Arriving in Moscow

Most international flights to Moscow arrive at Sheremetyevo II airport. This airport has had very little renovation, and is rather dim and crowded. On the descent into Moscow you will be asked to complete a customs declaration form which you will present to customs. The first thing you will encounter after you get off the plane is passport control. There is no order here, although attempts have been made of late to implement some. Passengers simply shove and push to get and stay in line, which, when really busy, doesn't resemble a line but a crowd of people.

Be patient, stand your ground and you will eventually get through. On the other side of Passport Control is the baggage claim. If you need a cart to help carry your things, they are available for free. There are not many carts available, so you may find that you have to wait for one. Alternatively, there are porters available with carts to assist you with your bags. Feel free to use their services, but be ready to pay. Depending on how many bags you have, expect to pay from $10 to $50 for the help. You can negotiate, although they usually don't speak much English.

After you collect your bags, you will stand in line for Customs. The lines usually here move faster than Passport Control. If you have a reasonable amount of luggage, they will rarely check the contents of your bags. If you have any foreign currency you should go through the ÑÑred channelÒÑ and declare it (make sure your declaration is stamped by the official). Be sure to keep your customs declaration until you depart, otherwise you will not be permitted to leave the country with any foreign currency.

There is a Russian law issued in July 1996 that permits the taxation of personal effects taken into Russia. The law states that if you are bringing in over 50 kilograms (about 100 pounds) of baggage, you are subject to tax. The limit is higher if you are a resident. The tax can be as high as $10 a pound. Some travelers have had to pay this tax, but most tourists and foreign residents aren't confronted with this unpleasant issue.

Once you get through customs, you will walk out into the public area where you can be met. It is best to have someone with transportation meet you as taxis are extremely expensive and sometimes dangerous. If you do need a taxi though, it is best to get one through one of the taxi booths located in the airport lobby. Bus service is also available between the airport and several metro stations, but this is inconvenient with luggage and not advisable if you do not speak Russian or know precisely where you are going.