Living in Russia Living in Russia

Association

of European Businesses

STEP BY STEP:









Living

in Russia 2011

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Contents





Contents

Foreword by Konstantin O. Romodanovsky,

Director, Federal Migration Service (FMS) Russia 2

Foreword by H.E. F. Valenzuela,

Ambassador, EU Delegation to Russia 3

Foreword by Dr. Frank Schauff, AEB CEO 4

Living in Russia – an overview

Introduction to Russia 6

Expatriate life in Russia 6

Association Russian Language and Culture 8

of European Businesses Current Immigration Procedures in Russia

How to work in Russia legally and the latest changes

in migration legislation 10

Standard procedure 10

Obtaining a work permit for a highly skilled specialist 12

What are the main requirements of the Russian Federal

Migration Service (FMS) for the highly skilled specialist’s work permit? 12

Moving to Russia

Customs formalities 16

The features of moving to Russia 18

Prohibited goods 18

Artwork 18

Cars 19

Pets 19

AEB CEO Living in Russia: Moscow

Dr. Frank Schauff The City: step by step 22

Living in Moscow: other useful facts 31

Business Development Director Time out 35

Irina Aksenova DOs and DON’Ts 35

Serviced accommodation in Moscow

Publications Manager

Nina Anigbogu Living in Russia: St. Petersburg

Districts of St. Petersburg 38

Advertising & Sales A Review of the St. Petersburg rental market in 2010

Olga Pavlyuk General Dynamics of the Rental Market 54

Ul. Krasnoproletarskaya 16, bld. 3 Living in Russia: Sakhalin

127473 Moscow, Russian Federation

Geography 58

Tel.: +7 (495) 234 27 64

Historical remark 59

Fax: +7 (495) 234 28 07 Natural resources 59

Website: www.aebrus.ru Transport 60

The AEB Step by Step: Living in Russia Sakhalin companies 60

is registered with Roscomnadzor, Places to visit 62

ПИ № ТУ 50-499. Circulation: 6, 000 copies. Living in Russia: Sochi

All copyrighted images are taken from Sochi – life for an expatriate 64

www.dreamstime.com and Year-round, sun-and-snow resort 64

www.shutterstock.com Working in Sochi 65

Art and Modern Lifestyle 65

The opinions and comments expressed Family accommodation 65

here are those of the authors and do not Recreation 65

necessarily reflect those of the Association Useful information 65

of European Businesses. Living in Sochi: other useful facts 66

Short stories 9, 14, 20, 26, 42, 48, 63, 71





Step by step : Living in Russia 1

Foreword by Konstantin O. Romodanovsky, Director, FMS Russia









It is only next to the USA that the Russian Federation is the

world’s second in the number of foreign citizens arriving to the

country (migrants). Russia remains most attractive for migrants

amidst the world financial and economic crisis. The total number of

foreign citizens entering the country every year is about 13 to 14

million people; most of them come mainly from the CIS countries.



In the 21st century, migratory processes significantly influence

the economic, political and cultural institutes.



Under today’s conditions, a well-balanced and thought-out

migratory policy is important to the Russian Federation in the light of

all-round modernisation of the economy and development of the scientific potential, which needs

inflow of qualified foreign labour, investments and innovative technologies.



Regular consultations with our partners from the European Union and representatives of

domestic business resulted in the introduction of a preferential treatment of labour activity in the

Russian Federation for highly skilled foreign specialists.



Today, we are establishing an efficient and mutually beneficial system of attraction and

exchange of work force, with all the states concerned, consistently liberalising our migratory

legislation. In this connection, I cannot but emphasize the fruitful cooperation between the Fed-

eral Migratory Service and the Association of European Businesses, promoting advancement of

the Russian Federation along the way of formation and strengthening of international business

contacts.



I am sure that the newest legislative initiatives of Russia in the migratory sphere will largely

contribute to growth of efficiency and investment appeal of the Russian economy.



Creation of comfortable conditions of staying and labour activity for both foreign citizens in

the Russian Federation and Russian citizens abroad, is nowadays, a priority of the governmental

migratory policy and a weighty matter of state!



From the bottom of my heart, I would like to wish you all a fruitful and constructive work and

say, ‘welcome to the Russian Federation!’









