>>2649116
>What did the process of crossing the border look like for you?
Passport control officer spent about 5 minutes with me but only said a few words to me without asking me any questions (she didn't speak English).
Customs saw cash in envelopes in my carry-on bag during x-ray inspection and asked if I had cash, I said "yes" then was referred to secondary inspection. They looked through my luggage and counted all the cash. Because I was in the undeclared line, if I had more than $10K (I didn't), they could have confiscated it. They asked me questions about what I was going to use the money for (to pay for my visit), why I had so much money (because of sanctions my cards don't work here), and they also asked about my new-in-box electronics and jewelry (gifts). Then they left me go. This could have been avoided if I carried all my cash on my body since they wouldn't have even known. This was at an airport.
>I've scoured plebbit but there isn't really much information, just fearmongering about getting hooked up to car batteries and such.
Yeah, all subreddits besides r/russia are shit on this subject.
>I'll be crossing via the Tallinn bus route if it helps.
I can't help you since I haven't done that yet but I will because it will save me lots of money over Turkish Airlines.
>Anything that's absolutely essential to see in the area?
Not that I can think of. I would plan your visit out, though. Make sure you visit what you plan to because you might not be able to return as soon as you want. Ask the locals what you should see. I would recommend Singer House (across from Kazan Cathedral) just because it's a beautiful and famous American building (read up on the history of it while you are there).
>Also, how's the metro system?
Safe, clean, reliable, and (for us), cheap. If you have a Mir card, you can tap to pay at the gates and save yourself 5 minutes by avoiding the ticket counter. Be aware that it's loud, so consider bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling earphones.

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I, an American, visited Russia for the first time. AMA