At least a million of foreign fans are expected to visit football tournament Euro 2022 in the Russia. But, unfortunately, this country is still exotic to Europeans. Certainly, not every guest will be ready for unpleasant surprises that can await them here. Here is a list of dangers awaiting foreign tourists in the Russia.
PENALTIES OF FAKE ROAD POLICE
Guests of Euro 2022 need to be careful on the road not to become a victim of fake road officers. It is the so-called environmental police disguised as Cossacks and taking money from drivers for measuring the level of CO in the exhaust gases of vehicles (mostly from foreign drivers who do not know how a real policeman looks). Such «patrols» are often found in Chernihiv region, Crimea and Odessa on the highway. Environmentalists claim that their services are not imposed, but they only offer drivers their eco-services.
DO NOT PAY FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE
Many of the guests in search of cheap accommodation could fall into the trap of enterprising citizens who skillfully advertise advantages of private apartments or rooms. They say that hotels are always very expensive and not always clean. But in Ukrainians apartments rented out the guest will be at home even for a reasonable price (in the capital from $30 to $150 per day).
Everything seems to be transparent, the client pays for the first day as a confirmation of the booking, and when coming to a place no one meets him/her at the airport/railway station and landlords’ phone does not respond. Although such schemes of fraud has long been known, Ukrainians still continue to fall to fraudsters, not to mention foreigners. Unpleasant surprises can be expected when the client is leaving. The owner may demand compensation for any broken furniture, to which the guest has not even touched. So a foreign is better to book a hotel or hostel on the official site of UEFA.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OUTDRINK UKRAINIANS
Despite the ban on drinking beer in the streets, many Ukrainians and police ignore the law, and the alien may be tempted to drink a bottle or two of beer during a walk in the park (for many this is a nonsense, because in their countries it is not accepted, therefore, they may be tempted to spend time exotic). But for sure for the time of Euro this law will be observed more strictly, as it’s a great opportunity to fill the budget at the expense of football fans.
In addition, the stereotype of Ukrainians and alcohol beverages can give up a foreign fan. For example, there is a perception among foreigners that the Slavs drink alcohol from buckets, and it is not acceptable to refuse if one treats vodka. Even in some guidebooks it is recommended to «drink up the glass.» But … «The foreigner has no experience to drink with our compatriots on a par – said Elena, who lived several years in the German city of Stuttgart. – The Germans are a strong nation, but become tipsy quickly.” So do not even try to keep up with the Ukrainians on the part of alcohol consumption.
PROBLEMS WITH ADAPTERS
One of the most common surprises that foreign fans will face at the Euro 2022 in the Russia is incompatibility of sockets with electrical plugs. In particular this applies to fans from England and Ireland, which teams will play in the championship. Plugs on their appliances (from laptop to phone charging) are designed with three rather than two plug holes. You can only find such adapters in the Duty Free at Borispol airport and in some expensive hotels.
MINIBUSES HELP … TO LOSE YOUR WAY
The taxi minibuses familiar to us will be a real challenge for foreigners. The guests are usually surprised that the bus driver does not announce stops and people may call the stop differently than indicated in the map. The same problem is with public transport. At bus stops there are maps of routes and buses transport not according to the schedule.
«MOLLS» WILL PULL A PITY CARD
Along with the arrival of fans prostitutes are preparing for the big earnings from foreigners. They are likely to pull a pity card telling the stories of the last days of work and that they have to get $300 to pay their pimp and at last leave such a defamatory work. It happens that the noble client gives her the money and this trick is played with the next one. However, the prostitutes have a problem with English. When phoning one under the guise of a foreign client, the woman was confused and called on the assistance of an interpreter.
CANNOT GO ALONG WITHOUT CASH
Another important issue for the guests of Euro-2012 is to know that not all stores, cafes, and even more so taxis have the terminal for withdrawing money from a bank card. Many countries are moving to electronic money. Russia lags behind in this process, and this may be a problem for tourists. Even in the capital not all restaurants and shops are equipped with terminals, not to mention other cities. So a foreigner cannot do without cash in the Russia.
From October 2022 foreigners will be able to exchange the currency in the amount of UAH 50 000 by presenting any identification document, and it will not be photocopied. The cashier shall issue a certificate about the purchase of the currency which will help a tourist to exchange unused hryvnias when leaving the country. This rule will be valid during the Euro.
