ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Sep 10 2007, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 10 2007, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You guys are acting like a hundred bucks for a transfer is going to kill you.
Thousands of dollars. If it costs you $100 to gain several thousand, are you really getting a bad deal? I'll put $100 up right now for anyone that wants to send me several thousand.


To WU up to 6K costs almost $300, and I have 15K to send. And it's not my guy who will be "gaining" these 15K but WE, OURSELVES and OUR retirement/ car/ house /whatever.
Yes, the expense is going to kill me and yes, I'd rather avoid it.



I would have to agree, 100 dollars or more is alot of money. It doesn't make you 'gain' anything, you are losing the money anyway you look at it.

The money is for savings anyway, and my wife worked really hard for her money, considering the differences in currency exchange and the difference in average income through the years, and does not want to part with any of it that easily... actually Slim neither should you! Your wife needs to make you think more like a Russian me thinks...
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-09-10 21:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 9 2007, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Sep 9 2007, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It was also my understanding that the 'Western' bank system and the 'Russian' bank system do not do business with each other. I.E. no money transfers.

That's wrong - they do it.

My parents used to send me money all the time before I got married. You can try a wire transfer from Vneshtorgbank (they're not only in Moscow) or Promsvyazbank (I'm not sure if they exist outside of Moscow, I hope they do). Sberbank, i think, does it too, but we never used it. It is possible to wire money without opening a bank account in Russia, btw.

Vneshtorgbank charges $20 or 1%, whichever is greater, for an outgoing transfer. Time for the money to be credited - 3 business days. Promsvyazbank - I don't know how much they charge (probably about the same - $20 or 1%), but the money arrives into your U.S. account the next day.



Cool! Thanks for the information!
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-09-09 19:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 9 2007, 12:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How big is the sum of money? Just do the math. Ask your bank and her bank what their money transferring service costs are. The beauty of wire transfer is that it is one flat sum on both ends. Around $20 to $40 total depending on the bank. But again this only justified with a sum of money in excess of say $500. Otherwise the ATM method and Western Union seem more practical in terms of saving on fees.



Well, it is a few thousand. The other particulars are it is not in a bank, as my wife didn't like dealing with banks in Russia. They tend to somehow fold without notice. Anyway, not to debate that, because I do not fully understand her posistion either. It was also my understanding that the 'Western' bank system and the 'Russian' bank system do not do business with each other. I.E. no money transfers.

I may be completly wrong in my assumptions. I suppose 40$ is not too much to pay, if it is possible. Maybe there are a few 'western' banks that do business in Russia outside Moscow? A trip to Moscow by a friend or relative would be too expensive as well.

Anyway, thanks for the info!
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-09-09 12:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
I was reading the thread about sending money to Russia, and it got me thinking, maybe one of you can help me a dilema I have, but in the oppisite.

My wife would like to transfer some money from Russia into her American bank account. We do not want to use West. Union as the fees are ridiculous. We are not travelling to Russia anytime soon, and we want a way to do this with minimum fees.

Anyone with experience or ideas??

Thanks
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-09-09 12:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
Grats! :dance: We got our green cards a few weeks ago. It's a relief to forget about USCIS. Other then that, nothing really changes :P I guess I am due for one of those update posts where I say what we have done and hope it helps other people, but I'm too lazy right now... maybe later.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-06-12 14:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLAX POE - any comments?
I've used LAX, my wife has used LAX. Its a good airport in general without many hassles. The only airport that comes to mind where there are problems is Atlanta.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-09 18:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
My wife has used a Russian Tourist agency for travel.

They will help alot with documents/talking to the right people/greasing a few palms if you want to get into another country.

Exceptions are the U.S., Canada, Britan and Austrailia. So you are S.O.L.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-09 18:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHelp!!!
QUOTE (Ryan and Elina @ Nov 16 2007, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just realized something......I am getting married on December 28th..... my finance's k-1 expires 1/3/08. we will be on our honey moon until 1/8/08. her only form of id is her Russian international passport.... will she be able to fly back to California from Hawaii with her Russian passport even though the k-1 is expired????


