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Travel concerns in Southeast Asia, China, Mongolia and Russia
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Dec 14, 2018 00:41:45   #
jwohlhueter
 
I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on our upcoming trips to
Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Russia. I've read that Cambodia
is upset about professionals taking pictures at Angkor Wat and using the
photos without permission...so they are on the lookout for high-end
cameras. I've also heard hints that Russia may think you are more than
a tourist if you are carrying a pro-grade camera. And of course, a big
expensive camera is a theft risk in any poor country.

Do you think my concerns are warranted ?

I purchased an Olympus TG5 "Tough" waterproof camera earlier this year
to use as my pocket camera and for rainy days. I've been pretty
impressed with the photos I've gotten from it even in somewhat difficult
conditions. It might be the right camera to take to riskier countries.

Reply
Dec 14, 2018 01:13:46   #
orrie smith Loc: Kansas
 
jwohlhueter wrote:
I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on our upcoming trips to
Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Russia. I've read that Cambodia
is upset about professionals taking pictures at Angkor Wat and using the
photos without permission...so they are on the lookout for high-end
cameras. I've also heard hints that Russia may think you are more than
a tourist if you are carrying a pro-grade camera. And of course, a big
expensive camera is a theft risk in any poor country.

Do you think my concerns are warranted ?

I purchased an Olympus TG5 "Tough" waterproof camera earlier this year
to use as my pocket camera and for rainy days. I've been pretty
impressed with the photos I've gotten from it even in somewhat difficult
conditions. It might be the right camera to take to riskier countries.
I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on ou... (show quote)


I would agree on the Olympus. Know the laws of the countries you will be traveling to, the laws are much different than you are used to, and what you take for granted here may be illegal elsewhere. Remember you are traveling to Communist countries that may or may not be friendly to outsiders. Also be aware of your surroundings and stay with a crowd that you know if possible. Have fun and enjoy your trip.

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Dec 14, 2018 01:21:33   #
letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.
 
orrie smith wrote:
I would agree on the Olympus. Know the laws of the countries you will be traveling to, the laws are much different than you are used to, and what you take for granted here may be illegal elsewhere. Remember you are traveling to Communist countries that may or may not be friendly to outsiders. Also be aware of your surroundings and stay with a crowd that you know if possible. Have fun and enjoy your trip.




Vietnam and China were not a problem for me and my D700, just hang on tight.

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Dec 14, 2018 01:56:52   #
canadaboy
 
Just behave sensibly in all the countries you mention and you will have no problems. Theft is an issue only if you go into certain areas of any country. The wise tourists never have a problem the dumb ones deserve all they get. The only time the Russians will take notice of your camera is if you are stupid enough to point it at such things as military installations. But the KGB were disbanded a few years back so an interview whilst naked and hung up by your thumbs is most unlikely. Being politely asked to delete the shots is all that will happen.
Relax enjoy the trip stop listening to horror stories. Just always be polite and if your not sure just ask a local. Do not eat seafood bought from street vendors and if travelling alone take condoms cos South East Asia has a very big AIDS problem.

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Dec 14, 2018 03:56:47   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
Just came back from China in May and no problems with cameras, although you MUST hand carry all batteries when flying there. Russia just stay out of dark or dangerous areas and use common sense what you photograph. Took River Cruise St Pete to Moscow last year. Can't help on other countries.

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Dec 15, 2018 05:43:54   #
miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida
 
I would switch to a small mirrorless for those areas. In Russia, the only place I had a problem was in the Hermitage Museum, and they made me stop shooting.

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Dec 15, 2018 06:18:46   #
berchman Loc: South Central PA
 
jwohlhueter wrote:
I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on our upcoming trips to
Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Russia. I've read that Cambodia
is upset about professionals taking pictures at Angkor Wat and using the
photos without permission...so they are on the lookout for high-end
cameras. I've also heard hints that Russia may think you are more than
a tourist if you are carrying a pro-grade camera. And of course, a big
expensive camera is a theft risk in any poor country.

