What do I need to know before moving to Russia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Russia, they said...
"Expats should be aware that Russia is a large and diverse country with a wide range of climates and cultures. It is important to research the region you are moving to and familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws. Additionally, it is important to obtain a visa before entering the country and to register with the local authorities upon arrival. Expats should also be aware that the cost of living in Russia can be high, so it is important to budget accordingly. Finally, it is important to learn some basic Russian language skills to help with day-to-day life," said another expat in Russia.
"Traffic is usually terrible in Moscow so you should choose an area that's convenient for work, school and anything else you do regularly. We preferred living in the centre as we like going out and being close to the theatres, music and concert halls etc. Some people prefer living out of town in the compounds, mainly for the children. There are some lovely family friendly areas in town too. It's basically about reaching a convenient compromise for your whole family," wrote a member who made the move to Moscow, Russia.

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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Russia?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Russia?
- Will I be able to find a job in Russia?
- What is life like in Russia?
- What do expats in Russia appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Russia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Russia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Russia like?
- What are healthcare services like in Russia?
- What are medical services in Russia like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Russia?
- What are emergency services like in Russia?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Russia?
- How are local medical facilities in Russia?
- As a foreigner living in Russia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Russia?
If you live in Russia, newcomers to Russia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.