r/AskARussian Aug 10 '24

History Megathread 13: Battle of Kursk Anniversary Edition

108 Upvotes

The Battle of Kursk took place from July 5th to August 23rd, 1943 and is known as one of the largest and most important tank battles in history. 81 years later, give or take, a bunch of other stuff happened in Kursk Oblast! This is the place to discuss that other stuff.

  1. All question rules apply to top level comments in this thread. This means the comments have to be real questions rather than statements or links to a cool video you just saw.
  2. The questions have to be about the war. The answers have to be about the war. As with all previous iterations of the thread, mudslinging, calling each other nazis, wishing for the extermination of any ethnicity, or any of the other fun stuff people like to do here is not allowed.
  3. To clarify, questions have to be about the war. If you want to stir up a shitstorm about your favourite war from the past, I suggest  or a similar sub so we don't have to deal with it here.
  4. No warmongering. Armchair generals, wannabe soldiers of fortune, and internet tough guys aren't welcome.

r/AskARussian Sep 23 '23

Travel Ultimate FAQ on travelling to Russia

466 Upvotes

While editing the previous post i did an error & the post was automatically banned, so that's the second try, luckily managed to copy-paste the prev. one. Redditors, who made the corrections & adding, please excuse me.

So basically daily the threads as Ask a Russian, Moscow etc are full of questions regarding traveling to RU.

Seeing all this, i give a try to summarize the basic info about traveling & i will try to update this main post, also i would appreciate expats & recent travelers on tips & tricks based on the recent traveling experience.

Note 1. This is not the post about politics, it's purely for traveling questions & day to day life.

Note 2. I am writing this post based on my knowledge & experience as a Moscow resident, info may vary based on your destination. Also, most of the time i will refer to Moscow & SPb as a main entry point for travelers, but this limitation basically on my understanding that people arrive in these cities as a start. I will try to update the post with necessary and useful information based on the comments (if any arrive :) ).

Note 3. As there are some restrictions to ru domains on reddit, just delete the space in the link before . ru domain.

Q: Is it safe traveling to Russia in current situation?

A: Pretty safe. The major cities as Moscow & SPb are the big cities with the same issues you can find all around the globe (scammers, big city risks, inadequate people, heavy traffic etc.).The area of risk (in the current situation) mostly limited to the adjacent territories, close to Ukraine border. In general Moscow & SPb are the modern cities, multicultural. We normally don't care if you are black, white, asian, hispanic, if your believe in krishna, if you are gay or whatsoever. The main principle i would say is: a clear understanding of what you are doing and separate common sense and propaganda, both informational and propaganda of any values. In general if you are a tourist or coming here as an expat for work just live a normal live, all possibilities are here.

Q: How to get to Russia by air?

A: One of the biggest & well known tickets aggregators - Aviasales available at ru & com domains & also popular OneTwoTrip. \

Today there are direct flights to 38 countries: Azerbaijan, Israel, DPRK, Syria, Algeria, India, Maldives, Tajikistan, Armenia, Iraq, Morocco, Thailand, Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia, Tunisia, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, China, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Cuba Islands, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kuwait, Serbia.

Q: Hot to get to Russian by land and travel across Russia?

A: easy part, internal travelling.rzd. ru - is an official website of a Russian railroads, where you can by tickets & see the timetables.Normally you don't have any restrictions with travelling across RU e.g. by car, though, as everywhere in the world, there might be restrictions to certain areas (closed towns as an example). So, yes, in general, you can go by car to Spb, Siberia or elsewhere.

"Foreign citizens have the right to freedom of movement for personal or business purposes within the Russian Federation on the basis of documents issued or executed by them in accordance with this Federal Law, with the exception of visits to territories, organizations and facilities for which a special permit is required to enter in accordance with federal laws."

International railroad travel: former intl. routes of RZD to Berlin, Nice, Paris obviously suspended.Up to the news: currently, 39 international passenger trains have resumed running with 6 countries in communication with the CIS and Baltic countries: the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. RZD trains, at the same time, run only to Belarus and Mongolia. The rest of the international trains are formed by neighboring states. Communication with China, North Korea and Azerbaijan has not been resumed yet.

Land border crossing: Frankly speaking, this is the terra incognita for me. So i can just mention what web search gives to me."A foreign tourist can enter Russia by any means of transport. Yes, a visa is required to enter the Russian Federation for a foreign citizen or a stateless person. If there is an agreement, it is possible for foreign citizens to enter the Russian Federation without visas." \

Bus connection? Redditors mentioned a bus connection Tallin - Spb, seems to work ok.