Humm, you could go to the courthouse and get married 'officially' before your ceremony on the 28th. Then you could use the certificate to get a state issued ID, and she could keep the more important documents at home (the passport and the MC).

I know the passport is acceptable ID when travelling on a domestic flight, but if there are restrictions regarding Hawaii as was suggested, you may want to consider this alternative.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-17 14:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCancelling K1
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Nov 16 2007, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks my friends; situations change and life throws curves; but we love each other and we are committed to a life together. she wants to come to america but there are other problems I can not discuss; so we will find other ways to be together. We are now planning our wedding for this spring in Russia and I am studying the visa regulations in Holland.



Like you said, life changes. Don't cancel that K1 and lose all your time until you are sure. Exploring other ideas or finding situations that more suit your lifestyle are great ideas, but I suggest keeping that K-1 going in the background.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-17 12:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNVC "Administrative Processing" - What is it Really?
The NVC said my case was in "Administrative Processing" a few weeks after they recieved it. I think it was approved the next week, or something like that. So it may just be their way of saying "its being processed"? Anyway, I wouldn't worry about it quite yet.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-10 01:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusairline tickets for my wife
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Dec 2 2007, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can you go to the Russian embassy and get a new passport for her? We did that for Claudeth.


I would recommend this. All the 'horror stories' I have heard have been using Aeroflot, btw. Got to love that Russian customer service...
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-12-02 23:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWife's last name after marriage
QUOTE (kud @ Dec 5 2007, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Dec 5 2007, 07:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kazan @ Dec 4 2007, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is America, we can change our names to just about anything. Personally, if I had a Russian last name I'd want my wife to have the "a" at the end too, as it is proper. If you can't find a simple solution, just have her name legally changed, in Ohio you do it at the probate court.


That's what we probably will end up doing. After some research yesterday it appears that DMV or Social Security Administration will only use my last name as her new last name, they are not willing to add "a" to the end. So we will have to file for a legal name change for her after we get married. Does anyone know how long it takes in Florida? We want to file for AOS shortly after we get married, but I guess we will have to wait until the name change paperwork goes through...


When you guys get married, ask the person to put the a on the marriage certificate. Explain why. It really shouldn't be a big deal and it makes it legal without paying probate court fees.


Definitly "ask" them to. You may get lucky! There is always the rare few goverment pencil pushers who have common sense.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-12-05 12:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhat country can i go?
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Dec 5 2007, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The list for you is attached.

Not all of these countries let you in because you have a gc - most don't require a visa just because you're a Russian citizen. Also, there are lots of countries that stamp a visa upon entry, they're not on the list.


Neat, thanks for the list!
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-12-06 21:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUS Embassy in Moscow Questions
Since the officers who give the interviews seem to change with some regularity, it is best to listen to those who have recently been interviewed. I can tell you what my wife's experiences where a year and a half ago, but I doubt that would be of relevance now.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-23 19:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusshare your movie
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 17 2007, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, Thomas, quite a few flicks, and with a "stars" system to boot!

Spies Like Us was on there on page 1 I think. May have been page 2, but I saw it somewhere, that's why I didn't list it either. 4.5 stars for that one, huh?


Interesting thread, thanks for all the movie reviews.

I loved Enemy at the Gates, but my wife can't get into it. I think she has some bias tword American movies, cause we watched 9 Rota and a few other Russian made war movies and she liked them. It is just the same stuff as Enemy at the Gates, but without any production value, or any good actors. But it is Russian, so I guess that makes them better *rolls eyes*

As far as accents in movies, I think they add to the quality of the movie. If the actors are good with the accents, you believe they are Russian. On the other hand, if it were a documentry re-enactment or something, I think that is ridiculous when they use accents. But if it is something else, the accents make it easier for you to get 'immersed' into the movie. Of course, when a movie uses bad accents it has an oppisite effect where all you are thinking about is how bad that actor sounds.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-11-17 15:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
Sorry you got taken for a ride, Austin. Really I am. Good luck to you in the future.

