We haven't tried in China cos according to the new requirements (which were made a day after our passports were sent to the consulate for processing), you have to apply within 45 days of entering. So that means for us we have to apply from either Kazakstan or Mongolia. We will try at both. Hopefully it will be easier the closer you get to Russia (ie it will be more routine). But I'm an optimist!
Did you get visas here in OZ?
NONE. THE RUSSIAN ONE HATES INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS (THEY TOLD ME IN ALMOST AS MANY WORDS). THE KYRGYZ ONE (ACTUALLY HANDELED BY KAZAKHS) IS ALSO THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD THAT I KNOW OF WHERE A INVITIATION IS NECESSARY.
If so any tips, recommended booking agencies?
DON'T USE GATEWAY TRAVEL, SYDNEY - EXPENSIVE AND BAD INFO.
What is the visa situation for Russia. As far as I can see you will need to register with the authorities every night?
CHECK OUT WWW.VISATORUSSIA.COM THEN YOU WILL KNOW AS MUCH AS ME
What is you expected costs for Russia?
ABOUT $40/DAY
#1 how long can we be in the country before our visa needs to be registered?
72 hours
#2 who can register the visa? (we probably enter to novosibirsk from Kazakstan) . Can we do it by simply going to a police office?
Police office will NOT register your visas. You can do it in Moscow or St.-Petersburg in one of our offices. In Novosibirsk you can do it ONLY in a hotel.
#3 how much does it cost?
In a hotel - usually they charge for one night stay
US$ 20 in one of our offices.