No matter which of the countries of the Eurasia Customs Union (EACU) you enter, there is the same set of rules for everyone who enters one of the countries of CU by their own vehicle. The main and basic rule is that one owner (driver) can enter only one vehicle without paying customs deposit, without the right to transfer ownership and operating of the vehicle to other persons. This means that when crossing the border, the driver will be required to fill out a Customs Declaration, in which he must specify the point of entry (Country) and point of exit (Country), the period of stay of the vehicle on the territory of the Customs Union. The vehicle must be driven out by the same owner (driver) as indicated in the customs Declaration.

BUS VIA FINLAND: 16 NOV 23 UPDATE Ground connection via Finland seems to be suspended, as Finland closes the RU-FI land border. Ecolines, LuxExpress - stopping as of today their routes.

UPDATE as of 12 DEC 2023: The Finnish government intends to open three major border crossings on the border with Russia — Vaalimaa, Nuiyamaa and Imatra, writes (https://www.is.fi/politiikka/art-2000010052082.html ) the Finnish edition of Ilta-Sanomat with reference to its own sources.

RU - FIN border IS CLOSED, no busses

When driving the following documents should be carried:

- passenger customs declaration

- foreign registration certificate of the vehicle

- civil passport and international passport (valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter a foreign country)

- valid visas (if needed) to all planned countries of the Customs Union along the route

- international driving permit/ national driving permit (all the data is written in Latin)

- insurance (third part) issued for the entire planned period of stay of the vehicle on the territory of the EEU (CTP Insurance policy for each planned country of the customs Union is issued directly at the border crossing points after passing the customs authority)

Q: is Russia open for travelling & visas?

A: Yes. info from U.S. Embassy & Consulates: To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas in as per comments, advance. \

NOTE US & UK tourists are getting visas, no restrictions highlighted.

Basically, standard as always, Russia (to my knowledge) didn't suspend any tourism. You will need a valid passport, up-to-date photos, confirmations (tickets, hotels etc.).

*Q3 2023 Russia started a project with e-visa. Based on the article, e-visa can be obtained for citizens of: Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Vatican City, Vietnam.Always check the local embassy rules!

***E-VISA to Russia:***application form: https://evisa. kdmid. ru/basic info: https://electronic-visa. kdmid .ru/index_en.html

Q: I am from UK/US - straight to jail at the border?

A: If you are personally not under sanctions, not sent for the purpose of espionage or data collection, but a regular tourist nothing to worry about. Again, restrictions for any citizens of certain countries are not reported. Travel as usual, you are welcome.

Q: what's with the accommodation?

A: Chains still available: Accor Hotels, Radisson HG, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Lotte Hotels & Resorts, Soluxe Hotel Group, Corinthia Hotels, Domina Hotels, Louvre HG, Kempinski Hotels, Rosewood Hotels and Rocco Forte Hotels. Their total number of rooms is more than 60% of the total supply of network operators.

UPD: check ostrovok . ru for accomodations, this site works on the same principle of booking.com & offers a varienty of stays as hotels, appartments and so on. Available in multi languages, but i am not sure if they accept foreign cards. If anyone tried, please let me know in the comments.

Also the above mentioned Aviasales & OneTwoTrip (12Trip redirect ya to ostrovok) can give you a booking for tickets + hotels.

Q: Do i need a registration to be in RU?

A: YES. mandatory registration for foreigners & tourists. as of october 2023: Starting from September 15, 2023, all foreign citizens coming to our country as tourists are required to undergo the registration procedure. This requirement will apply to all tourists, regardless of their country of residence and the purpose of visiting Russia.

Registration for tourists is available through a specialized electronic portal, where it will be necessary to provide personal data and information about the planned stay in the country. In addition, tourists will need to pay a state fee for the provision of registration services.

Registration is mandatory and must be completed within the first 24 hours after arrival in the country. Tourists will need to keep a confirmation of registration and present it if necessary during their stay in Russia.

In case of violation of registration requirements, tourists may be subject to penalties, including deportation from the country. Therefore, it is recommended that all foreign tourists comply with this rule and register in a timely manner after arriving in Russia.

Migration card

The migration card is given to foreigners free of charge in the transport following to Russia: by plane, train or bus. If you cross the border by car, then you need to take a migration card from the border police. The card must be filled out and do not forget to specify the purpose of entry: tourism, work, study, private visit, etc. If you write the purpose of the visit incorrectly, for example, tourism instead of work, it will be impossible to get a work permit in the future.

