Is Russia a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Russia is a good place to live

Russians are renowned for their pride in their cultural heritage. This is reflected in the many museums, architecture and monuments that adorn this incredible country. The country also offers an abundance of natural wonders such as the stunning Lake Baikal.

It is easy to see why people love living in Russia, but you should be aware of some of the pitfalls and issues that can arise in the country. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Russia.

Educate yourself on the culture

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Russian culture is by educating yourself on the language and history of the country. This will help you understand the language and customs and help you to integrate into local society.

Learn a few phrases in the Russian language to help you get around, and make sure you take note of some of the local customs and practices. These may be very different to those in your home country and will help you feel more at ease when visiting Russia.

Become familiar with some of the major cities in Russia such as Moscow and St. Petersburg to ensure that you know where everything is and how to get to the main attractions in these areas.

Don’t be afraid to socialise and try new things! There is a great community of expats in Russia and you can find many ways to get involved.

Attend online and in-person events to network and meet other like-minded people.

Keep an eye out for signs of xenophobia, which is not uncommon in Russia and can cause problems for so-called “visible minorities.” This can occur in the form of intimidation or even violent attacks by right-wing extremists.

Avoid alcoholic drinks on the bus (unless you have a driver with you) and don’t travel alone at night as you are likely to be targeted by drunken Russians who will try to grab your belongings.

During your first few months in the country you will need to visit your doctor for a full health checkup. These can be very expensive if you have private insurance, but will help you to get a better understanding of your health and prevent serious ailments from developing later on in life.

If you are a parent then you will need to enrol your child in an international school as soon as possible. This will ensure they are not behind when it comes to education in Russia and will help them settle in faster.

When it comes to public transport in Russia, there are a number of options and you can choose to use either the bus or the subway (metro). You will need to learn some Russian to understand public announcements.

You should be aware that some of the government officials are not very well versed in English and can speak little or no English at all, so you should take care when dealing with them. Don’t bribe them in order to get something you want, as this is considered illegal in Russia.