Konstantin O. Romodanovsky



Director, Federal Migration Service (FMS) Russia









2 Step by step : Living in Russia

Foreword by H.E. F. Valenzuela, Ambassador, EU Delegation to Russia









For anyone new in Russia, there are many questions – both

concerning practical aspects of daily life as well as concerning doing

business here. The AEB is certainly a very good partner who can help

to address your questions and to help you with settling in.



The EU and the Russian economy are highly interconnected: The

EU is Russia's main trade partner, accounting for well over half of

its overall trade turnover. It is also the most important investor in

Russia: up to 75% of FDI stocks in Russia come from the EU Member

States. Russia is the EU's third trading partner with almost 10% share

of our trade.



Concerning our ongoing negotiations with Russia, the EU is currently in the process of nego-

tiating a new EU-Russia Partnership Agreement that should deepen and strengthen our already

wide-ranging cooperation. At the same time, Russia’s WTO accession remains a key priority. On

this front, bilateral issues were cleared at the EU-Russia Summit of 7 December 2010. This is an

important milestone in the accession process and the EU now very much hopes that 2011 will see

Russia becoming a WTO member. Such long-term commitment to a rules-based multilateral trade

system would be a clear indication of Russia’s determination to move towards a diversified, open

and prosperous economy.



For many years, the cooperation between the European Union Delegation and the AEB has

been very close and frequent contacts take place on a wide variety of issues. Together with the

European Commission and the EU Member States' Embassies in Russia, the AEB actively partici-

pates in the EU Market Access Partnership – we are cooperating very closely in order to reduce

barriers for doing business in Russia. In particular, we have been focussing together on issues of

great importance for business in Russia such as visas and work permits, customs issues, increased

import duties, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights and energy-related questions.



Doing business in Russia is certainly a challenge full of opportunities. Together with the AEB,

the European Union Delegation would like to welcome you to Russia and wish you all the best.









H.E. Fernando Valenzuela Marzo



Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Russia









Step by step : Living in Russia 3

Foreword by Dr. Frank Schauff, AEB CEO









Last year the Step by Step guide was a smashing success. This is

an indication of the fact that people and companies are in fact inte-

rested in relocating and expanding their business to Russia.



With a land mass of 17, 075, 400 square kilometres and a popula-

tion of 141,927,297 as of January 1st, 2010, the Russian Federation

comprises 83 federal subjects and the opportunities here are limitless.



The whole world is moving towards globalisation and Russia is

there right alongside. Russia has a market economy, with enormous

natural resources, particularly, oil and natural gas. It has the 12th larg-

est economy in the world by nominal GDP and the 7th largest by pur-

chasing power parity (PPP). Nowadays, higher domestic consumption and greater political stability

have bolstered economic growth in Russia. Oil, natural gas, metals, and timber account for more

than 80% of Russian exports abroad. The total area of cultivated land in Russia was estimated as

1,237,294 square kilometres in 2005, and is the fourth largest in the world. From 1999 to 2009,

Russia's agriculture demonstrated steady growth, transforming the country from a grain importer

to the third largest grain exporter after the EU and USA. In recent years, Russia has frequently been

described in the media as an "energy superpower". The country has the world's largest natural gas

reserves, the 8th largest oil reserves and the second largest coal reserves.



This guide is meant to serve as an insight into Russia – to acquaint those interested in relocating

for business reasons, with the culture, customs and ways of getting around in some of the major

cities. In the second issue of the Step by Step guide, we present you with an overview of not only

Moscow, but three other regions – Sahalin, St. Petersburg and Sochi, in addition to the basic facts

about immigration and relocation. The guide has been put together by representatives of AEB

member companies and leading experts in their various fields.



As you immerse yourself in the pages that follow, we hope that the information acquired will

go a long way in answering some of the pressing questions you may have and convince you that

with its rich culture and warm hearted people, Russia really is a great place to relocate to.



On a final note I would like to welcome you to Russia and wish you all a great stay!



Yours sincerely,









Dr. Frank Schauff



Chief Executive Officer



The Association of European Businesses









4 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Living in Russia – an overview









St. Basil's Cathedral – Moscow







Living in Russia – an overview

Introduction to Russia Russia has much to offer the relocating

expatriate executive, not only in terms of sig-

Russia is a land of extremes. Even after the

nificant business opportunities, but in terms of

disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, Rus-

the richness of its culture, as well as a strong

sia remains by far the world’s largest country,

heritage in every aspect of the arts and sci-

comprising of over 17 million square kilometers

ences, of which Russians are justifiably proud.