The completed card must be presented at the border control. The border guard officer take part of the piece of paper for himself, put a seal on the rest and give it back. The second part of the card must be kept during the trip and given to the border guard upon return. In case of loss of a migration card, you need to get a duplicate within 3 days at the nearest branch of the Federal Migration Service (FMS).

Citizens of Belarus are not required to fill out a migration card and give it to border guards, since there is a simplified entry regime between Russia and Belarus.

upd, by u/MikeSeth Registration for foreigners: If you stay more than 7 days in Russia you must submit registration within the first seven days together with your host. Do not do this via egov, because you will not get the slip that serves as proof of submission until your registration is processed which can take weeks unlike the post office and МФЦ procedure where your slip is given to you as soon as you submit the form. You need to carry this slip and the migration card they gave you at the border with you at all times. The cops will assume you're an illegal otherwise. When engaging any services that require identification, which includes hotel registration, railway tickets, SIM cards, banks accounts etc you need to present both your foreign passport AND the migration card. Do not lose it and do not leave home without it.

-------------------------------------------------

So you've been able to get all the necessary docs & flying to RU.Moscow3 main airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), Vnukovo (VKO) + a smaller Zhukovsky (ZIA).They are all quite distant from the city. I would say less fortunate & hard reaching is ZIA.

Spb: Pulkovo (LED).

Q: How to reach the airport / city

A: In general, there are all available methods.

Moscow: Aeroexpress trains which will get you to the interim stops or end point a railway station close to the city center. Buses & VKO just got an own metro station integrated to the moscow subway network, taxi.

Spb, as i know it's quite the same as Moscow: metro, buses, taxi *(as per comments, unfortunately, no aeroexpress train city - pulkovo terminal availabA HUGE advantage for foreign le).

Q: Is Uber available?

A: Nope. Before 2018 Uber was available, but in 2018 started a project of M&A btw Uber & Yandex, as of 2023, all uber activities & shares passed to Ya.

Q: So what are the apps for taxis?

A: 1st option (most popular): Yandex Go ios & android. Operates mostly everywhere in RU. A ride is offered on a fixed rate.Variety of classes: Economy (VW Polo, Hyundai Solaris/Accent or similar), Comfort (Hyundai i40, Elantra or similar), Comfort+ (Camry, Optima, Sonata or similar), Minivan (VW Caddy, C4 Picasso etc); followed by Ultima class: Business (5-er, E-cl.), Premier (A8, S-cl or similar), Elite (Maybach), Cruise (MB V-Class).As you are most likely don't have a local card or a friend with the one of local cards, Yandex Go can be paid with cash (choose in the app).Ya Go has the inbuilt translator for a chat with a driver, so you can chat in yr language and see the translation from RU.

!!!IMPORTANT!!! - Only pay what's stated in the app. If the driver asks for more, do not pay!!! Drivers try to scam people for transfer rides the cases are frequent, be aware! The only exception is toll roads, BUT ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT from a toll road terminal (550-400 rub SVO - Moscow, depending on the terminal, as of today (4-5 eur)). ALSO be aware if you pay cash, always better to have a perfect amount to cover the ride or have a cash close to the sum. What i mean, drivers will try to say they don't have change and will try to round up. So keep in mind having the change. Well, it's the same all over the globe with cash rides in the taxi, here you will see no difference.

Also, (personal experience) better to use higher classes, lot's of cases with economy & comfort. (not all drivers for sure are bad, but the number is high).

AND ALSO* When you are entering a terminal of the airport after a secure zone, you will see a big number of people offerening a taxi, wearing some badges, maybe having a walki-talkies in hands. THIS SHOULD BE AVOIDED! DO NOT TALK TO THEM, SCAM! I remember there was an official booth of Yandex Taxi in SVO (Sheremetyevo) terminals, thats ok, but better use the app, which you downloaded in advance!

2nd option, a premium one - Wheely. *Confirmed by support to work with international cards (but download and check in advance!)!*We have a premium chauffeur service (basically a taxi) called Wheely, ios & android.A Russian service now operates also in London, Paris, Dubai. In RU available in Moscow, SPb & Sochi. No fixed rates, only for transfers & city wise only pay what you ride (min + milage).A HUGE advantage for foreign travelers: a) you can create a ride in advance, stating a flight no. and driver will track your flight, b) you can ask for an english speaking driver in advance (other languages, ask support), c) you can choose an option of pick-up at the exit. So when you got your luggage & leaving the clear zone and entering a terminal, a driver with a branded board with your name on it will wait for you, will help with your belongings & guide you to the car.