Do you think my concerns are warranted ?
I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on ou... (show quote)


I've visited all those places except Mongolia. Your concerns are *not* warranted. I traveled with a full frame Nikon D800 and Nikon 24-120 f/4, visited Angkor Wat, Moscow and St Petersburg, all over Vietnam and numerous Chinese cities. I had read so many horror stories about camera theft in St. Petersburg, but nothing happened. Just keep one hand on your camera and lens as it hangs by your side. In Vietnam and Cambodia I wore *two* Nikons, a D700 with the 70-200 f/2.8 and the D800 with the 24-120. No problems. I'm sure you know enough to ignore absurd cautions like " Remember you are traveling to Communist countries that may or may not be friendly to outsiders."

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Dec 15, 2018 08:41:22   #
mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida
 
Been to all SE Asia countries on four visits with Canon 5D III and all without issues. In China only Hong Kong and no Russia. I believe that if you drag out some big shooting rig (lights, mirrors, etc.) someone my say something but I saw nothing. I used tripods with no issue. I also saw nothing hostile at all in any of those places.

Here's a piece of Myanmar.

Shining through
Shining through...

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Dec 15, 2018 08:46:36   #
gunflint Loc: Rocky Mountain High, Colorado
 
We were just in Mongolia in September and in China 2 years ago, and very remote Ethiopia. In remote areas or more undeveloped countries we use a local guide. We feel much more secure with someone that speaks the language and knows the areas.

A couple of suggestions that I read somewhere a few years ago is to put a couple of pieces of tape on your camera to make it look like it needs a repair and also to not use the strap that has the big bright name of the camera on it. Either buy a plain one or, as I did for Mongolia, black out the yellow letters (Nikon) with a black marker.

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Dec 15, 2018 09:25:38   #
utbike Loc: Salt Lake City
 
In Russia, museums, cathedrals, and places like The Kremlin should offer a more expensive ticket option that permits photography. A photo billet (ticket). You might get asked to show the ticket or to stop photographing. Paying for a tour often solves the problem as well.

Be careful about an individual or group hovering around you on the street trying to sell you something. They might be trying to distract you and steal your gear. Be aware of your surroundings on the street. Avoid shooting alone on the street in Moscow or St. Petersburg showing off a big gear bag, tripod, and telephoto lens. But you could safely do so in a group.

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Dec 15, 2018 09:53:03   #
Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas
 
Received this warning from U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City a while back.
Security Alert-U.S. Embassy Hanoi




Location: Throughout Vietnam



Event: The U.S. Mission to Vietnam advises U.S. citizens of the High Crime rating for Vietnam. Recent reports of criminal activities include unwanted sexual advances, targeting children in public places for potential kidnapping, and reports of wrongdoing by taxis and ride-sharing services, including sexual harassment and theft of personal items.



Actions to Take:

· Maintain situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings.

· Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches and keep the amount of valuables on your person to a minimum.

· Do not physically resist if confronted by an armed or unarmed robber as robbers may resort to violence.

· Use caution when walking or driving at night.

· Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.

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Dec 15, 2018 10:23:23   #
thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA
 
I have been all these places several times except Russia with a Nikon D750. No issues what so ever. It is easier to shoot street photography and children than is the US. Mongolians, Cambodians and Vietnamese are very friendly. Chinese can be rude, read about their customs ahead of time and act accordingly. Manchuria is amazing. You can go to www.thegroverphotography.com and see what I was able to shoot in all these areas. Safety and security is just use common sense. The general public does not have guns, so nothing to worry about. You are 55 times more likely to get shot in the US than in Vietnam. Most crime for tourist is petty crime again use common sense. In these areas it is important to have a good tour guide. Enjoy.

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Dec 15, 2018 11:40:48   #
BarbB
 
I have been to all the countries you have mentioned with in the last 10 years, and have always used my Canon DSLR ( ranging from 40D-5DM3-5DM4, depending on which year I went.) I have never had any issues with feeling uncomfortable with the equipment I brought. The only issue I had was weight of my camera bag when flying with in Mongolia. The solution was a jacket with lots of pockets, that I could put various lenses into so that I could reduce the weight of the bag until I got thru security, and then re pack my camera back pack. Be sure to check carry on restrictions for internal flights within each of those countries, so that you are prepared. I would never ship any of my camera gear under the plane.

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Dec 15, 2018 12:21:09   #
jwohlhueter
 
Thank You and to everyone that responded. Great advice.

Reply
Dec 15, 2018 13:51:39   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
mainshipper wrote:
Here's a piece of Myanmar.
Mainshipper, your photo is amazing.

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