workin4somethin

Do these money exchange places take debit or credit cards? Don't really want to carry a bunch of money to Russia. Leaving October 4.

I think you would pretty much get screwed (with fees) using a bank card at a money exchange. And don’t exchange money at any airports (even in the U.S.).

Your best bet is to take some cash with you, along with an ATM card. I use my bank checking (debit) card with a Visa logo when I’m in Russia, and I have never had a problem with it. The ATM fees have always been $2 per transaction. The best way to pay for things is with cash.

The U.S. currency I carry to Russia usually makes the return trip home with me. I make some purchases with my bank card (using it as a Visa Card), and I have never had a problem with over-charges.

If you’re holding many rubles before you leave Russia, try to get rid of them before you arrive at the airport when you’re returning home.

Lastly, protect your wallet and passport.

Kind of makes you wonder just how serious this lady is about establishing her new life in the US. Sounds like she is coming over for a look see first. If she were fully committed don't you think she would bring her daughter with her no matter what? And what if the school and the environment are not what she imagined? Will she be moving back?

I agree that it kinda makes one wonder.

However, perhaps the mother believes it is best for her child if she (the mother) can help make the transition more comfortable for the child, either by preparing the new home or by further preparing the child. Also, maybe the mother legitimately sees an advantage to her child completing the 1st grade in Russia. These things, too, can be wondered about.

You're a young man Russ. If you spend the next couple of years trying to "help" this girl, you may miss out on the girl that's going to "help" you.

Ditto!

... Bribe somebody/accept bribes = crime offences in Russia and in the USA.

- About bribe in Russia? Hmmmm Myth!

Hmmmm…?

You probably won’t receive a receipt for a bribe.

You probably won’t receive a receipt for a tip.

You should, however, receive a receipt for an ordinary fee.

And you can use this logic to define whether you were appropriately fined too, in some circumstances.

When I was in south Russia, near Chechnya, I was unable to understand the fees I paid, and I never expected to receive a receipt. In Moscow, I can pretty much understand why I am paying the fees, and I nearly always receive a receipt.

Wherever you go in Russia, I do not think it is appropriate to call a bribe a bribe. Instead, simply ask what it will cost to do what it is you need done.

Nevertheless, what in your opinion are pros and contras of "mother and daughter" vs "mother now, daughter later"?

You may wish to tell her your reasons for wanting her and her daughter to enter the U.S. together, but she may find it really negative if you only insist on it rather than understanding her point of view.

If you were going to move you and your own daughter to Russia, wouldn’t you want to go and check it out first? I think there are some benefits to her and her daughter if she chooses to come here first. And even if she later looks back on the separate entry dates as being unnecessary, you should not lose anything in the process; and, maybe you will actually gain more of her trust and respect for allowing her to decide this matter.

My wife and I have considered her entering the U.S. ahead of my stepdaughters. In fact, it remains a possibility. Personally, I do not know which would be best for other people, but in our case I do not think it really matters much.

In all your plans, try to lay all your ideas on the table. Agreement and understanding are a must.

Such bad news is a pity. I hope that both of you can move on and have the best of lives.

With sincere thoughts and simple prayers,

Women, so hard to understand.

Ronnie,

Good luck on your trip and meeting. I hope you two will simply try to enjoy every minute of your time together while you're in Moscow. Maybe you can let her know your budget in advance, so she can think about what you two might do, budget-wise. There are lots of cool spots to visit and to see that don't cost much, if at all.

Remember... this meeting is really important. Don't complain to her about all the walking or about standing in an overcrowded bus with sweat pouring off of you. Life's a little different in the USA.

Best wishes!

Ron,

I think you should post this or a similar request for information in the Russia Forum.

I don't use travel agencies much, and my Russian wife books all our reservations; however, I do use Aerotour to help speed me through customs for when I arrive at Sheremetyevo-2 Airport, in Moscow. They are always very good. Perhaps you can give them a try.

http://www.aerotour.ru/english/

"tax free"

Never heard of it.

hi everyone, just want to ask if it's ok to ask for monthly support from your fiance or just wait for him to send voluntarily? or just wait for him to realize it's a responsibility or is it a responsibility really for a fiance to give monthly support? - aix

First, I’m not surprised at all by your questions.

It seems to me that a fiancé (especially one who will be responsible for supporting his wife, such as in your apparent case) should know enough about the current financial standing of his future bride to be able to identify whether or not she needs support. For me, any such support would be based on necessity.

How would I feel if after my future bride arrived in the USA I found out that she and her kids were struggling every day to find the smallest of comforts, because I was too blind to find out about their living conditions? How would I feel if after my future bride arrived in the USA I found out that she had been married 6 times before and has 7 kids, because I was too blind to find out? If either of these happened, I would feel awfully sorry about it.

What surprises me is all the mockery that has been written in this thread. It looks like a lot of cynical people enjoy trying to teach you a lesson, as if they have any good answers.

Maybe you can explain your financial conditions to your fiancé. Hopefully, he will be able to help you in some way, whether through better financial planning or through actual financial support. If he is not willing to help you in some way, then maybe “that” is a red flag that he is not capable of supporting you in the future.

We see all these approvals but on the website of USCIS.. they haven't updated neither K-3 / K-1 dates..

It seems that since the delays caused by IMBRA, a petition filed in May is just as likely to be approved as one filed in March. And it seems that the dates cannot be updated until the USCIS starts working on petitions based on filing dates again. If it weren't for IMBRA, I think we would see processing dates updated to mid April, or so.

I feel like the kid that no one wants on there team when it comes to uscis...

Evidently, we're on the same team.

Craig,

For me, it would be a red flag. I know it's an individual thing.

How does she greet you at the airport when you arrive? Does she wear a big smile, desire a big hug and not care what other people in the airport think; or, does she seem to be protecting something?

Maybe you can read something about her actions and her true feelings from the things you know about her. My advice would be to follow your gut feelings.

Best wishes.

Got my email this morning that our petition was approved!!!! For other K-3ers yours is coming!

Congratulations! I certainly hope my comes along soon too.

Me and my Fiance have just filled our I-129f and I know the Interview is far away but I want to prepare for travel with my work if I need to be at the interview with her in Moscow. We have a well documented love, and my financial or I-134 has no problems. What is normaly excpected? Is it looked down on if I am not present?

Neonred gave a good description of what you can expect at the interview. You should read it if you haven't already read it: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6319

It seems to me that a man's 'last word' is usually, "Yes Dear."

click the link:

the link

I was wondering:

How do your Russian spouses here, in the USA, typically keep up with Russia's current news and events (other than through friends and family)?

Spasibo!

I think Ann Coulter is similar to the t.v. evangelists, and our president... they're all in it for money.

Whereas liberals are in it for....what again?

That would be... "money".

How did this topic turn to man boobs?

... can't touch that!

I think Ann Coulter is similar to the t.v. evangelists, and our president... they're all in it for money.

Jersey Girl,

That's great news! And to help you celebrate, I will go to Wal-Mart later today and purchase a bottle of their best red wine.

now what guys don't like a topless show?

well, besides the gay guys.....

That would be... the guys with boobies.