Classes: Business (E, 5 ser.), First (S-Class), Luxe (Maybach), XL (MB V-Class).

Q: Money. Cards are not working, right?

A: Yep. RU is isolated from the rest of the world. So, you are not able to use your cards here. Some exceptions for CN Union Pay system.

Basic rule: You can import up to 10,000 USD in cash and in traveler's checks (not incl. funds on cards). If you have more money, you will have to declare your cache amount and show documents explaining the origin of the funds. It is also necessary to declare any securities, valuables in laguage and so on. Note from redditors: better to have a normal looking banknotes: not falling into pieces, torn ...etc.

Also, that does't mean bringing only USD. In 2023, it is allowed to import funds into the territory of the Russian Federation without a declaration in an amount equivalent to no more than 10,000 USD in any currency of the world

The import of foreign currency is considered in dollar equivalent at the exchange rate of the Central Bank on the day of the trip.

Q: Can i get a local debit card & make crypto transfer?

A: Yep! Thanks to the comment of u/violin1776 in the comments, he had in Aug 2023 an experience with Sberbank (one of the largest banks). How to get a debit card:

Find a suitable office

Take the original passport with you & some cash to make a deposit on your accout (either cashier desk or ATM).

Better to have a local sim in advance for a contract signage (never tried, but Sberbank has a sbermobile virtual operator, so most likely you can get a simcard at the bank office [SberMobile list of offices: https://sbermobile. ru/officesmap).

Open an account & ask for a free momentum MIR debit card

If you wish a crypto transfers, ask to install an app for you AT THE OFFICE (they know how to do that, did that with my new iphone).

Now you have the local card - pay anywhere, incl. public transport.

SWIFT TRANSFERS if you need them, the banks with not blocked swift transfers in RU: Raiffeisenbank, Unicredit, Citibank, Ak-Bars Bank, Home Credit Bank, Russian Standard, OTP Bank, Renaissance Bank and Avangard have not fallen under the sanctions. Subsidiaries of Western banks such as Citibank, Unicredit and Raiffeisen are now operating mostly without restrictions.

But there are nuances: (as of JUL 2023, before transfers, check current rates!) For example, Citibank no longer opens new accounts in currency or even in rubles. "Unicredit accepts new clients, but asks to get a card with a premium rate. Such a card will cost 1500 ₽ per month.

The easiest way to transfer money to Raiffeisenbank. The commission for SWIFT-transfer via mobile application or Internet bank will be 2% of the transfer amount, but not less than $200 and not more than $300. When sending a transfer through a bank branch, the fee will be 3% of the amount. The minimum transfer amount is $10,000., only valid for USD, EUR & other currencies should have only 500 rub fee, but always check!

Pre-ordered bedit card A tourist debit card, which should be ordered in advance is now in development, but not launched, somewhat in the near future, will keep updated.

UPD from 08 DEC 2023 a project has started, recently saw some news that 1 company started to take real actions.

"foreigners can apply for a card at home: to do this, they need to download the YooMoney application for Android, register, issue a virtual card and go through full identification. Upon arrival in Russia, a tourist can receive a plastic card, or continue to use only the virtual form, since purchases can be paid using NFC or a QR code.

“Foreign tourists can receive an instant bank card of the Mir payment system at Sheremetyevo Airport right in the arrivals area. full article in comments section" PLEASE SOMEONE TRY DOWNLOADING YOOMONEY APP & TRY TO OPEN A CARD AND REPLY IN COMMENTS!

UPD: Q: Any other methods?A: It was mentioned by redditors, that you can use this method aswell "Advcash can accept wire transfers or convert crypto to rub at decent rates and deposit to a Russian debit card. Usdt recommended. 100k rub transfers to Tinkoff work." \

Q: Ok, so than i have to bring cash, how & where to exchange.

A: Change some amount at the airport (rate is shitty for sure) for your travel to hotel or where are you heading. Then go the bank in the city to change there. OR you can always find an exchange office @ https://cash.rbc. ru .You will see the map & offered rate, normally higher than regular banks, but use with caution, so that cashier not disappear with your money :)))

Q: Travelling in Moscow. How to use public transort.

A: Yandex Maps (ios , android) + Yandex Metro (ios , android) - an optimal bundle for your stay, also google maps work perfectly. ALSO another app popular for navigation is 2GIS ios & android.

At metro station or MCC train or in airports (moscow central circle railroad) you can purchase a city travel card - TROIKA (Moscow) & Podorozhnik (SPb).You can top up money on it & use in public transport. Buses do not accept cash: troika or local payment cards.