(Canada, by comparison, is just under 10 mil-

On the other hand, Russia is still characterised

lion sq Km, the USA, excluding Alaska, 8 mil-

by a seemingly all-encompassing bureaucracy.

lion sq Km) covering 11 time zones and with a

An awareness of both immigration formali-

population of around 142 million.

ties and the ways in which bureaucracy can

Moscow, the capital, is Europe’s largest city, affect business is essential in order to ensure a

with a population of 10,524,400 (as of 1st June trouble free and enjoyable stay.

2009) and is the seat of government, and by

far, the most significant economic centre, as Expatriate life in Russia

well as being home to the greatest number of

Life in Russia is full of challenges! However, a

billionaires in the world.

little preparation both before your relocation

For foreigners, Moscow can be an expen- and after arrival can be of immense benefit

sive place to live. In 2008, the city was voted throughout the rest of your stay. Expatriates

the most expensive city for expatriates for the who make at least some effort to acclimatise

third year in a row; however, by 2009 it ranked to their new environment, whether by taking

third behind Tokyo and Osaka. Russian language lessons, enjoying the wealth

of culture the Russian capital has to offer, rea-



6 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia – an overview





ding up on the country’s rich history, develop-

ing an interest in its architecture or travelling

to the Russian hinterland, beyond Moscow will

invariably lead a much fuller life while in Rus-

sia and take away with them any number of

unique memories and experiences.



Climate

Many foreigners associate Russia with long,

cold winters and little else. Those who arrive in

Russia in the summer months ( June to August)

are often pleasantly (and sometimes unpleas-

antly!) surprised by how hot the Russian sum-

mer can be. Spring and autumn tend to be brief

periods of change between very low and very

high temperatures. People's friendship fountain – Moscow

Winters can indeed be cold and are always Summers are short and hot. The average

accompanied by snow. Rarely does the tem- July temperature for Moscow is 18 degrees;

perature in winter fall below -25 degrees cen- although, heat waves with temperatures in the

tigrade (in Moscow at least) and the average lower 30s are not uncommon from mid-May to

January temperature is around -8 degrees. mid-August.









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Living in Russia – an overview





master completely. However, your time in Rus-

sia will be much more rewarding if you make

some effort to learn the language, and at least,

the basics about Russia’s cultural heritage. A

working knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet

is most useful for reading place names and

street signs and is easier to learn than one may

imagine at first glance. Your company should

be able to arrange Russian language lessons

for you, as well as a guide to Russian cultural

peculiarities.



Personal Safety

Moscow is no more dangerous or safe than

any other large urban area of comparable

size. Indeed many long-term expatriates often

comment positively on how safe Moscow

feels. This is not to say that crime is not a

problem and every expatriate should try not

to draw unnecessary attention to themselves

and be aware of the possibility of petty crime,

especially, in crowded areas and on public

transport. Make a list of emergency telephone

numbers – your office, your embassy, Russian-

speaking friends etc. and always keep these

Monument to Minin and Pozharsky – Moscow with you. You should also register yourself

and your family members with your country’s

Clothing embassy.



For winter, it is best to have ‘removable layers’

of clothing as it may well be cold out on the

David Gilmartin

street, but the interior of Russian buildings –

David came to Russia as an

both homes and offices – may be very warm

expatriate in 1996. Originally

verging on uncomfortably hot. A good, warm

working in Consumer Goods,

hat (made of fur or insulated man-made mate-

David traveled extensively

rials) is an essential piece of kit, as are scarves,

throughout Russia, and was based in the

gloves and good warm winter boots.

regions for a number of years. David has

Summer wear needs to take into account worked in Relocations and Real Estate for the

both very warm, humid temperatures, as well last 5 years. As owner and General Manager

as frequent showers, which occur when the of Troika Relocations, David has gained an

weather is thundery. excellent insight into the Relocation Industry

in Russia, and its current strengths and weak-

Russian Language and Culture nesses. As an expat himself, David is ideally

placed to advise expatriate executives and

Russian is not an easy language to learn and

their families relocating to Moscow.

will require considerable time and effort to



8 Step by step : Living in Russia

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia: “Have a drink in the morning and you

are free for the rest of the day“ (s utra wiypil, ves den

svoboden)

This Russian saying used to apply to the daily business practice of foreigners doing business in Russia

in the nineties. A regular business meeting at around eleven in the morning could take an unexpected

turn when your host would close the door behind you after you entered the room. With the door

cloxxxdsing something else would surely be opened, and that would be the drawer of your host’s

desk, out of which, a bottle of Vodka, and if you were lucky, some dark bread would be produced.

