This can be very frustrating in Russia. It’s difficult to get them to tell you what you can and can't take out of the country, until your standing in the Customs declaration line at the Airport on your way home. Then all of a sudden they are a wealth of information, of what you can and can't have. NOTE: When entering Russia and some of the former soviet republics they have now imposed a new law on luggage. The government has put a limit on the amount of luggage you can bring free into the country. Each person is allowed only 50 kg of luggage. Airlines allow for about 32 kg per suitcase, so if you bring two suitcases at 32 kg you will be fined, or you will have to put them in a customs storehouse until you leave. Arguing doesn't help. In The Republic of Georgia, a traveler told me that they paid a $70 bribe to avoid paying $250 for the extra 30 kg they had. (That works out to more than $8 USD per kilo) You won't avoid the fine by you sharing luggage with a fellow traveler who may have less than 50 kilos if you are over 50 kilos.

Anyhow, this is usually not mentioned until you get to the Customs desk. It is written on the wall there and so they claim that you have been informed. You cannot take anything that has been made before 1945! No antiques of any kind, no gold coins. No Icons! Only new Religious icons. If you get caught with an old icon it’s a very serious offense. No old tapestries, or hand made wool tapestries. No Samovars unless they are electric. Moscow Customs seems to have become more relaxed and seldom check luggage now, but don't consider this an invitation to take home what you want. They can be very nasty if they wish, as all customs officials anywhere can be, as they have a lot of power, don't take any chances. Don't be fooled or let them con you at the local markets selling old items, telling you it's no problem taking it home or offering you some document that they say will allow you to take it home. It's not true, the only way you can take an item that is normally not allowed, is you have to go to the Ministry of Culture in Moscow and get them to approve it. But this takes a long time to achieve (Months), and unless you have lots of time and patience, forget it. Having more bags on the way out than you had upon arrival is sure way to get customs attention. Never, ever, ever argue with customs. You will spend hours there and miss your flight for sure.

Moscow has a very large market in Izmalovski Park, it sells very beautiful things, which most are not allowed to leave Russia. But they tell the tourist, "no problem, no problem". So you buy this antique while the airport Customs tells you, "sorry you can't take that with you". So of course you have to leave it with them. Rumor has it that Customs then sells it back to the Market or it disappears to some ones Dacha (cottage). You can take some caviar with you (100 grams). Black Lacquer Boxes (shkatulka), Nested Dolls (Matryoshka), Fur Hats (shapka), paintings (new only), Amber Jewelry, Military Items are allowed now (no military hardware though).

Note: If you have more than $1,500 US dollars, Customs will pay greater attention to you and requires them to stamp your declaration, I suggest to you not have more than $1,500 in cash with you per person.