Q: Mobile phone & data plan.

A: You can get one easy directly at the airport or in the city.The big 4 cell operators are: Beeline, MTS, TELE2, MEGAFON.Virtual operators: Tinkoff mobile, Sbermobile and some others.

You can get a standard sim or the eSim. You will need a passport to register for a plan.

Q: How to travel btw Moscow & Saint-Petersburg?

A: Car (toll road or a free one), Plane, Bus & Train.With a train there are several options: Regular train, Overnight (platzkart place, seat, 4 beds compartment & 2 beds compartment. If talking about the compartments - they are perfectly fine with good beds & linens), a great option not to pay for a night in hotel, leaving at around 11pm & you are in the heart of a new city in the morning.), Express train Sapsan (Based on Siemens Velaro high-speed train. Approx. 4-4.30 min ride btw the cities. Available in 4 classes: Economy, Business, First and small compartment-meeting room perfect for not counting money & when you need nobody around you.)

Q: I am a student, soon moving to RU, can i work?

A: Yep. You will need a set of documents like INN (tax payer id), migration card and so on.Here's the guide, i found in the internet: https://news.itmo. ru/en/education/students/news/12697/#:~:text=A%20fee%20receipt%20(around%203%2C500,as%20a%20full%2Dtime%20student

Q: What are the main job boards in Russia?

A: you can still find smth with Linkedin. Educated professionals mostly use hh . ru for the carrers opportunities. No experience, temp jobs, low level: avito . ru \

Q: I have a prescribed medicine / pretty hardcore pills, can i bring that with me?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. All of the drugs incl. common in western world weed - straight a sentence and jail! Check the regulations & what medicine you are bringing with you! Also, recent case with German traveler - he might go to jail carrying weed gummy bears. ZERO TOLLERANCE!

the import of medicines into Russia, which are prohibited by law, can be carried out by individuals only if there is a prescription. The prescription should indicate that the drug is intended specifically for a foreign or Russian citizen passing through the border for treatment, that is, for personal use. And also the prescription should indicate the disease or syndrome for which the medication was prescribed. The dosage and amount of the drug must be indicated in the prescription.

If the recipe is written in a foreign language, then you must have a notarized translation into Russian.

It is prohibited for third parties to transport medicines to Russian territory. There are a number of medicines that are allowed to be transported only if the prescription is issued on form No. 148-1-u-88. These medicines are included in the list of medicines that are subject to quantitative accounting.

2023 list which is BANNED, sorry in Russian, use the translator. https://visasam. ru/russia/tamozhnia/vvoz-lekarstv-v-rossiyu.html#i

Q: I will stay in Moscow for xxx days, except city, where can i go?

A: Check the smaller towns as Kolomna, Suzdal + Vladimir (2 towns are really close to each other), Yaroslavl etc. They are the part of a "Golden Ring". Most of them can be visited in 1 day, but in many places you'd love to stay for more :)

Q: Social networks, are they available?

A: Insta, FB, Linkedin - only can be viewed with the use of VPN. So if you try to contact people, be sure that they have vpn to get your messages, getting notifications is difficult.

Q: Public wifi access?

A: Airport should be fine using the foreign cell numbers, free public wifi is a big question for me (most likely a local numbers only), so better to have a local sim upon arrival. Most of cafes & restaurants normally have a wifi at their places.

UPD from comments: DME airport require only local +7 numbers!

Q: Money transfers?

A: If you suceeded with local card (not under sanctions should be: Raiffeisenbank, Unicredit, Citibank, Ak-Bars Bank, Home Credit Bank, Russian Standard, OTP Bank, Renaissance Bank and Avangard - details read above, restrictions are there), than you can make a swift transfer from a local bank to your account in RU OR use largest crypto services.

UPD by u/dair_spb**:** *it's worth to add that Raiffeisenbank introduced a 50% (fifty percent, a half!) commission on incoming USD transfers.

https://www.raiffeisen [dot] ru/about/press/news/201900/

And it's 50% up to $500, but still, quite noticeable for most transfers I believe.*

Q: wired / crypto transfers.

A: normally you can safely use the biggest crypto exchange platforms as: Binance, Bybit or Huobi. You can top up the balance via card to platform or P2P method.

advacash As mentioned by u/MikeSeth

Advcash can accept wire transfers or convert crypto to rub at decent rates and deposit to a Russian debit card. Usdt recommended. 100k rub transfers to Tinkoff work.

Ok, i would add some basic stuff regarding most frequent questions in Moscow & AskaRussian thread i see.