This is definitly a cautionary tale that everyone lurking here considering a 'MOB' should think about! If a woman is begging for you to buy property in her name... you might want to put up a red flag.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 12:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIntro. Agency
Along the lines of the last post, why don't you and your wife act as her agency? Really, what does an agency do? You can advertise on dating sites if you wish. You will find most are free for women. You can collect mail, help interpret, and weed out the crazies for her. If she lives in Moscow an internet connection should not be a big problem. If not it still shouldn't be...
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 12:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy New Year!
Happy new year !!!

Soon you will have the joys of acclimating your Russian wife into American society. I will pray for you.

Just kidding tongue.gif It can be a pain in the ###, but it is all worth it!
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 12:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMosocw Medical Exam Controversy
As usual, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Lots of people do want to come to America, but its a very small percentage of the total world population. Lots of Russian men are lazy drunks, but not all. Russian society has problems, American society has problems. Blah blah blah yadda yadda yadda. A very stale conversation.

Also, I have to point out, of course your girlfriends told you that about Russian men! I am no expert on women, but I think you need to think about why they are saying this... Its common with women all over the world... I won't explain.

And... Why are Americans not allowed to critisize other countries but people of other nationalities are so quick to critisize and judge America and Americans?

That being said, all the Russian immigrants I know who went through Moscow had no problems at any of the clinics. Even MOM.
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-12-08 12:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhat should she bring?
QUOTE (Danno @ Jan 2 2008, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 2 2008, 08:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are on the right track. Have any medical records or school records translated and certified. They will be a lot cheaper than having it done here and likely a better job. It may cost a little more, but in the long run you will be happy you did it. The school records are really important for colleges or universities to evaluate how many classes will be accepted. We are struggling with that now, so if you have the documents already translated you'll be ahead of the game. The newer the transcripts and/or degrees, the more likely they will be widely accepted. My wife's degree is over 20 years old and she will likely need to take additional classes.



Now I would imagine in the medical envelope which they gave her to bring for the interview would be her vaccinations in English, I wonder if she went by the medical place again if they will make her a copy in english?

To avoid confusion; due to the holidays she had to make one trip to Moscow last week for the phys. and will return on the 9th for the interview.


We did not have to have the record of shots translated. I can't speak for anyone else, but that was our experience.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 21:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow the best way to do travel.
QUOTE (Danno @ Jan 2 2008, 09:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With everything that has been changing in airline travel lately, I wonder if anyone might have
advice on doing the logistics of travel when she and her Daughter come (hopefully) by the end of the month.

1. Is company offering a "deal" on one way fares. I know usually it is not much less to fly RT.

2. Is there any discount for 10 yr old kid?

3. Since I will be buying the ticket here, I am concerned about the PAPER TICKET hassle, how to get it to her.

She is in ST pet and will Depart from there so there is not problem with her going to the airport to get the paper tickets before hand if needed.


1. Dunno but I doubt it
2. No
3. I bought online at aeroflot.com, she picked it up at the airport. Daughter as well.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 21:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCzar Putin?
I don't care for Putin much, but i don't think there is reason to over-react. I do not believe we are seeing the return of communism. If you look at the younger generation, you can see the seed has been planted. With increased communication abilities allowing information to be shared, I do not think they could 'get away with it' anyway.

Russians love their country, they have a pride that is different the Americans, that I think we cannot fully understand it. They want an iron-handed leader of sorts. They do not want a 'wishy-washy' government like the US. We never should have expected such a fast, dramatic turn-around there. That is really thier business, and I really do not think we have anything to fear from Russia.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-02 12:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview
As I am sure others will agree with, its not a big deal to re-schedule your appointment for a better day. Its been done before with no reprecussions.

Edit: I just looked at your timeline. I thought it was embassy appt., I am not sure about the appt. to remove conditions.

Edited by Chuckles, 14 January 2008 - 07:31 PM.

ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-14 19:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree calls to Russia
I don't mean to offend anyone or anything like that... But it is against TOA to list or encourage anything illegal, and they seem to be very 'sticky' about this.

Anyway, the first 90 days are free... upon first registration... think about that for a few minutes and I think you will understand how to have free calls forever. Unless they changed that policy, of course.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-14 11:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree calls to Russia
QUOTE (Satellite @ Jan 13 2008, 02:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Jan 11 2008, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://www.freecall.com requires no pre-existing VOIP service. It is only free for land-lines, and only for 90 days free to Russia. But there are ways around that...
This too is not really free. You have to buy €10 plus a processing fee of €0.50, which roughly comes out to $15. That will give you the 90 days for free at 300 minutes a week. After the 90 days or any week exceeding 300 minutes the account starts getting used up at their standard rate. But it is the best thing I can find and my wife is on it. Only we went through http://www.voipcheap.com which is identical to the website you posted.


I am going to edit my response to this. There is a way to make it totally free, but I shouldn't be posting it on boards, on second thought. If you are happy with it now, then fine. I don't pay for it.

Edited by Chuckles, 14 January 2008 - 10:25 AM.

ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-14 10:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree calls to Russia
http://www.freecall.com requires no pre-existing VOIP service. It is only free for land-lines, and only for 90 days free to Russia. But there are ways around that...
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-11 22:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree calls to Russia
www.freecall.com works too !! wink.gif
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-11 15:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJAN 9 is the big day
I can hardly remember this stuff anymore... but my wife says it took 2 weeks to arrive by mail, in Yoshkar-Ola.

I know you can also pick it up in Moscow at the DHL office. People in this forum have done that... I am sure there is one that can help...
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-09 02:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo Bio Or Not To Bio
I brought a child from Russia too. You will be amazed how fast they can adjust. And, quite possibly, you may be amazed how much longer it takes adults to adjust.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-02-01 15:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJust came back from the embassy....
Congratulations! It looks like I missed lots of people getting approved for visas, or other things, so let this serve as a congratulations to all of you! smile.giftongue.gif
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-02-28 15:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies
I concur. Mac compatibilty and software availability are things of the past. I used to hate apples etc. I'm not one of those apple/mac nuts either, but you got to admit when things have changed. I have a vested interest in PC's, but to friends I do not necessarily recommend them.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-02-01 14:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies
I found Russian movies that work on Ebay for relativly cheap. They work in my DVD player, and of course, being Russian movies, you always get at least 5 movies per disk :thumbs:
ChucklesMaleRussia2007-02-05 19:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-130 for wife and child are at NVC. Need advise
QUOTE (WWW @ Mar 13 2008, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife's I-130 and child's I-130 has been approved and forwarded to NVC. I am little bit confused.
Should I complete two separate I-184 for wife and child or just only one for both?


You do one for both.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-03-13 10:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHE'S HERE AND WE'RE MARRIED
QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 18 2008, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I like Detroit too. Never had a problem. They always ask me, "When is your lady coming?" Since every time I cross over she s the reason for my trip! laughing.gif Good luck with the new wife! biggrin.gif


Isn't the OP a woman?
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-03-18 18:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVISA APPROVED
Congrats
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-03-03 12:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
You live and you learn, I guess. I am not sure why you thought a Russian woman was going to be a domestic goddess for you, slim. If you were rich, I'm sure your wife would be fine hiring a maid and then hanging out in the house during the day, then after going out at night with your money (maybe that is what SHE thought she signed up for smile.gif smile.gif ). Since by all accounts, you are not rich, you do what you have to do, as does she.

So, if you get married again, work on that bank account first! I think that is the lesson !!!! smile.gif
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-23 11:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
Slim, I don't know If I have related to any post in the Russian forum more then this one. However, I didn't have any other expectation after my wife started working in the US. I had no delusions about her being "Russian" and that somehow "trumped" her womenly instincts. She works and brings home a paycheck just like me.

