recently than have expanded their number
of daily flights to and from Samara.. Many of our clients must
travel (fly) first to New York City or Atlanta before undertaking the 9 hour
flight to Moscow, and wait several hours for their final connection to Samara
Airport. To say, "It's been a long day" is an understatement.
While Samara Airlines tickets can be purchased herein the USA, they are issued
in English. It is easier to purchase your Russian domestic travel through the
Aeroflot website and at a huge discount too. It is recommended that you
have a minimum of 2 hours connection time between your international flight
and domestic flight, but 3 hours would be even better. You never know
if your international flight will be delayed but the domestic flights seem
to always be on-time.
We recommend using
Expedia.com
and Travelocity.com
to find the flight(s) that are right for you. The prices are as low as any
other discount site, and the online search engine is fast and efficient.
Expedia will as well email you if there are any changes made to your flight
times, dates, etc. Also remember to compare the prices directly from the
air carrier before purchasing them from any travel site. You should compare
the prices on the above discount sites with both the Aeroflot and the Delta
airlines websites to insure the best deal possible.
The purchase of your airline ticket to Russia confirms
your travel dates and now allows you to safely apply for your travel visa.
It is recommended that you have tickets confirmed prior to obtaining your
Russian VISA. It takes two to three weeks to obtain a VISA or one week
for express. See info below on obtain a VISA and it is very simple and
pain free.
Your Russian Tourist Visa $170.00
(updated July 1, 2011)
To obtain
a tourist visa the following documents should
be submitted to the CONSULAR SECTION (CONSULATE) in person or by
mail to one of three travel agencies noted below.
NOTICE: 1. Pursuant to the directive from the Russian Foreign
Ministry, effective July 1, 2011, the Russian Embassy and all
Russian Consulates General in the USA. will require that all
applications for Russian visas submitted in the United States be
prepared using the Electronic Visa Application Form which is a
web-based application, available online at
http://evisa.kdmid.ru . Russian
visa applications prepared using the old format or in a different
manner will not be accepted after July 1, 2011. Once USA an
applicant submits application online, they should print out the VISA
application and if processing by mail, should send this application
and the other information, fees and documentation to one of the
agencies listed below.Applications submitted through
a travel agency should allow at least 3 weeks for processing. It is
recommended you contact the travel agency for their fees for
providing this service. See the Russia Embassy website for the
latest information at this link,
http://russianembassy.org/Embassy_eng/Consulate/tourist_visa.html
After filling the Electronic Visa Application form online,
applicants will have to print a copy of their application form,
sign and date it, glue the required size photo to it and submit
this printed original form, along with other necessary
documentation, to the Russian Consulate personally or through
their representative or a visa agency.
The Electronic Visa Application Form will provide greater
accuracy and security in processing visa applications. It should
be filled out in its full entirety. Incomplete forms may
significantly delay visa processing time.
A valid passport
which should have at least two clear visa pages.
One passport size (1 3/8" * 1 3/4", 35x45 mm) photo
of the applicant which should be glued to the marked space of
the application form.
A standard tourist confirmation
from a hosting authorized Russian travel agency or a hotel,
registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a
voucher from your hotel or travel agency in Russia.
A cover letter
from yourself, containing the following information:
applicant’s name or alphabetical list of a group;
dates and points of arrival and departure in and from Russia
and means of transportation;
itinerary in Russia;
If applying by mail.
The Consular Division no longer accepts mailed applications.
Applicants unable to be present in person are referred to the
following visa agencies:
A money order or cashier’s check
payable to the Russian Embassy for visa processing. Please, note
that we do not accept cash or any other checks. The visa
processing fees are:
For single entry visas are:
$140 for 4-20 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing; For double entry visas are:
$140 for 4-20 business days processing;
$250 for 3 business days processing; For multiple entry visas are: $150 for 4-20 business days processing;
$450 for 3 business days processing;
Visa processing fee is not refundable
Please, note, that drop off day is not counted as business day!