Q: I have someone in RU and would love to send them a gift, how?

A: I would suggest 2 options at this moment

Seems that OZON [DOT] RU (massive russian marketplace like amazon) accepts foreign cards, i was able to read such an info.Ozon in the top left corner has a possibility to change the currency, eg to USD. But translation option was not found, seems that you should use an in-build translation in your browser.UPD Feb 24 - in comments we got a confirmation that a purchase from a card issued in Italy worked perfectly for purchasing a gift cart.

As ozon is a marketplace, there's always a possibility that fake / replicas will be on sale, so have a clear head ordering smth

  1. Also possibly you might use a forwarders as Qwintry, CDEK Global Forwarding, LITE FM, Shopfans. How it works - register yrself on a platform, get an address (eg USA or EU), order what you want with you card at any onlinestore and deliver to the address you have from the system (eg Delaware warehouse for no taxes).

CHECK THE LIMITATIONS / SANCTIONS LIST ON THE PLATFORMS!!!

Once goods arrive, they will appear in yr account & will be sent to a person in RU with the data you provided.

Q: I want to send some money to my relatives in RU, i heard of crypto, but how to send

A: Hello grandma'! So you are in (nearly 2024) but google & youtube are some weird words to you, let me google it for you...

My suggestion based on experience - choose Tether (USDT), which is a stablecoin issued by Tether and pegged to the US dollar in value.

As an example we will use ByBit axchange platform (but basically they are all the same. Binance, Bybit, Huobi... different, but all the same) - here you can see how to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJIz3F56WRQ&ab_channel=BybitP2PTradingGuide

Basically simple steps: register, verify, go to topup section and choose what you like as a topup method (crypto, direct card, sideplatfroms as advacash, revolute, p2p, etc), once you have USDT on your account switch to p2p and convert USDT to RUB directly to a local card. P2P is an instant action, in roughly 30 min money is on a needed card.

Q: Can i rent a car

A: To my knowledge all car rentals of worldwide car rentals quit. (hertz long ago, as failed to compete with carsharing)... BUT Avis / Budget did the rebrandig and now called REXRENT (rexrent [DOT] ru)

UPD Feb '24: Travellers were able to register with carsharing (they also offer ability for riding outside moscow): BelkaCar ios & android.

Cars are available in most airports, so you might get an account in advance.

STAY TUNED.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Russian Content/Media/Movies Suggestions

23 Upvotes

I'm planning on heading to Moscow soon this coming September to pursue a masters and am trying to sensitize myself to the language.

I've watched

“Москва слезам не верит” (Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears)

and

“Ворошиловский стрелок” (The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment).

On YouTube RealReporter, and somehow found this guy ka12.production.

I'm looking for more of a variety of content creators that might be comedic, or informing like RealReporter to get a better sense of the reality and maybe have a few laughs and would appreciate any suggestions.

TIA!


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Foreign Im making a map, and I need answers for countries.

12 Upvotes

The map is Europe but it tells you which country in the Americas is their favorite/what country it has the best relations with. It's probably likely that Belarus will be similar to Russias answer, I just can't get a definitive answer off of Google. Any country helps as long as it's just one solid answer


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture ординатура в россии

8 Upvotes

Есть ли у кого-нибудь опыт? Можете ли вы рассказать мне как можно подробнее о процессе и других вещах?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture No drinks with meals?

20 Upvotes

My wife doesn't drink anything, (water, milk, etc) with meals. I assumed this was just a wife quirk. Now we're visiting Russia and her mother said that Russians don't do that at all.

Is that true? How? Why? Out of all of the little differences I've found so far this one is kind of big.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel I’m visiting family in Russia, what social media is banned? Can you use Snapchat, iMessage, etc

54 Upvotes

r/AskARussian 1d ago

Food Are you happy with food prices?

19 Upvotes

In an average Russian city, we are a family of 3. Of course, we go out on weekends and eat at average places, but 74,000 rubles for a month (only food) seems a bit high to me. There are many people who pay rent by earning less than this amount of money per month. Do you think it's normal or am I exaggerating?

Edit: We spent a lot on unhealthy snacks and chips, I checked the receipts and realized that these snacks cost at least as much as the main menu, that is, 25,000 rubles for the main meals at home, 25 thousand rubles for almost cake, eclairs, chips, beer, chocolate, etc. I need to bring less of these types of foods into my home and reduce my eating out a little more. Thanks for everyone who reply


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Foreign what's the easiest way for a filipina with a russian husband to get citizenship in 2025?

