Way to Russia Talk Lounge

danbrew · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject:

{sigh...}

Let the buyer beware. Do yourself a huge favor and search these forums and others for the type of service that you can expect from Intergroup.

If there's a mistake, it'll probably be your fault.

Maylee · Just Starting Joined: 31 Oct 2008 Posts: 1

I ordered train tickets for a trip to St. Petersburg from Moscow with 2 friends from InterGroup via Way to Russia. I placed the order in mid September for a mid October trip. The cost was to be $684 which was more than I expected but I accepted the explanation that the Way to Russia prices were out of date. The actual charge to my credit card was $707.12!

I was assured, by Alexander, that the tickets would be delivered to my Moscow address via UPS and we exchanged a few emails about the appropriate date for delivery. He said I'd get a tracking number and that I shouldn't worry about the delivery.

I did not get a tracking number. The tickets did not arrive. The phone number on the emails was useless. The first time I called the girl who answered spoke little English and knew nothing about train tickets. From the background noise it sounded like someone's apartment. I got assistance from someone who spoke Russian but when she called no one answered. She tried off an on all day for me with no success. It was Friday so I knew we were not getting our tickets in time for a Sunday departure.

We spent several hours on Saturday at the train station in Moscow trying to buy tickets to St. Petersburg. We had difficulty finding the right ticket window and, because we speak no Russian, many clerks just waved us away. We finally got tickets but our seats were in different cars and not the class we wanted.

Alexander's response to my emailed complaint claimed the tickets could not be delivered and I'd get a refund. The amount credited back to my account was $663.23, $43.89 less than I paid.

Needless to say I'm unhappy with this experience. I've lost money and replacing the tickets was stressful and not entirely successful.

danbrew · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:41 am Post subject:

I'm really sympathetic to your situation, and apologize on behalf of travelers and the Way to Russia staff.

I don't get why Alexander and Intergroup still have anything to do with Way to Russia.

My $0.02 rubles? Posts such as this will help to inform future travelers about the realities of train travel in Russia. It *is* complicated, and most of us will need help of a native Russian... but Alexander should not be that guy.

danbrew