[Waiting_for_my_baby]

I have a question regarding how much money I should expect to take on 1st trip? I know each agency is different, but I wanted to see what you all had to say. Also if you have any traveling advice, I'd be more than happy to hear it! Thanks!

[MamaChinch]

Each agency is VERY different!! Your agency should be able to tell you how much you need to take for adotpion business, travel, etc, as well as for food. Sightseeing, souveniers and like is up to you.
I have heard it differ from a few thousand in cash to upwards of 20K. You need to check with your agency regarding what they expect you to pay for in cash in country.
For personal expenses, such as food, it will depend on where you eat. But Moscow is expensive, and if you eat at your hotel, it will be more. I found it convenient to eat at the hotel, especially when we were tired. We stocked up on take along snacks along with a hot pot and took things like beef jerkey, oatmeal, instant soup, tea, crackers. Crackers are good to if you get car sick with the crazy driving and hot cars.
Good luck and safe travels!

[Waiting_for_my_baby]

Also trying to figure out who to fly with or if anyone has an agent you would recommend. I just delt with the rudest agent on the face of the earth! I told her too! She's not going to ruin my good day!!

[momofMikhail]

I just PMed you our agents name and #

[MissDaisyofTexas]

HI! I just PM'd you on a travel agent.

As far as cash for trip #1, this time we only took $1000. We did that because we knew that our hotel accepted credit cards, and we could charge most of our restaurant meals to our room. We actually only spent like $400 on souvenirs/touring/grocery store.

The first time we went on Trip #1 (in 2007), we took $3000 just in case.

How exciting!

[votemom]

i pm'd you too.

*take tissue packs (purse size) to keep in your pocket or fanny pack or backpack for when you use public restrooms. often there is no t.p.

*take dramamine if you are even remotely prone to getting carsick.

*leave 2 disposable cameras with the caregivers so they can take pix of your child during the waiting time between trips. these are a precious glimpse into their life in the baby home.

*take a photo album for your child to keep with pix of your family members and the rooms in your house and your car, etc.

*take lots of video footage - out the window of the town the baby home is in, and of yourself and your spouse talking at the end of each day about all you have experienced and all you are feeling.

good luck!

[momofMikhail]

We also took an Engish - Russian dictionary. It really helped us in region where there were not alot of people who spoke English. Also, some restaurants have English menus, but you have to ask for them. This is more in region than Moscow. I'm not sure what region your going to but we were in a very small region.

Batteries are a good thing to take with you also. They are available there, but are very expensive. We paid about $10 for 4 batteries.

I also took antibacteral wipes, since the water is so bad. I was afraid to wash my face in the water.

Ask your Dr. for a general antibiotic before you leave just in case. I got something while we were there, once we returned home the Dr.'s couldn't figure out what it was, but I was put on an antibiotic and it cleared whatever it was up.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[highesthopes]

Would you mind sharing your travel agencies with me? I am waiting for my referral....hopefully sometime soon...and it would be great to have that info handy.

[RussianTutor]

What is the region you are going to? It differs, so it'll be helpful to know to provide you with some advice.

MomofMikhail,
Batteries are way more expensive in the US. I am surprised to hear you found them expensive in Russia.