travel tips ► DRUGS

Narcotics and other street drugs are not considered legal in Russia, which should be no surprise considering every country besides Holland follows the same guidelines. However, again just like everywhere else, drugs are not hard to come by if you actively seek them out. Drugs are a part of an underground subculture. Drug offenses exist and can be quite stringent in Russia, so getting in trouble with drugs can be REAL TROUBLE. Getting into trouble on this account is easily avoidable, because drugs can cause trouble only if you want to partake and fall "under the influence". Of course anyone can get their drink poisoned with drugs if they are in a shady club or hanging out with shady people, so be careful. Watch your drink at all times in unfamiliar places and don't trust strangers. Don't hang out with people you know are users or dealers and you can leave Russia just the way you entered it - drug free (right?). If you watch enough movies you will know that dark alleyways are always a bad idea. As usual keep your head on your shoulders and follow the same basic guidelines as in your home country (unless it's Holland).