Living in Russia

"Before retiring in Russia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language and culture. It is also important to research the cost of living in the area they plan to retire in, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Russia. Finally, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations, as well as the tax system, to ensure a smooth transition into retirement," commented one expat who made the move to Russia.

"Expats in Russia often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting museums, or joining a local church or synagogue. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," wrote a member in Russia.

"Living in Russia as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the country's many historical sites to taking part in the vibrant nightlife. The cost of living in Russia is generally lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's excellent transportation network, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, the Russian people are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude towards foreigners, making it a great place to live and work," explained one expat living in Russia.

"Crime is a major problem in Russia, with a wide range of criminal activities taking place. Organized crime is particularly prevalent, with gangs and syndicates operating in many cities. Corruption is also widespread, with bribery and extortion commonplace. Violent crime is also a concern, with reports of robberies, assaults, and murders occurring regularly," commented one expat who made the move to Russia.

"Russia is a diverse country with many different ethnicities, languages, and religions. People in Russia are generally accepting of differences, although there are some areas where intolerance and discrimination still exist. In recent years, the government has taken steps to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, such as introducing anti-discrimination laws and creating initiatives to promote cultural understanding," said one expat who made the move to Russia.

"We are expats and are former parents of this school. We were so excited to have our daughter in this school but it turned sour this year. The school is only in it's 2nd year. The school is not professionally run by it's head of school. The teachers who actually teach the children - or guide them-are lovely and working hard to ensure that while the children are there they are treated well and able to learn. At the end of the day, with a school this small, connections with the parents are huge and how the child is treated by the head of school is important. We were treated disrespectfully and unreasonably as parents but most importantly how the head of school showed little regard for our daughter's well being during a very solvable issue was really shocking. It just showed how really unexperienced the lady who started the school is in education management, especially her comprehension of how her extreme personally driven decisions impact the child. She's very very extreme in her dealings. Not a good match for a school with young impressionable children. Sad, because we love the Montessori method," commented one expat when asked about Montessori School of Moscow in Moscow.

"If you are tired of British Schools this is a very attractive variant. Especially their kindergarten next to the metro station Rechnoy vagzal is a must-see," remarked one expat living in Moscow with children attending Atlantic International School.

"I would recommend to do enroll child in advance (spring time) - otherwise you might loose the place for your child," said one expat in Moscow with children at Atlantic International School.

"Think hard about attending here. This school thinks it is much better than it is. The curriculum, particularly math, is very weak. Most parents engage tutors for the children to keep up with the home curriculum. The teachers' children receive preference in sports, drama clubs etc. The teachers receive preference for use of school facilities such as the workout room. It is not nearly good enough for the high tuition paid and the headmaster is ineffective. The administration does not welcome constructive criticism. The best advice? Attend ISM if given the choice," remarked one parent with kids at Anglo American School in Moscow.

"The facilities and feel of community are what make this school special, however academics seriously lack. The school attempts to incorporate too many things into the curriculum causing students only to get the general idea of all things. Although this is an American school there is no SAT prep class. The school forces children in the high school to go through IB courses but neglects to focus on it enough to have neccesary EE classes. My recommendation is to attend the school, take advantage of the facilities and sense of community but if you can afford it teach your child at home through tutors in order to prepare him/her for college. There is also a very long wait list for this school. If you are interested in the school and your company or embassy does not provide a pre-paid seat, you do not hold an American, Canadian or UK passport expect 1-2 years of waiting. During this time most children attend the British School- a profit oriented and not to be recomended school. AAS is a good school but one has to consider some major flaws," explained one expat living in Moscow, Russia.

"The cost of living in Russia varies depending on the region and city. Generally, the cost of living in Russia is lower than in many other European countries. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are generally quite affordable, while rent and other housing costs can be quite high in the larger cities. Eating out can also be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options available," remarked one expat who made the move to Russia.

"The cost of living in Russia varies greatly depending on the region. Generally, the cost of living is lower than in many other countries, but it is still higher than in some of the more rural areas. In the larger cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, the cost of living is much higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Russia is typically around $500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost around $800 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Russia can cost around $15 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Russia.

"In Russia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, sports complexes, and swimming pools. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. Sports complexes provide a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Swimming pools are also popular, offering a great way to cool off during the hot summer months. Other recreational facilities include movie theaters, bowling alleys, and amusement parks," mentioned an expat living in Russia.

"The weather in Russia can vary greatly depending on the region. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing and snow is common. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius and there can be periods of heavy rain. In the spring and autumn, temperatures are usually mild and there is often a mix of sunshine and showers," said one expat.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Russia is Cafe Pushkin, located in Moscow. It is a luxurious restaurant that serves traditional Russian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant has a unique atmosphere, with its interior designed to resemble a 19th century Russian mansion. The menu features dishes such as borscht, pelmeni, and blini, as well as a variety of desserts. Another popular restaurant in Russia is Stolovaya 57, located in St. Petersburg. This restaurant is known for its traditional Russian dishes, such as borscht, pelmeni, and blini. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is known for its friendly and attentive staff. Finally, the White Rabbit restaurant in Moscow is a popular destination for those looking for a unique dining experience. The restaurant is located on the 16th floor of a skyscraper, offering stunning views of the city. The menu features a variety of Russian and European dishes, as well as a selection of wines and cocktails. The restaurant also has a rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy the views while dining," remarked one expat living in Russia.

"People living in Russia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and open-air markets. Supermarkets are the most popular option, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices. Convenience stores are also popular, offering a more limited selection of items but often at lower prices. Open-air markets are also popular, offering fresh produce and other items at lower prices than supermarkets," remarked one expat in Russia.

"In order to visit Russia, foreign citizens must obtain a visa from a Russian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents depending on the type of visa. In order to obtain residency in Russia, foreign citizens must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents depending on the type of residence permit. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of financial stability, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Russia," said an expat in Russia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Russia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Russia is higher than in many other countries, and health insurance premiums can be quite costly. However, the government does provide some subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance, and there are also some private health insurance plans available. Additionally, there are a number of public health services available, such as free vaccinations and medical check-ups, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare in Russia," said one expat.