ATTENTION OF EU CITIZENS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VISA AGREEMENT SIGNED BY THE RUSSIAN
FEDERATION AND THE EUROPEAN UNIION CITIZENS OF ALL EU COUNTRIES
EXCEPT IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT
THE FOLLOWING FEES FOR PROCESSING OF ALL TYPES OF VISAS TO
RUSSIA
6-10 BUSINESS DAYS - 50 USD
1-3 BUSINESS DAYS - 100 USD
IMPORTANT:
THE DURATION OF THE RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA CANNOT BE LONGER THAN
ONE MONTH!
When entering Russia as a tourist, you may be also required to
present the copies of your tourist confirmation, hotel voucher
and your return ticket with a fixed date of departure from
Russia at the border check point. We can do next or same day
processing only if the volume of work technically permits.
Visa processing starts only after the complete required set of
document is submitted.
When having received your visa please check it for mistakes
(passport number, date of birth, validity) and, if necessary,
return it to the Consulate for corrections.
The Consulate will not be responsible for any mistakes in the
visas, which were not brought to our attention prior to your
departure from the USA.
Please, note that visas cannot be changed or extended. If your
travel plans changed after the visa issuance you have to reapply
for a new one.
Any visa applicant may be interviewed by a consular officer if
necessary.
Processing time, requirements and fees are subject to change
without notice.
If you need more information please call us at
(202)939-8907,8918, 8913 and 8911 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till
12.30 .p.m. and from 2.30. p.m. till 6 p.m.
Visa applications are accepted Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. till
12.15 p.m. ONLY
Hotel accommodations
Hotel Lada-Voskhod
is a small hotel in a bustling neighborhood, and a 5-minute walk from our
office suite. There are 60 shops located upstairs in the same building and two
grocery stores on the ground floor. There is a small food concession offering
hot food, snacks, alcohol & tobacco from 10AM-10PM. Laundry services available
(dry cleaning must be taken elsewhere). Small single rooms with private
bath are priced at $48.00 per night. This hotel also has a few two-room suites
starting at $74.00 per night. Also, there is a new modern hotel called
Hotel
Chocolate that is adjacent to the "A Volga Girl" office which is highly
recommended ($70-$85 per night), if the company luxury apartment is
occupied.
$480-$850
Luxury Apartment Accommodation
One-Bedroom
Company Apartment
This luxurious 3 room flat is located in a security
building
(located
1 block from A
Volga Girl's office
suite) and has all of the amenities of home. It boasts a separate living
room, bedroom and fully furnished kitchen with clothes washer, TV and cable, and local telephone. Our clients usually prefer these accommodations
due to the many amenities. This rental priced at $69.50 per
night plus a $40 cleaning fee. $735
Food $300
Togliatti has a wide array of eating establishments. Western-style
food, though rare here, can be found at select restaurants. You will not
find many fast food restaurants in Tolgiatti though there are three McDonald's there
now. Our friendly and
helpful office staff will gladly guide you to some of the "preferred
visitor spots" located throughout the city. The
Pharoah restaurant (one of Togliatti's best) is located on the ground
floor of our office building, and has been the site of a number past women's
banquets that A Volga Girl has sponsored. In addition,
there is a great restaurant next to the apartment called Telega and other
restaurants within walking distance including a grocery store.
Ground transportation $100-$200
Three, four, or five taxi rides per day around Togliatti
during a 10-night stay would cost between $100-$150, depending on whether
your fares are driven within or between the 3 primary Togliatti city
districts. Taxi fare back to Samara Airport for your departure should run
approximately $60.
SUBTOTAL OF YOUR BASIC
TOGLIATTI TRIP EXPENSES $2,850 (averaged)
Variable Expenses
Discretionary
Spending (up to $500)
The aforementioned expenses cover all of your essential
costs based upon a 10 night stay in Togliatti. Now you should factor-in
the ladies that you have either come to visit. Your own budget for food
for your entire stay has been calculated at $300.00. If you are purchasing
an occasional meal for ladies you are meeting which most clients do,
your meal costs will be higher. If you and your lady(s)
are dining out, and one of our interpreters is accompanying you, you
are expected to pay for her meal as well as a courtesy. Maybe your special lady is
one of the 15% of the Volgagirls who live in Ulianovsk (3.5 hours northwest
of Togliatti), or Samara (1.5 hour's drive to the southwest). Might
she come and stay at one of the recommended hotels as well? With room rates
between $48.00 to $85.00 US per night, this option too is possible.
