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.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
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.
Climate
March-May varies from muddy thaw in the west to lingering snow in Siberia. Waterproof shoes and layered clothes matter.
June-August can be warm or hot in Moscow and the south, with white nights in Saint Petersburg and mosquitoes in northern/forest regions.
September-November brings beautiful foliage, early darkness and fast temperature drops; heating season timing is locally managed.
December-February is long and cold, especially beyond European Russia. Ice, snow, dry indoor heat and short daylight are real daily-life factors.
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
Russian greetings are polite and somewhat formal at first. Use first name plus patronymic in formal settings until invited to be informal.
Work, rail and official appointments are punctual. Social timing can be more flexible, but bureaucratic appointment slots are not.
Urban professional dress is smart and polished, especially in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, banks, courts and government offices.
- ✕ Ignoring migration registration
- ✕ Photographing sensitive infrastructure or police without care
- ✕ Discussing politics casually with strangers
- ✕ Assuming English will be understood outside major centres
- ✕ Making jokes about war, state symbols or religion
- ✓ Carry passport or notarised copy plus migration card/registration when appropriate
- ✓ Remove shoes in homes
- ✓ Bring small gifts when visiting
- ✓ Queues are real but can be assertive
- ✓ Direct speech is normal and not necessarily rude
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
Beet soup often served with sour cream and bread.
Dumplings filled with meat, common across Siberia and urban homes.
Thin pancakes served with sour cream, jam, caviar or savoury fillings.
Cabbage soup with many regional variations.
Potato, egg, pickles and meat salad associated with holidays.
Small baked or fried filled buns sold in cafes and kiosks.
A daily staple, often served strong with sweets or lemon.
Lightly fermented bread drink popular in summer.
Berry drink served at home, cafes and canteens.
Symbolic spirit with formal toasting customs; not a daily assumption.
📍 Tourist Highlights
The political and historical centre of Moscow.
One of the world’s major art museums in the Winter Palace complex.
Deep freshwater lake and Siberian nature destination.
Long-distance rail route connecting European Russia with Siberia and the Far East.
Tatarstan landmark mixing Orthodox and Muslim heritage.
Historic towns with monasteries, churches and wooden architecture.
📖 Brief History
Russia developed from medieval Rus principalities through the Tsardom, Empire, Soviet Union and the post-1991 Russian Federation. Modern life mixes imperial architecture, Soviet infrastructure, Orthodox traditions, advanced science and technology, and a highly centralised state.