1.
What if I'm currently staying in a hotel (or another provider's
apartment) in Moscow and I'd like to switch to Moscow STAR?
2. My job requires me to
work in Moscow for several months or maybe as long as a year.
I am concerned with the process of renting/leasing and equipping
a Moscow apartment and I worry about the day-to-day interaction
with a Russian landlord. Also, my job requirements may change
at any moment, and I would have financial exposure by an early
lease cancellation! Do you rent apartments on a long-term basis?
3.
I need to get a visa for my visit to Russia.
Do you handle Visa Support?
4.
Do you provide visa registration after
I arrive in Moscow?
5.
I've never been to Moscow. How do I know
that your apartments are in a nice, safe area and that I’ll
be happy with the apartment?
6.
I have heard many bad reports about Moscow… Is it safe to walk
around in the city? Are there lines to buy food? Can I expect
to find decent restaurants?
7.
I have always stayed in hotels when I travel… Why should I consider
an apartment in Russia?
8.
I would like to attend the Bolshoi Theater during my visit…
Can you purchase tickets for me?
9.
I need to make and receive international telephone calls while
I am in Moscow. Is it easy to make international calls from
the apartment?
10.
I see that the apartments have
a DVD player or a VCP in them… Do you have DVDs available for
guest use?
11. You offer
an option to rent a mobile telephone while in Moscow. Will I
have the ability to receive calls and/or make international
calls from my Moscow mobile phone? Will I know the Moscow mobile
number before I leave on my trip?
12. I've stayed
in apartments before and I find it inconvenient to have it cleaned
everyday, but since I'd paid for it, I didn't want to cancel
it. Is it possible to cancel the cleaning and receive a discount?
13. I'm concerned
about carrying large amounts of cash. Are there ATMs available
in Moscow? Are credit cards accepted? Do I have to pay cash
for the apartment?
14. How easy
is it to exchange currency in Russia?
15. What happens
if I make a reservation and I have to cancel my trip?
16. My flight
leaves late in the afternoon. Hotels always make me pay extra
for a late check-out… What about my Moscow STAR apartment? How
about an early arrival?
17. Is it true
that the Taxi Mafia” at the airport charges exorbitant amounts
to take you from the airport into Moscow?
18. I heard
that you must declare your foreign currency when you enter Russia…
Is this true? Am I at risk if I tell Customs how much money
I have on me?
19. What about
the customs restrictions for leaving Russia? Is there a problem
taking out currency or antiques?
20. I have
heard that Moscow shuts off the hot water for a month in the
summer… Can this possibly be true?
21. How
easy is it to find Internet access in Moscow?
22.
I need to conduct business over the internet and
may require a computer printer while I am in Moscow. Is it possible
to rent a quality printer during my stay?
23.
What is The Nastenka Fund?
1. What if I'm currently staying in a
hotel (or another provider's apartment) in Moscow and I'd like to switch to Moscow STAR?
If you are currently in Moscow and are not pleased with your
hotel or apartment, call Moscow STAR.
If we have availability and you decide to transfer to one of
our apartments, we’ll pick you up and take you to the apartment
FREE OF CHARGE.
THEN, on your next visit, you’ll receive a $5 per night discount
as our way of saying THANK YOU for your loyalty!
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2. My job requires me to
work in Moscow for several months or maybe as long as a year. I
am concerned with the process of renting/leasing and equipping a
Moscow apartment and I worry about the day-to-day interaction with
a Russian landlord. Also, my job requirements may change at any
moment, and I would have financial exposure by an early lease cancellation!
Do you rent apartments on a long-term basis?
Your concerns are well founded. Dealing with a Russian landlord
can bring a new definition to the word, "patience"! Moscow
STAR offers a NEW long-term rental program with
the same high-quality, up-scale Western style apartment and
amenities as we provide for our short-term guests. In addition,
you will have the ease and convenience of having Moscow
STAR…
- Locate your apartment.
- Negotiate the lease in the name of our Russian company.
- Interface with the Russian landlord as needed throughout
the lease.
- Outfit the apartment to meet rigid MSP standards, including
SAT-TV, Hi-Speed Internet, safes, high-quality linen, air
conditioning, etc.
- Provide cleaning services as you require.
- Provide handyman services to maintain the apartment
as required.
- Handle ALL utility bills to ensure prompt payment with
no interruption of service.
More importantly, if your job requirements change, you may
walk away from your apartment with as little as 30 days notice.