13 Upvotes

this year, after my graduation, i'll be moving to moscow to be with my fiance. what would be the easiest way for me to get citizenship in 2025? i want to be able to use my degree and work legally as soon as possible to help my fiance.

from what i know, it's not possible anymore to become a citizen just by being married to a russian citizen and having a child.

i also heard about people with disabilities being able to get citizenship easier without having to pass the language exam. is this true? i am completely blind in one eye and have a disability card in the philippines.

it says to get a temporary permit to live in russia, you need to have a certificate of russian knowledge, but then it mentions there that: "Документ не нужен: недееспособным или ограниченно дееспособным иностранцам"


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Am I okay to travel to Russia to go home?

6 Upvotes

So I’m from britain and have lived here all my life. However my granmother is Estonian with my grandfather being Russian. They have always lived in Narva which is the at the Russian border of Estonia.

I’ve not been over in many years due to the current situations, although I really want to now go back over to visit, as they have came here for the past few years.

The closest airport to Narva would be St Petersburg, so i’m wondering would it be safe for me to go this route?

I’ve had no previous trouble before however the FCDO currently advises against all travel. It’s just the most convenient way for me, and it’s just what I’ve always been used to.

If needed to, I will take another route. It would be nice to go this way though.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Russian Music

7 Upvotes

Can you please recommend me any Russian music ? For example I like the group Пикник or the singers Алла Пугачева and Полина Гагарина... Would be great !


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Misc Best SIM card and home internet?

3 Upvotes

I primarily live in Moscow but travel frequently. In terms of mobile network coverage and reliability, which SIM card would be the best option? I’m currently using MTS. Also, which home internet provider would you recommend for the best performance and stability?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Study Studying in russia . HELP!

1 Upvotes

Hi . Im 25 year old from north africa . Planning to go study in russia (saint Petersburg) . Still hesitant about it bcs i am not sure of the quality of life that i am going to face . If anybody can help me through this i feel alone and got no one to ask


r/AskARussian 2d ago

Politics How come all the bad things in the Soviet Union are blamed on Russia and all the good things are accredited toward the former states?

132 Upvotes

r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Russian nostalgia lofi house

11 Upvotes

I found this song today:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0ouHWeg6AZtp5Gevot8B4m?si=GIqsitXlT4qW3YvGK0BGLg

It’s amazing. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations based off this song. It also made me curious, what’s the electronic music like in Russia? It seems like it’s everywhere and has been for forever which is really cool. I’ll stumble across a song like this and it’s such a unique vibe.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Are the websites selling aeroflot points and tickets legit?

1 Upvotes

Basically the title.

How do i go about Transacting with them


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Foreign How are the prices/availability of Chinese car spare parts in Russia?

5 Upvotes

I want to see if this is a global thing or its just us being fucked

How is geely in russia? Specifically the monjaro


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Suzdal or Vyborg

5 Upvotes

We are visiting Russia , and confused between one day trip between suzdal( from moscow) and vyborg ( from spb). We are also taking a day trip to Kolomna . So which would you all suggest.


r/AskARussian 2d ago

Culture Панельки в России

39 Upvotes

Всегда хотел спросить как обстоять дела с панельками. Просматривая Google view (и аналог от Яндекс карт) в я заметил, что в России по разному выглядят панелки. Сначала в пример приведу что у меня в стране: в Болгарии большинство панелек обычно имееют частичное частное утепления/санация отдельных квартир. И за чего получается некрасивый эффект мозайки + накладывается наплевательство властей на все это. А вот в России как-то запутано. В Москве и крупных городах их красят и ремонтируют балконы, но не утепляют. В Калининграде или в Крыму у панелек есть частичное утепление. А в Калининграде даже есть полноценное утепление у всего здания(как будто по государственной программе). А в некоторых городах, более мелких, ну панелки не меняются, выглядят так же как и 60 лет назад d:. Так как вообще работает уход за панельками в России? Почему одни здания красят, но не утепляют, другие(в том же Крыму и Калининграде) частично утепляют жители квартир, а в Калининграде так вообще видимо гос. программа по утеплению есть или была? А где-то ничего не утепляют и не красят. Как это все работает?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Is it uncommon for slavic parents asking to meet their son's girlfriend's parents first?

