Russia (RU)
The world's largest country, spanning Europe and Asia, with deep cultural institutions, large cities, strong public transport, complex bureaucracy, sanctions-affected banking, strict migration registration, and a demanding but sometimes affordable expat experience.
Daily Life
Practical day-to-day information for living in Russia.
🛒 Supermarkets
Everyday discount chain with dense coverage.
Large national chain; strong in regions.
Better selection in larger cities.
Hypermarket and supermarket formats.
Premium Moscow/Saint Petersburg chain with imported-style goods.
Popular prepared food, dairy and health-oriented chain.
Opening Hours
Large supermarkets (Pyaterochka, Magnit, Perekrestok): often 08:00-23:00 or 24/7 in major cities. Banks (Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Bank): Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, some Saturday. MFC (Multifunctional Centres / МФЦ): Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00, Sat 09:00-18:00. Pharmacies: 08:00-21:00; 24h options widely available in cities.
Sunday Rules
Sunday trading is normal in Russia. Shops, supermarkets and restaurants open 7 days. The major closure periods are New Year holidays (late Dec-early Jan), Orthodox Christmas (7 January), Victory Day (9 May) and other public holidays — government offices pause, some transport runs special schedules.
Recycling
Dual-stream waste separation is being rolled out across major cities — dry recyclables (plastic, paper, metal, glass) and wet/general waste. Moscow and SPb most advanced; many regional cities still use single-stream. Batteries, bulbs and electronics: special collection points at supermarkets and municipal points. Check your district administration (prefektura) for exact rules.
Dining Out
Stolovaya (canteen) lunch: RUB 300-600 for soup, main and drink. Mid-range restaurant dinner: RUB 1,500-4,000 per person. Business lunch (biznes-lunch) Mon-Fri 12:00-16:00 at most restaurants: RUB 500-1,200 — best value in Russia. Russian language and local payment methods (SBP, MIR) are essential for daily commerce.
Utilities & Internet
District heating (tsentralnoye otopleniye) is standard in Soviet-era apartment blocks — heat and hot water centrally supplied and billed via management company or Gosuslugi. Annual hot-water maintenance shutoffs (usually 2-3 weeks, June-July) are planned in advance. Electricity billed per kWh. Utility payments via Gosuslugi, Sberbank Online, MFC or management company apps.
Cultural Tips for Expats
- → Carry identification and registration proof when travelling domestically
- → Winter footwear matters more than fashion
- → Many buildings use entry intercoms and concierge systems
- → Cash backup is prudent despite digital payments
- → Learning Cyrillic immediately saves daily friction
Quiet Hours
Quiet-hour rules are regional and building-specific, but night silence and renovation limits are enforced in apartment blocks.
Loud music, shouting, drilling and parties
Drilling, demolition and heavy repairs
Holiday fireworks and celebrations
- •Starting renovation without checking local rules
- •Ignoring building chat/concierge warnings
- •Assuming short-term rental guests can party
Neighbour complaints, police visits, administrative fines and landlord disputes.
Postal Services
Russian Post handles letters and parcels; courier networks and marketplace pickup points are often faster.
Ozon, Wildberries, CDEK and Boxberry pickup points are common in cities.
Passport may be needed for registered mail, bank cards and some parcels.
Authorities may send legally significant notices by registered mail or electronic channels.
Arrange forwarding before leaving and keep a trusted local contact for registered notices.
- →Match passport names exactly
- →Keep tracking screenshots
- →Use pickup points near home/work
- →Expect customs checks on imported parcels