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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.

Capital: Moscow
Region: Europe
Language: Russian
Currency: RUB (₽)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 38)
Emergency: 112
Free
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Getting Around

Transport options for living in Russia.

Public Transport Overview

Moscow and Saint Petersburg have excellent metro systems, contactless local fare cards and dense bus/tram/trolley networks. Regional cities vary widely, and suburban elektrichka trains matter for commuting.

Main operators:
Moscow MetroMosgortransMoscow Central DiametersRussian Railways (RZD)Saint Petersburg MetroAeroexpressYandex Goregional municipal transport operators

🎫 Transit Passes

Troika card Pay-as-you-go or monthly Moscow tariffs

Moscow metro, MCC, MCD zones and surface transport

💡 The default Moscow transport card; fares change annually.
Podorozhnik card Pay-as-you-go or period passes

Saint Petersburg metro and surface transport

💡 Useful for residents and frequent visitors.
RZD long-distance tickets Dynamic pricing

Intercity and cross-country rail

💡 Passport details must match exactly.
Aeroexpress Airport route tariffs

Moscow airport rail links where operating

💡 Check service changes before travel.

Taxi & Rideshare

Yandex Go dominates ride-hailing. Licensed taxis and airport desks are safer than informal drivers.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Yandex Go and local taxi apps are common; sanctions and foreign card issues mean you need cash or a Russian payment method.

Cycling

Moscow and some cities have bike lanes and seasonal bike-share, but winter, road behaviour and snow storage limit everyday cycling.

Intercity Trains

RZD is the backbone for long-distance travel. Sapsan/Lastochka-style high-speed and regional trains serve major corridors, while Siberian/Far East trips require planning.

Driving

Drive on the right. Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas (20 km/h in residential zones), 90 km/h on non-urban roads, 110 km/h on motorways (130 km/h on approved sections). Traffic enforcement uses cameras, winter tyres are practically essential, and foreign licence rules depend on residence, translation and permit status.

Airports

Major international airports include Moscow Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Saint Petersburg Pulkovo; international routes remain sanctions-affected and often require connections via third countries.