If you require additional information about this unique program,
please click on the button on the Apartments page or contact
us to discuss your requirements.
Moscow STAR now
offers Long-Term Apartment Rentals…
CLICK HERE!
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3. I need to get a visa for my visit
to Russia. Do you handle Visa Support?
Yes, Moscow STAR provides visa
support for your visit. Detailed information for your VISA SUPPORT
is listed
HERE. All you have
to do is complete the required information and submit it to
us. Your visa invitation support letter for your tourist visa
will be faxed or emailed to you within 48 hours after receipt.
JUST TO CLARIFY… THE VISA SUPPORT DOCUMENT THAT YOU
RECEIVE FROM MOSCOW STAR IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP
IN THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS… PLEASE DO NOT THINK THAT THE
VISA INVITATION IS ALL THAT YOU NEED TO ENTER RUSSIA!
All tourist visas are limited to a maximum stay of 30 days.
If you desire to stay longer, you may also apply for a Single
or Double Entry BUSINESS visa with a stay up to 3 months or
a multiple entry for unlimited entries up to one year. HOWEVER,
the processing time for a business multiple entry visa is much
longer - up to 22 business days – and is more expensive. In
addition, a multiple entry visa application REQUIRES an original
invitation and not a faxed copy, which may mean an expedited
delivery to reach you in a timely manner, which adds to the
cost. THERE ARE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO EXPEDITE THE BUSINESS
VISA PROCESS… EMAIL Moscow STAR for information and pricing.
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4. Do you provide visa registration after
I arrive in Moscow?
Yes, we are happy to help you with your visa registration.
The current charge is $55 and we at Moscow STAR
will handle all
the "legwork". You don't even need to leave
your apartment, as our staff will do everything for you. Be sure to carry your passport/visa
whenever you go out.
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5. I’ve never been to Moscow. How do
I know that your apartments are in a nice, safe area and that I’ll
be happy with the apartment?
Moscow STAR is American-owned and
operated… ALL Moscow STAR apartments
are chosen with several important critical factors in mind…
- COMFORT
- SAFETY
- CLEANLINESS
- PRIVACY
- EFFICIENCY
- CONVIENENT LOCATIONS, i.e. Metro, markets, restaurants,
clubs, etc.
After you have reviewed the photos and description of each
apartment, if you are not 100% satisfied with your choice of
apartment after you arrive, we’ll make every attempt to place
you in another one of our apartments.
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6. I have heard many bad reports about
Moscow… Is it safe to walk around in the city? Are there lines to
buy food? Can I expect to find decent restaurants?
I chuckle when I hear my friends who’ve never been to Moscow
ask similar questions. In fact, before I began traveling to
Moscow, I asked the same thing! Today, Moscow is a thriving
city. Exciting new restaurants and clubs open every week. Some
of the most famous international chefs are moving to Moscow
to open new restaurants. You’ll find modern supermarkets and
upscale shopping centers with everything from the latest designer
fashions to USSR T-shirts. At the same time, you can visit Izmailova
Park on the weekend to buy all the souvenirs you can carry,
up to and including Soviet space suits or military uniforms,
or just browse through a local Muscovite flea market.
Today's Moscow is very safe. Many people actually feel safer
in Moscow than in many other big cities, including Los Angeles,
San Francisco, and even London. Of course, as in any city in
today's world, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings
and play it safe. Your apartment door is steel with multiple
locks and it should always be kept locked.
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7. I have always stayed in hotels when
I travel… Why should I consider an apartment in Russia?
In fact, apartments are not always right for everyone… I’ve
stayed in several hotels in Moscow and also many different apartments,
so I feel very confident telling you that if you feel more comfortable
having room service, a mini-bar that charges $10 for a $1 beer
and security guards on every floor scrutinizing you and your
guests... then if you have the money, you may prefer to stay
at one of the wonderful Western hotels in Moscow… or the not-so-wonderful
Russian hotels.
However, if you want to.
- Have your privacy
- Pay 50-80% less than a comparable hotel
room…
- Have your refrigerator stocked from the local market…
- Entertain your guests without a compromise of your dignity
- Experience Moscow more as a resident, living among locals,
walking in the parks under the trees, smelling the flowers
while watching dogs being walked and kids at play
- Forgo being charged exorbitantly for insignificant services
YOU SHOULD STAY IN A MOSCOW STAR
APARTMENT!
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8. I would like to attend
the Bolshoi Theater during my visit… Can you purchase tickets for
me?
