Thank you all for the tips. They are starting to make my hair curl
. BTW, I grew up in NYC, even drove a taxi there, and although I've lived in CA for more than 20 years, I think I still have some street smarts left. When I travel in Europe, which I do often, I am usually mistaken for a local; even asked for directions a few times. I never carry a wallet, putting my cash and plastic in my front pants pocket. The passport is more difficult. Also, my wife is Japanese, and I am wondering if we should have any concerns about that in Russia.
I have free use of an apartment in Moscow, so overnight train is not really attractive. I have heard there is a high-speed rail service between the two cities. Any experience with that? Cost?
Finally, can I use my ATM card there to get cash? At the airport? Are credit cards pretty widely accepted?