Two hours later, at around lunchtime, you would be trying to find your way back to the office dressed

in a smart suit and tie, but hardly being able to put two straight steps in front of each other. Now, in

the twenty first century, the risk of running into a bottle of Vodka during a time of the day when your

mind can only say “Cappuccino” is not so big anymore. Luckily, Russia’s drinking culture has evolved

in the last 20 years. Where in the nineties the saying “Have a drink in the morning and you are free

for the rest of the day“ (s utra wiypil, ves den svoboden) applied, nowadays, it is “sdelal delo, gulyay

smelo” (having done your business, you are free to party). Still, Vodka is an important part of the Rus-

sian culture, and therefore, of Russian business culture. The farther you are from Moscow, the sooner

this will become clear to you. Drinking Vodka is unavoidable in Russia and the best policy is: “if you

can’t beat them, join them”. And join them you will, sooner or later because saying no to a Russian

who offers you a drink is like trying to avoid death or taxes. You may delay it a little, but in the end, it

will catch up with you. And if you drink, it is important to understand that it is not only what you drink

that is important, but also how you drink. Shots of Vodka are not drunk by little sips. They go down

the hatch in one go. You are allowed though, to loudly express any kind of emotion after you have

downed a shot of Vodka. Delight or suffering may be expressed by groans, gurgles and other noises,

just as long as you do it with conviction. You may eat a pickled cucumber to soften the feeling of a

vodka-burned throat; alternatively, if you want to show your worth, you simply deeply sniff a crust

of brown bread. This may seem tough in the beginning, but you will notice that after three shots of

Vodka it is actually not that bad. The first shot is just as tough for the Russian as it is for you, but the

difference is that the Russian’s genetic memory harbours the knowledge that it gets better after two

or three shots. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to drink bottle after bottle. Everything

from five shots (or 250 grams) and more will do the trick. If after five shots you stop drinking, that

will be respected. But you are free to continue of course. The Vodka drinking is nothing less than a

ceremony, with its own specific etiquette. Every glass you drink will be preceded by a toast and you

will be expected to say a few of them. A good toast is highly appreciated and the third toast (standing

up) is always proposed to the ladies present. A glass can only be poured when the glass is standing

on the table (as opposed to holding it up in the air); an opened Vodka bottle is not closed again and

empty bottles are taken off the table. One rather dangerous moment is when your Russian host starts

drinking ‘na pososhok’ (one for the road). Although you might think that he is delicately trying to get

rid of you, the ‘pososhok’ is actually more often than not, the start of a long line of drinks for the road.

But these are just few of the customs that rule the drinking table. Drinking Vodka is an important part

of doing business, although, no business is usually done during the drinking. Something much more

important takes place while you progress form one glass to the other. A personal relationship and

trust are being established; two crucial ingredients for successful business in Russia.

Current Immigration Procedures in Russia









The Kremlin – Moscow







Current Immigration Procedures

in Russia

How to work in Russia legally and Standard procedure

the latest changes in migration The main problem faced by employers when

legislation recruiting foreign nationals using the standard

All foreign nationals, who are going to work in procedure, is in obtaining a quota. The applica-

the Russian Federation (RF) are obliged meant tion for the quota should be submitted to the

to obtain work permits. The work permit can Department of Employment by May 1st of the

be obtained on behalf of a legal entity or an current year for the quota of the next year.

individual entrepreneur. This can be a Russian Applying for the quota does not guarantee that

legal entity, a representative or branch office you will obtain it. Thus, if the employer wishes

of a foreign legal entity. Thus, if you are going to obtain a work permit for a foreign national

to work in Russia, you will have to do one of after May 1 of the current year he will only

the following, find an employer, establish your be able to do so 18 months later and only on

own company or a representative office of a condition of the confirmation of the quota for

foreign company on Russian Federation terri- the company for any desired position.

tory. The opportunity to work freelance in the

However, the Ministry of Health and Social

RF is open only to CIS-citizens.