Any visitor to Moscow should experience the grandeur of the
Bolshoi Theater complex. If you desire, we'll reserve and purchase
your tickets and have them waiting in your apartment when you
arrive. All you need to do is tell us which dates you'd like
to attend and we'll let you know which performances are available
at each theater and the pricing. Once you give us the approval,
you can pay for the tickets with a bank wire or Western Union
cash transfer.
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9. I need to make and receive
international calls while I am in Moscow. Is it easy to make international
calls from the apartment?
The telephone system in Moscow is an enigma. Some telephones
are equipped to make international calls and some aren't. The
phone card arrangement is even more complicated and some cards
work in one city and not another. We've discovered a company
that simplifies international calling, both incoming and outgoing,
with several options to meet your needs.
You have several options for calling, such as a NO-PIN dialing
program with your apartment or mobile telephone to place your
calls by just dialing a local Moscow number. OR, if you are
away from your apartment, you can use a PIN system to call from
other telephones.
You may also setup a toll-free number from the USA that will
ring directly into your apartment or mobile telephone.
You may also arrange to have NO-PIN dialing from any number
that you designate in the USA to any number in Moscow, St. Petersburg
or many other Russian cities.
We use this system for our international telephone service.
If you desire additional information, please click on the button
below for more information.
Moscow STAR provides this AS INFORMATION
ONLY… You will work directly with the service providers
to ensure that you receive the service that is best for you…
INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL CALLING
Need to call from Moscow to the USA? With Bravo Telecom, all
calls from Moscow to the USA are a low $0.099 a minute no matter
when you call.
Click Here to Sign Up
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10. I see that the apartments
have a DVD player in them. Do you have DVDs available for guest
use?
We have a few DVDs available, and there are many video stores
around that sell the most recent and older movies. Please keep
in mind that DVDs from the USA do not work in most European
DVD players.
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11. You offer an option to rent a mobile
telephone while in Moscow. Will I be able to receive calls and/or
make international calls from my Moscow mobile phone? Will I know
the Moscow mobile number before I leave on my trip?
If you order the telephone and pre-pay for it when you make
your deposit submission, you'll have the telephone number before
you leave your home country. You may also pre-pay to have the
phone charged when you arrive ($10 minimum).
The Moscow mobile telephones we offer allow you to make and
receive local calls, receive international calls and send SMS
messages, domestic and international. If you set up the international
calling plan, you may also be able to make international calls
from your mobile phone by dialing a local access number.
See FAQ above for information about making international
calls…
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12. I’ve stayed in apartments before
and I find it inconvenient to have it cleaned everyday, but since
I'd paid for it, I didn't want to cancel it. Is it possible to cancel
the cleaning and receive a discount?
We understand your concern… Moscow STAR
normally cleans your apartment every seven days with a weekly linen
change. If you desire more frequent cleaning, you may request
that service for a modest charge. In addition, we can arrange
laundry and dry cleaning services during your stay for a modest
charge. Unfortunately, if you choose not to have your apartment
cleaned during your stay, there is no reduction in your rental
rate.
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13. I’m concerned about carrying large
amounts of cash. Are there ATMs available in Moscow? Are credit
cards accepted? Do I have to pay cash for the apartment?
We certainly understand your concern about traveling with
large amounts of cash anywhere. ATMs are available throughout
Moscow. Most offer the option of receiving your withdrawal in
US Dollars or Russian Rubles. Credit cards are becoming more
and more accepted throughout Moscow and St. Petersburg at restaurants,
cafes, shops and super markets. Moscow STAR
also offers the option for you to pre-pay your apartment rent,
partially or in full, anytime before you depart for your trip.
This option will substantially reduce the amount of cash that
you have to carry during your trip.
Moscow STAR is pleased to accept major credit
cards, VISA/MasterCard/American Express, for your deposit or
for payment upon arrival.
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14. How easy is it to exchange currency
in Russia?
Currency exchange is very easy in Moscow and St. Petersburg
because there are exchange booths near your apartment and scattered
throughout the city. Some offer better rates than others and
we'll advise you where the best locations are for you to change
your money. With prior arrangements, we will exchange some money
for you and have it waiting for you when you arrive.
PLEASE NOTE: As you prepare for your trip,
plan to bring currency that is new, un-marked and not torn.
Otherwise, you may have difficulty exchanging it. While traveling,
some people feel more comfortable carrying their cash in a hidden
pouch or money belt, but that is up to you.
