Question by SunnySideOfTheStreet: How easy is it to travel in Russia with no knowledge of the langauge?
Hello! In about 3 months my boyfriend and I plan to travel through Russia and Mongolia on the Trans-Mongolian railway. Beginning in Moscow, ending in Ulaanbaatar. Very excited! Just wondering, has anyone done anything similar, and if so how did you go travelling through Russia without knowledge of the language? We plan to get a phrase book to use and to learn some basics, but other than that we will have absolutely no Russian.
Would be interested to hear from other travelers who have done similar trips.
Peace out 🙂
Answers and Views:
Answer by Miss Gangster Cat
I never traveled to Russia but I do know a little bit of the Russian language since I got Russian in me.
If you are going to travel to Russia, besides finding Russian speakers, you will also find others speaking different languages besides Russian, like Ukrainian, Belorussian, and there are also some English speakers over there too. I’m studying about Russian and that is what I found out about the languages spoken over there.
If they know that you are a foreigner that doesn’t speak their language, I’m sure they won’t hold anything against you. You might likely find English speakers over there.
If you want to learn the Russian language you can go on youtube and look up Learning Russian for beginners, there are very helpful videos too.
The Russian language is written in the Cyrillic alphabet so you will have to know the Cyrillic alphabet in Russian first.
Good luck and I hope you have a good time on your trip to Russia. 🙂
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Slava T says
I did some legs of the journey you plan to do. I have no intention to disappoint you but to tell the truth I can't imagine how will you be able to enjoy the trip without knowledge of the Russian language. The whole point of travelling on trains is communication, talking to people. It's a really long journey. Day after day you watch people getting on and off the train and you cannot have a word with them. You are confined within your train compartment. Batteries for your laptop and other gadgets went flat. The toilet starts stinking. You look at never changing landscape out of the window and start hating your boyfriend, Russia, Russians etc. LOL
So, please don't have high expectations and embrace for the worst LOL
Kyo Waii says
My experience is telling me: it's not easy at all to travel in Russia if you don't know their language. I went to Moscow this Feb, the place is very beautiful, but got a little bit frustrated too cause few people can speak english, and most signs and instructions in public places do not have english translation. For example, restaurant, metro stations(have to say the Moscow metro is really the most beautiful one so far i've ever seen, don't miss that!) and some shops. But we are lucky cause i have a Russian friend to be our guide, she and her husband really helped us a lot. So, besides the language barrier, Russia is very beautiful, people there are very kind, and i kind of like the Russia food too. 🙂 Enjoy Russia but better fully prepared before departure!
polynesian says
It is DIFFICULT to travel in Russia without any knowledge of the language – outside Moscow & St.Pete.
You should at least be able to read Cyrillic.
iceman says
Please think twice about this trip. You will definitely stand out from everyone else and without having a guide you are asking for trouble. The rail trip is a hoot, but not for the first time visitor to Russia/Mongolia. I have traveled both extensively, and have lived in Russia. Even with my background it had potentials to be dangerous.
Better trip but not as scary for your first experience might be Moscow to the Crimea. Not quite as grueling and the people are nicer to tourists.
Wave2012 says
Mostly all young people speak at least some phrases in English. Older people (>40) can speak some German. Just before 1980th they tought almost only German at schools and Universities. After that time – English.
That is why ask young people if you need something to ask. I think you will always find somebody who speaks english. But don't speak fast (very important) and try not to use slang and phrasal verbs.
Try to speak easy way.
The main thing you need to do is to learn alphabet and to be able to read in Russian. It is very easy to do. I have a friend, he learned how to read in 1 day. Just need to remember some uncommon letters.
As I know, in Mongolia they also use cyrillic alphabet that is why for both countries it is very important to be able to read names of streets, words like "shop" and names of towns if you will travel by car.
kate says
wow
what a plan.
Since you have 3 months, it is great time, can't waste. Get a Dummy for Russian, get some basic words and sentences. You must know something. You don't want to be rude or ignorant on a train. It is a long journey. Show people some respect. even if you pronounce the words awkward or incorrect, they will understand that you at least tried.
Bon Voyage.
ЄƲR0PЄ Ł0ѴƐR & says
Oh Wow! 😀
That sounds pretty awesome! I'm sure you'll
have a great time! However, I'm pretty sure that you'll find it quite difficult making your way around the country. Although most citizens should know a speakable level of English, some can't speak at all. I've experienced this from simply having Russian Penpals & henceforth I think that you should at least have some knowledge of the language & you shouldn't simply rely on your Phrasebook! Firstly, I recommend that you learn the Russian or Cyrillic alphabet which also accustoms for Ukrainian & Belarussian. & I also recommend that you know all basic speech of by-heart. Like your "Hello, How are you?, Please, Thankyou, Excuse Me, Goodbye," & so on. I also suggest learning your Directions (Right, Left, Up, Down, Roads, Addresses) in Russian. Also phrases like "How do you get to…?" & "Where is the nearest…?"
I know it's stupid of me saying, but English is usually a big problem in Slavic-European countries & so I REALLY urge you to do your research & learning on at least the Beginners-Middle speech in Russian. This isn't just being able to speak (your pronounciation must be understandable!), but you should know how to recognise Russian writing also.
However. I'm sure that the people can understand English (put it to them in the simplest form! No complicated words!) & you can always use sign-language if you must! Ofcourse don't forget that in big cities like Moscow, Vladivostok & St. Petersburg- you'll come across many people that can speak English perfectly & are quite highly-qualified & educated. So don't fret too much! Just learn what I suggested you to.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!
Hope I helped! X