...While at it, some examples of other train and flight ticket prices

Train schedule

Hints from a ticket-procurement expert

Recommended Trans-Siberian resources

Cell phone

You can buy a cell phone in Moscow, or rent one from me, or get me to buy and send you a SIMM card for your GMS standard phone.

A second-hand phone can be procured in Moscow for about $50.

The service to buy and send you a SIMM card is also about $50.

Note: Your American phone will not work in Russia as it used a different standard.

f you don't feel comfortable travelling on your own and yet don't want a group tour, try to locate your compatriots who travel the same route.

Another alternative is hiring a travel companion.

Let me know if you are interested, and I'll see who, from among my acquaintances is available. I'll try to set you up with an English-speaking buddy who knows the Russian railroad system.

Approximate cost: $50 and up per day plus expenses.