Development of the RF publishes a list of posi-

At the moment, there is a standard proce- tions that are exempt from the quota. As a

dure for obtaining a work permit and a proce- rule, this list contains management positions

dure for highly skilled specialists. such as general director, company director





10 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Current Immigration Procedures in Russia



The AEB “One Window Approach” and department director. It is also possible to

application procedure obtain work permits without a quota for teach-

1. A company intending to legalise an expatri- ers of educational institutions, such as foreign

ate employee shall notify the AEB by for- language teachers.

warding the person’s details – name, profile,

address, bank details, type of document and The employer can start the process of

employee’s name on the company’s letter- obtaining work permits after receiving a quota

head, in English and Russian. or if he decides to choose any position exempt

2. The company shall pay to the AEB an admin- from the quota. First, you have to obtain per-

istrative charge of 1,150 rubles for each mission to employ foreign nationals. Subse-

expatriate employee of the company and quently, you obtain permission to apply for a

460 rubles for each family member of this

personal work permit for the foreign employee.

expatriate employee, in accordance with an

After that, the employer has to obtain a work

invoice issued by the AEB.

visa for the employee and his family members.

3. The company shall provide the AEB visa coor-

dinator with a complete set of documents. At the moment, the standard procedure

The list of documents and the format in which takes about 4 months. Also, a foreign national,

they should be completed can be found in the among other documents, has to present a

applicable regulatory legal acts that govern- degree of higher education and a medical

ing the order for applying to the FMS. The

certificate.

package of documents and all subsequent

documents, if any, shall be delivered to the The work permit under the standard proce-

AEB visa coordinator by an employee duly dure is issued for one year. The work visa will

authorised by the proper power of attorney, have the same period of validity. The given

issued by the company. The AEB visa coordi- work permit cannot be extended; therefore, the

nator shall officially accept these documents. employer will have to repeat the procedure. The

4. In addition to the package of documents,

work visa can be extended without leaving Rus-

the company shall provide the AEB visa

sia provided new work permit is obtained one

coordinator with a duly executed power of

month prior to the expiry of the previous one.

attorney, authorising him/her to represent

the company at the FMS. The work permit will only be valid in the

5. Once the package of documents has been constituent entity of the RF in which it was

approved, the AEB visa coordinator shall issued.

submit the package of documents to the FMS

and notify the company thereof.

6. If the FMS requests for any additional infor-

mation, the AEB visa coordinator will notify

the company. The company then has to

provide the AEB visa coordinator with this

information in time.

7. Once the package of documents has been

processed at the FMS, the AEB visa coordi-

nator shall notify the company, receive the

respective documents from the FMS and

hand them over to the company’s authorised

officer, at the AEB office.

For more information please contact Elena

Kuznetsova, Coordinator, AEB Migration

committee at Elena.Kuznetsova@aebrus.ru. Moscow City





12 Step by step : Living in Russia

Current Immigration Procedures in Russia





On July 1st, 2010, amendments to Fed-

eral Law – No 115-FZ came into force. These

amendments considerably simplified the pro-

cedure of obtaining work permits for a definite

category of foreign nationals.



The first and the most important innovation

is the introduction of a new category of foreign

employees – the highly skilled specialists.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior – Moscow

Obtaining a work permit king days. The work permit can be issued for

for a highly skilled specialist any position. The list of documents required

A work permit for a highly skilled specialist is considerably shorter when compared with

is obtained without a quota or permission to that for the standard procedure of obtaining

employ foreign nationals for the company. The work permits. Also, there is no need to present

given work permit can be obtained by practi- a medical certificate and degree of higher edu-

cally any Russian legal entity or a branch office cation. The employer can estimate the foreign

of a foreign legal entity, which is accredited national’s qualification himself. If necessary,

according to the standard procedure. the work permit can be extended for a period

ranging from 1 month to 3 years.

