February 10th, 2006 | The lowdown by Josh Gowin

Avoid the Dupe: Getting into Moscow.

If you've never been to Moscow, be prepared for a country not fully up to western standards. You'll likely come in through an airport and need transportation somewhere, as you'd be wasting an awful lot of money on a plane ticket if you spent your entire trip in the terminal.

Beware that the first person to offer you a taxi will suggest a price in the range of $100 (3000 rubles). You may be tempted to take this offer, as you may be unsure as to how easy it will be to find a better rate, but while this price seems attractive, it would be a rip off. You should see other taxi stands around the area. Approach one of these yellow clad stands and feel them out. Offer a price around $30, or 800 rubles. They may not accept your offer, which is ok.

Although you may not get a ride for this price, you should be able to easily negotiate them down to 1000 rubles if your'e firm and persistent. Resist the thought that this may be the only method of transport into town, because there's always someone in Moscow willing to give you a ride for a reasonable price if you're patient, and money is enough incentive for them to break through the language barrier if you don't speak Russian.

Also, if you're brave, you can catch a bus to the metro during most of the day, which is about a 40 minute trip. Get your things settled and do what you have to do, and then prepare to experience the city that paraded weapons of mass destruction in its town square to show off its muscle and might to the rest of the world last century. There's plenty to see during the day. Enjoy.