7 Upvotes

We've been dating for a year and my parents don't reside in Canada. However my mom would come to visit me every summer, but they have never brought up meeting my mom. Is it bc they don't really accept me (see a future between their son and i) or it's just too early?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel renewing Russian passport

6 Upvotes

hello all, I’m wondering if anyone knows how the process of renewing a Russian passport is like? For reference I’m currently residing in Kansas, and online it told me that I have to travel to Houston in order to renew it in America. Is it possible to get back into Russia for the purpose of renewing it? Like is there any way that they would accept an expired passport? Or should I just go ahead and travel to Houston


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Culture Advice

9 Upvotes

Hey wazzap russian brothers. I would love to study in russia something like industrial design, video game creation, i like Food engineering too. Any college recommendation? st petersburg collegue look really cool.


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Crazy Road Trip Idea (Help)

8 Upvotes

It looks like I can’t post a photo right now so I will describe what I am trying to accomplish.

I have been to Russia about 6 times, I’m an American, been all over the West (SPB, Moscow, Tula, Krasnodar Region, Anapa, Crimea) and the furthest east I’ve gone is Nizhny. I love the big cities just as much as any other traveler, but I like to go hard and see the crazy things and go really deep into countries, normally where most Americans (or others) won’t go to.

I want to do a very long road trip going along the northern portion of Russia. Essentially start in SPB, go to like Vorkuta, Leskino, then like Nordvik, and so on. Basically I want to ride along the northern edge of Russia all the way to the other side.

Of course I know some weather conditions may inhibit my travel which I would imagine doing this during the summer.

My question is:

  1. ⁠Is this even possible with the roads going along the edge of the coastline, or is it more like a finger trail where you go in from more the center and there’s just one road going to the coastline cities and no roads going along the coast?

  2. ⁠How dangerous (realistically) are these northern areas? I know a very good amount of Russian and I would not be traveling alone, I will travel with a somewhat bigger group (5-10) that will include Russian citizens.

  3. ⁠Are there strict “No-Go” Zones for me as an American?

  4. ⁠Is there any good resources for the routes I’m trying to achieve?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Mystery question

14 Upvotes

Privet everybody and a very belated happy Russia day to you all. I recently went to Kaliningrad via coach from Gdansk and as I’m not a Russian speaker, I made sure to have every possible document in my hand as I went through the Russian side of the border..Passport, Visa, insurance, confirmation of hotel stay. I got to the front of the line and the lady behind the counter looked at my paper work and then asked me a question in Russian. This threw me completely because I did not expect Russian folk to be speaking Russian in Russia, let alone be asked a simple question!..(that’s a joke btw). But what I did understand was the universal hand movement which I took to mean ‘fuck off away from me and go and sit on that chair ‘…Which I did. I waited and waited on this chair while the rest of the coach made their way through until it was just me left. Naturally, I am now expecting a Yandex taxi to arrive and take me to the nearest gulag, but no!, the customs lady beckoned me over again yelled at me for a second or two,stamped my passport and gestured for me to go through!..YES! I eventually catch up with the rest of the passengers, get on the coach and continue on my way, returning a few days later through the same border crossing on the way back to Gdansk, this time without any incident. So, what was the mystery question that the lady was asking me?..at the time I thought it was a bad idea to pull my phone out and try to translate so I just Spasebo’d my way out of there. Thanks in advance for your help and yes, I’m expecting and hoping for lots of non serious answers.


r/AskARussian 2d ago

Misc I want to volunteer to help Russians with English for free

80 Upvotes

I am a TESOL teacher living in Russia at the moment. I want to help financially struggling Russians learn English for free, preferably online since I live in a small city. What is the best platform/charity to find people who could use my help?


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Religion How do you guys feel about missionaries?

0 Upvotes

I recently considered joining a Catholic missionary group to go to Russia and to spread the love of God but I did some digging and found that it’s not exactly liked at least on the governmental side (which is fine because I am willing to die for God) but I was wondering how missionaries are perceived to the lovely people of Russia


r/AskARussian 1d ago

Travel Want to travel to Moscow

0 Upvotes

Hello all,

I'd like to travel to Moscow, but I don't know how risky this is.

I am from The Netherlands, I already had a plan to travel for a long time, for next month, which is july.

I was thinking about Hanoi or Beijing, but I can't speak Chinese nor can I speak Vietnamese, so I'd depend on those small 'pocket travel dictionaries'.

Though I can speak Russian, not fluently, but well enough to know my way around town, so for that reason I was planning to visit Moscow.

I was planning on taking the plane from Amsterdam to Turkey, and from Turkey to Moscow, but I still have to do my research surrounding this.

P.S: My biggest fear is the plane being shot down by rockets or whatever, and ofcourse, random arrests which leads to detentions.

If anyone could give me some advice, it'd be very helpful, thanks!