Travelling on business to Moscow - how much?

Justin_k

Hi

thinking of sending a colleague to Moscow later this year on business and trying to estimate what level of expense to anticipate.

In my old company there were set "per diem" rates for each country.

Anyone got any idea of any corporate per-diem allowance rates for Moscow that I could use as a guide?

what about getting around Moscow - do people travel by taxis and are they expensive?

Anyone got a good suggestion for a hotel with good business services in Moscow (decent sized meeting rooms that don't cost the earth)?

Cheers

Justin_k

Justin_k wrote: »

Hi

thinking of sending a colleague to Moscow later this year on business and trying to estimate what level of expense to anticipate.

Bear in mind that this is from a personal experience, rather than business orientated.

The main expense is in Hotels. Avoid them if at all possible. I've been to Moscow three times, and each time I've gotten a reasonably priced apartment. Normally I would use hotels in other countries, but Moscow is just too expensive. (you also have to deal with hookers in many places coming around at night to your door, or ringing on the phone - part of many hotels services)

In my old company there were set "per diem" rates for each country.

Anyone got any idea of any corporate per-diem allowance rates for Moscow that I could use as a guide?

Nope. rates fluctuate like crazy. I'll take a peek at my costs from my previous trips, but I'd recommend calling a few places to compare offers. Many places will offer special rates that won't be listed on websites or such.

what about getting around Moscow - do people travel by taxis and are they expensive?

Most people just stick out their hand on the street and get a normal car to pick them up. They're normal citizens going to wherever they were going originally, and if your destination is on the way, they'll give you a life for a relatively small amount. Just make sure your guy can either pronounce the address right, or have a card with it written on (best to make sure a russian writes it). These people are normal citizens and for the most part very honest. I never had any problems in my whole time there, but always be aware of your environment.

There are yellow cabs, but they're a lot more expensive, but very very safe. I only used them at night when i was coming home from Nightclubs.

If your guy is going anywhere near the suburbs, get a official taxi. Too dangerous otherwise.

Anyone got a good suggestion for a hotel with good business services in Moscow (decent sized meeting rooms that don't cost the earth)?

Cheers

Nope. I'd advise going to business centres instead of hotels, and staying in the apartments. You might find some deals on hotels, but since my first visit i've stuck to the apartments.

I would highly recommend getting a guide of some sort. they can be very cheap, and extremely useful. I had friends over there so I had help with language and getting around, but it boggles the mind if you're on your own. I went to clubs on my own, and while i never had any issues, I've heard enough horror stories to know how lucky I was.

Sorry i couldn't be more help.