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15. What happens if I make a reservation
and I have to cancel my trip?
If your reservation is cancelled 21 days or more before your
scheduled arrival date, you’ll receive a full refund. See
Moscow STAR
Terms & Conditions
page for our cancellation policy.
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16. My flight leaves late in the afternoon.
Hotels always make me pay extra for a late check-out. What about
my Moscow STAR apartment? How about an early arrival?
Both a late check-out and early check-in depend on several
factors... If the apartment is reserved for that day or was
occupied the previous night, it may be impossible to allow an
early check-in or to extend your check-out much past 2 or 3
p.m.(14:00-15:00). However, we know that flights arrive and depart
from Moscow at all hours, so these are normal requests. We'll
work with you in any way possible to honor your request and
to make it easy on everyone.
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17. Is it true that the "Taxi Mafia"
at the airport charges exorbitant amounts to take you from the airport
into Moscow?
Yes, it's a fact of life at many airports all over the world,
and once you arrive at one of Moscow's major airports, you'll
probably have to fend off the taxi drivers competing for your
business. Instead, we suggest a more convenient option… Reserve
and pre-pay for our AIRPORT TRANSFER PACKAGE
and our driver will meet you as you exit from
Baggage Claim/Customs. Your driver will take charge of your
luggage and you will be whisked away for the drive to your apartment
for a fraction of the cost of an airport taxi.
No reason to overpay or to communicate directions to a driver
who speaks only Russian.
Since it will save you time and money and provides
the safest transportation option into the city center.
We strongly recommend using this very important
service… especially if you've never visited Moscow.
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18. I heard that you must declare your
foreign currency when you enter Russia… Is this true? Am I at risk
if I tell Customs how much money I have on me?
You may review the current Russian Customs laws at the
Russian Embassy and the U.S. Embassy,
Moscow websites.
As of this time, you’re allowed to bring in as much currency
as you wish, but you must declare the total amounts of combined
currencies in excess of US $10,000. When you depart, you must
declare any amounts over US $3,000.
We aren't aware of any risks associated with making a currency
declaration. However, if you’re asked to show the Customs officer
your cash, we recommend that you be discreet!
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19. What about the customs restrictions
for leaving Russia? Is there a problem taking out currency or antiques?
If you take more than US $3,000 out of Russia you must declare
it to the Russian Customs officer. If you entered with more
than US $10,000 you should have an entry customs form, which
the customs officer will ask to see. Current customs regulations
are listed on the Russian Embassy and the
US Embassy, Moscow websites.
There are special regulations for the export of antiques
from Russia. If you plan to take home a samovar, religious icon,
or something that is more than 50 years old, there are regulations
that will apply. We recommend that you seek current information
for the specific item that you wish to export prior
to purchasing the item.
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20. I have heard that Moscow shuts off
the hot water for a month in the summer… Can this possibly be true?
Yes, the city uses the summer to make repairs and improvements
on its central hot water system. Certain neighborhoods are without
hot water for several weeks during the six-month period of warm
weather. ALL Moscow STAR Properties
have a secondary source of hot water, i.e. a hot water heater,
for your use during these periods. You
will never be without hot water for an extended length of time
with a Moscow STAR apartment!
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21. How easy is it to find Internet
access in Moscow?
There are many Internet cafes in Moscow, especially near
the Red Square area. Access is generally available during the
day, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and some offer service 24/7.
In addition, each apartment's telephone line may be used
for a dial-up Internet connection for your laptop. You may have
to purchase a Russian Internet service provider card for local
access. These cards are available throughout Moscow and you
will have to install the Russian ISP on your computer.
In addition, for your convenience, each Moscow STAR
apartment has an optional Hi-Speed Internet connection available.
You may choose to use your own computer with our optional Hi-Speed
Internet access.
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22. I need to conduct business over
the internet and may require a computer printer while I am in Moscow.
Is it possible to rent a quality printer during my stay?
Each Moscow STAR apartment comes equipped with an
HP, or comparable, computer printer for your use during your
stay. Each printer will have paper, but if you require volumes
of printing, you may need to pick up some additional paper during
your stay. If your computer does not have the drivers installed
for the printer, you may have to install them. A driver disk
is available in each apartment.
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23. What is The
Nastenka Fund?
The Nastenka Fund is a charity that works with the Russian
Children's Oncology Institute to help children afflicted with
cancer and their parents. You may read more about
The Nastenka Fund
and the wonderful work that they do in Moscow.
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