Understand that the valuation of the Russian currency (about 28-30 rubles-to-1
US dollar) stretches most all other hard currencies the same way. Meals,
flowers, other small gifts, even clothing; the subject approximation
of $500.00 discretionary spending money for a 10-night stay should serve
the average budget as adequate.
Interpreter services $16.00 per
hour
The use of A Volga Girl's interpreters is
discretionary decision made by our clients themselves. We do not contract
with outsiders; all of our intepreters are drawn from our
full-time office staff, with everyone having earned a University
degree in English.
Clearly, for those clients corresponding with women
that are
fluent in English (levels "4" and "5"), the
use of interpreters when visiting Togliatti is unnecessary. For most
of our visitors, the use of skilled interpreters is a vital component
in the in-person process of getting to better know the one or more ladies
that you have traveled over 6,000 miles to meet.
We suggest the utilization of our interpreters in an
on-and-off manner. Even when the lady can speak some English,
it is important that you can both communicate at your respective
levels of intellect. Therefore, and in order to do so, the use
of an interpreter is vital. Visiting clients frequently utilize interpreters
during "eating hours," a time when meaningful conversation
comes somewhat more naturally than when riding in a taxi or traveling
across the city. A Volga Girl's office staff is flexible and
ready to provide an interpreter whenever a client makes such a request.
Usually with only few short hours notice such arrangements can be made.
Clients who anticipate using our interpreters during
their visit are asked to make minimum website deposit of $200 before
arriving in Togliatti. A record of interpreters hours is kept in the
office, and clients are asked to recharge their accounts through the
website whenever necessary.
ESTIMATED TOGLIATTI
10-NIGHT VISIT IS $3,450 (average) (excluding interpreter services)
PLEASE NOTEA VOLGA GIRL IS AN INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF
INTRODUCTIONS AND MAKES NO CLAIMS OF OPERATING AS A TRAVEL AGENCY.
ALL EXPENSES
OTHER THAN OUR "TRIP BUNDLE" AND ANY INTERPRETER FEES ARE
TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO EACH VENDOR INVOLVED.
RUSSIA FOR THE MOST
PART OPERATES AS A CASH ECONOMY. NEITHER OF THE TWO HOTELS SUGGESTED FOR OUR
VISITORS ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. HOWEVER, THERE IS AN ATM MACHINE THAT ALLOWS
FOR WITHDRAWALS OF UP TO $300 PER DAY, PAID IN AMERICAN DOLLARS. THE
RUSSIAN SAVINGS BANK IN TOGLIATTI NOW CASHES AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELERS
CHECKS FOR A 3% FEE.
IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY
TO BRING ENOUGH CASH OR AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVELERS CHECKS WITH YOU TO TOGLIATTI
TO COVER MOST ALL OF THE EXPENSES OUTLINED ABOVE. IT WOULD BE ILL-ADVISED
TO COMPLETELY DEPEND ON ATM MACHINE WITHDRAWALS TO COVER THE RUSSIAN EXPENSES
OF YOUR TRIP, AS SUCH MACHINES ARE OUT-OF-ORDER FROM TIME-TO-TIME.
PLEASE NOTE:IT IS NECESSARY TO BRING NEWER BILLS
WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO RUSSIA. CURRENCY WITH ANY MARKS WHATSOEVER, STAMPINGS,
STAPLE HOLES, OR WRITING OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN TOGLIATTI, AND
THROUGHOUT RUSSIA FOR THAT MATTER. ASK YOUR BANK TO SORT THROUGH THE BILLS,
AND EXAMINE THEM VERY CLOSELY YOURSELF. IT TAKES SOME DOING, BUT YOU CAN
GET NEWLY CIRCULATED, CLEAN BILLS THAT ARE CLOSE TO UNCIRCULATED
QUALITY.