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Safety Tips
Although officials in Russia have in many cases expressed willingness
to cooperate with U.S. officials in emergencies involving U.S.
citizens, communications and transportation can be slow and difficult,
and the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate may be more than a day’s
travel away. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime,
exercise the same precautions that you would in any large city
and follow these tips:
· Safety begins when you pack. Leave
expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards and anything you
would hate to lose at home.
· Never display large sums of money
when paying a bill. Conceal your passport, cash and other valuables
on your person. Do not trust waist packs or fanny packs. Pickpockets
have learned that is where the valuables are stored.
· Be vigilant on public transport
and at tourist sites, food markets, flea markets, art exhibitions
and all places where crowds gather.
· Even slight intoxication is noted
by professional thieves. Therefore, if you drink in a public
place, do so only with a trusted friend who has agreed to remain
sober.
· Avoid hailing unmarked cars as
taxis. Although this is a common practice in Russia, foreigners
have been robbed and assaulted by the drivers of such unmarked
cabs. Never accept a ride from a driver who already has other
passengers.
· Demonstrations are frequently
held in front of U.S. embassies and consulates. While these
demonstrations are usually peaceful and controlled, it is best
to avoid such gatherings.
· If you have been the victim of
a crime, immediately contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest
U.S. consulate or consular agency. For addresses and telephone
numbers, see the end of this pamphlet. You should also report
the crime to the local police immediately.
Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal
security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided
in the Department of State pamphlet, A
Safe Trip Abroad, which is available on the Consular Affairs
web site at http://travel.state.gov and for sale from the U.S.
Government Printing Office. (See the end of the booklet for ordering
information.)
Medical Care and Health Insurance
Medical Care. Medical care is usually far below Western
standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access
to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually
requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S.
Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking
doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually
all of their medical needs. Such travel can be very expensive
if undertaken under emergency conditions. Travelers may therefore
wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental
coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with
existing health problems may be at particular risk.
Health Insurance. Medicare/Medicaid does not cover
you when you are outside the United States. If your insurance
policy does not cover you outside the United States, it is strongly
recommended that you purchase a policy that does. There are short-term
health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel,
which can be as low as $50.00 for a trip of 30 days. As part of
the coverage, these programs usually offer emergency consultation
by telephone. They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call
for help on your behalf. They may translate your instructions
to a health care worker on the scene. Because conditions in many
hospitals are not adequate to ensure recovery, medical evacuation
is frequently necessary for illnesses or injuries that could be
treated locally in other countries. This is an expensive option.
For example, minimum cost from Moscow to New York on a stretcher
is more than $15,000. Medical evacuation by hospital aircraft
on the same route approaches $130,000. Such services require a
substantial down payment before they commit themselves to arranging
a flight out of Russia. In addition, medical evacuation from remote
areas can be especially long and difficult. Evacuation from the
interior of the country, such as Siberia, can take a day to organize
and set into motion.
If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance
company, look for information in travel magazines. The names of
some companies that provide medical evacuation coverage or services
are listed in the publication, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, on our Internet
site http://travel.state.gov under Travel
Publications. The U.S. government cannot pay to have you medically
evacuated to the United States.
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