Please note that representative offices of

foreign companies do not have the right to Please note that as a result of the amend-

obtain work permits for highly skilled special- ments to the law, a foreign national, having

ists and have to obtain work permits according obtained a work permit as a highly skilled

to the standard procedure. specialist, can subsequently obtain a residence

permit for himself and his family members that

The work permit can be issued for a period

will remain valid for the same duration as the

of 1 month to 3 years. Besides, the work visa

work permit.

for the foreign national and his family mem-

bers can be issued according to the duration of Work permits for all constituent entities of

the work permit. the RF can be obtained from the FMS, which is

located at: 4/1, V. Radischevskaya, Moscow;

What are the main requirements office hours are from 10:00 till 17:00.

of the Russian Federal Migration Alexey Filipenkov

Service (FMS) for the highly skilled Alexey Filipenkov is a partner

specialist’s work permit? and one of the founders of Visa-

Delight. He has more than ten

One of the main criteria is the foreign national’s

years experience in the field of

salary, which cannot be less than 2 million

migration legislation.

rubles per year. The employer should provide

Visa-Delight specialises in the provision of

the highly skilled foreign employee and his fam-

services to foreign companies in all matters

ily members with optional insurance policies.

related to the legalisation of foreign labor, as

Compared to the standard procedure of well as practical issues in the application of

obtaining work permits, which can take up migration law. Alexey has also been the Deputy

to 4 months, a work permit for the highly Chairman of the AEB Migration Committee

skilled specialist is processed within 14 wor- since its foundation.





Step by step : Living in Russia 13

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia: Love and hate

There are two kinds of people in the world:

those who love Russia and those who hate

it. The first group is motivated by the adven-

ture, authenticity, warmth and generosity of

the Russian people, and, not to forget, by the

enormous market potential. The second group

sees a dangerous, dirty, corrupt, inefficient and

unorganised country, with grim and rude people.

Depending on how you look at it, there is some

truth to both views on Russia. And it is a fact that

most foreigners, and even many Russians, oscil- Fountain in Manezh square – Moscow

late between love and hate for Russia several

times per day. But there is one truth that is undeniable, which is, if you do not enjoy and love the

country most of the time, you will have no chance of success in Russia. I often see them sitting

next to me in the airplane before landing in Moscow: The western businesspeople, wiping their

moist palms on their trousers, for fear of what lies in store once they put their feet on Russian soil.

These fearful visitors run the risk of encountering one problem after the other. There is a 50 meter

long queue at passport control and the window closes just when you are next in line; when it is

finally your turn, you almost get arrested because your friendly effort to say ‘zdrazdvuitje’ (hello)

in Russian is misinterpreted by the grim officer in front of you. Subsequently, while waiting for

your luggage at the luggage belt with the sign ‘Berlin’, as that is where you came from, it arrives

at the belt with the sign ‘Paris’. This, of course, you find out only after you have already spent an

hour trying to declare your luggage as ‘lost’. The taxi driver rips you off and at your hotel, they

cannot find your reservation and do not accept your credit card. Business has not even started yet,

but your trip is already ruined and there is little chance that your luck will change for the better.

On the other hand, those business people who focus on the positive side of things and welcome

the chance to experience something out of the

ordinary, and who can appreciate the unorgan-

ised adventure that doing business in Russia

is, usually succeed. They learn a little Russian,

wink at the mustachioed lady at passport control

and are not surprised to find their luggage at

the wrong luggage belt. These are the people

who get satisfaction from solving Russia’s daily

riddles. These are also the people that have

a genuine interest in their Russian business

partners, and eventually end up making friends

with them. Often, people ask me what the main

secret of success in doing business in Russia is.

Statue: The old fisherman and the fish (a Russian

The answer, without a doubt, is – ‘a good sense

fairy tale) – Moscow of humor’.

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Moving to Russia









Flower clock – Moscow







Moving to Russia

Probably, your first reaction when faced with in some cases, they are not available. However,

the fact that there is a possibility that you will you may want to rethink bringing along pieces

be moving to Russia would be accompanied by of furniture; in Russia, most apartments that are

many questions: how to get long-term Russian for rent come fully furnished, hence, the only

visa? How to adapt to the extreme Russian cli- items that you may consider are objects that will

mate? How to understand this language? And help you and your family to adapt to the new

how to move all personal belongings to Russia? environment. You should also note that due to

climate peculiarities you will need more clothes

But when you start preparing to relocate to

and accessories for a comfortable stay in Russia.

Russia, you’ll find out that the procedure is not

as complicated as was previously imagined.

Customs formalities

If your move to one of Russia’s cities is

The customs procedures in Russia are very

short term, there is a possibility that you may

specific and it would be unwise try to arrange

want to bring with you as many of your per-

all the customs formalities on your own The

sonal belongings as you possibly can to give

best solution is to find good moving com-

you the home-away-from-home feeling.

pany that will be able to provide you will with

There is in fact, in most cases, good reason “Door-to-Door” relocation services. It is bet-

to bring along a good part of your personal ter to choose a reliable company that is well

belongings. In Russia, most items that you known on the relocation market as a stable

would be able to purchase at reasonable prices company, with a long-standing reputation and

in your home country, are more expensive, and a network of partners all over the world.