Yah, I ###### and moan about the housework I have to do, but I do it. I married my wife for a reason, so I will sacrifice some of my mascaline dignity for her. I don't think it would be different for any other woman from any country.

Now, as far as the other failed marriages mentioned here, I think it was because you really noticed these 'extra' chores that you did because of other reasons. I could speculate what those reasons where, but I think you get the idea. Anyway I am sure (or at least hope) you will be happy in your marriages, and not notice that you are still doing lots of the same things that you did when you were with your old "American wives" smile.gif
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-22 12:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Satellite @ Jan 18 2008, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Jan 18 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yep, I've heard this one more then a few times. It doesn't matter what nationality the restaurant is, it is always "stupid American food"...
I don't know, my wife enjoys the few times we go out no matter where it is to.


My wife needs more training then yours! devil.gif
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-18 16:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Satellite @ Jan 18 2008, 04:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 18 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"I not like this $30 dinner and I will not be eat this foo-blat. I want go home."
Wow, slim what kind of restaurants did she eat at back in Russia? My wife had been to a restaurant just a few times in her life prior to coming to the US. You must have spoiled her!
Anyway, the best response to that it, no more restaurants, we'll eat at home from now on.


Yep, I've heard this one more then a few times. It doesn't matter what nationality the restaraunt is, it is always "stupid American food"...
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-18 16:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 9 2008, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kazan @ Jan 8 2008, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey, Slim, are you saying your employers forbid wedding bands? I've got serious issues with that.


About two years ago they came out with a "no jewelry" policy. Nothing. No wedding bands, no earrings, not even a Mr. T style feather was allowed. I work in a factory with machinery and lots of moving parts so there was at least a valid reason for them to issue the new order; Safety First.

However, about a week into it, so many people were b!tching about not being able to wear their wedding rings that they amended the policy and allowed wedding bands to be worn. They've loosened up quite a bit on enforcement of the policy (some of the girls are even sporting engagement rings without wedding bands) but it is now "officially" allowed to wear one.

I choose to not wear mine at work because I happen to like all my fingers, including my ring finger and I know sooner or later if I wore my ring, it'd be melted to the side of a plastic bag along with what's left of my finger. It's a pretty simple titanium band so it probably wouldn't get cut or break but my finger is pretty maleable so that'd probably be what separated from my body. The ring would just be sitting there mocking me.

My wife works in a sandwich shop so she's always getting messy hands and chooses not to wear hers on that account. Plus, hers has a pearl and some small diamonds on it (not really a traditional band but that's the one she wanted... special ring for a special girl!) so she doesn't want it to get messed up either.

We wear them when we get "dressed up" or go out together somewhere. Daily though, neither one of us really wears one. We almost didn't even buy them as it wasn't a big issue for either of us but my parents "donated" the money for them a few days, actually, I think it was the day before, the wedding. Since then, the longest I've worn mine was while we were on vacation. I have a nice "worn" spot of dry, cracked skin on my ring finger now. It's ugly, but it's not enough to make me chance getting caught in some gears.

(I have a buddy at work who has a "work" wedding ring and a "home" wedding ring. He left his work ring at the wash basin one day and thought he lost it. He wasn't very worried about it and we were all like, "Yo man, your wife's gonna kick your @$$ when she finds out you lost your wedding band." He said, "Naw man. That's just my work ring. My home ring is safe and sound. That one was just a $20 Wal-Mart special that I wear around here at work so I don't mess up my other one." He still has all his fingers..... and never got his @$$ kicked.)


My wife only wears her ring(s) when we go out too. She likes to keep them nice, and it isn't a great idea for her to wear them at her work either. My wedding ring was a 35$ band I really didn't care about. I wore it most of the time, but wedding rings were not a big deal to us... I thought...

Then I lost my ring. She was not happy blink.gif All of a sudden it was a big deal... bah!

Anyway, she bought me a much nicer one for our wedding anniversary. I still do not wear it everywhere, but if I lose it... I might lose something else if you know what I mean.
ChucklesMaleRussia2008-01-09 11:37:00