16 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Export/Import clearance phone: (7-812) 393-70-54

fax: (7-812) 309-12-12

Fine-Art – Antique Shipping

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Pets Moving phone: (7-4242) 74-22-90

fax: (7-4242) 72-31-37

Multilingual Team

www.iwm.ru

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Moving to Russia





The moving company will provide you with

a set of documents required for a problem free

customs clearance process. Note that you have

to prepare two sets of documents – one is for

the customs clearance procedure in your home

country; the second will be presented to the

office of the moving company in Russia. Bear in VDNH – Moscow

mind that you will also need to go to a Russian

ber countries of the European Union and the

notary and make the adequate arrangements

current legislation is still subject to frequent

for that; this should include asking your employ-

changes. The recent creation of the Customs

er to provide your with relevant documents.

Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan has

Once the legal part of your move is com- led to some vagueness regarding temporary

pleted, all you need to do is decide on the pack- import to Russia. Therefore, as of now, there

ing day. To factor in the possibility of unfore- is a possibility that you may be obliged to pay

seen circumstances, it would be wise to make import taxes and duties or arrange temporarily

an arrangement for several official packing import for your household goods. The moving

days. Subsequently, a fight should be booked company must provide you with the precise

that takes off a couple of days after the last details with regard to this issue.

packing day. It is strongly recommended that

you not pack any items of personal belonging Prohibited goods

by yourself. Just rely on the professional pack-

According to the Russian customs regulations

ers; they use special materials and packing

some items can not be imported into Russia.

technologies. Professional packers from a mov-

Make sure you request for an updated list of

ing company will save you time and your goods

prohibited goods from your moving company.

will be delivered to Russia in perfect condition.

The list of prohibited items is almost the same

Also, make sure that your goods are for companied and unaccompanied luggage and

insured. Most of the moving companies pro- contains explosives, weapons, food and drugs.

vide insurance as an additional service based

Bringing in over five liters of alcoholic bever-

on the declared value of your goods.

ages into Russia is prohibited. The importation of

Your moving company should tell you two to five liters of alcoholic beverages is subject

how long it will take for your goods to arrive to taxation. To avoid additional customs exami-

in Russia. Usually, the smaller shipments are nation it is strongly recommended that alcoholic

sent by air; they take about a week to arrive. beverages be part of your companied luggage.

If goods are being transported by road, for The same goes for tobacco products (with the

example, by truck, they will arrive in about allowed amount being 250 grams of tobacco).

one to two weeks. A container takes about a

month to arrive. Artwork

You should be very careful with importing, and

The features of moving to Russia particularly, subsequently exporting any items

Do not hesitate to ask the manager of your of art, for example, photographs, paintings,

moving company for a detailed description musical instruments, some souvenirs, books

of the relocation process. Russia is a country that are older than 50 years. Russian legisla-

with a socioeconomic and political system tion is very strict about exporting any goods of

that differs from that of many of the mem- historical value to the country. When importing



18 Step by step : Living in Russia

Moving to Russia





artwork into Russia, make sure that it is first relevant persons with the veterinary docu-

of all registered at the customs office; this will ments from your home country.

allow you to export it without any problems

We believe that choosing a good and reli-

when leaving. Those items, which have been

able moving company will guarantee that

purchased in Russia must be permitted for

you are comfortable throughout your stay in

export by the Russian Ministry of Culture. Most

Russia, including those first days following

moving companies can provide you with all

arrival.

necessary documents required to export art-

work, all you have to do, is bear that in mind.

Rick Minne

Rick is the Sales Develop-

Cars ment Director and thanks to

The procedure for importing a car for personal his personal connections and

use is quite simple in Russia. You need just to management style, he runs

arrange for a temporarily import for the car a very efficient relocation service at IWM.

and you can then send it by companied and A Belgian national who relocated to Mos-

unaccompanied shipment. In any case, the cow in 2008, with a tremendous amount of

moving company will assist you with that. relevant experience, Rick understands what

expats/customers are looking for.

Pets IWM is one of the leading moving providers in

Russia, offering household moves for expats

The procedure for bringing pets to Russia is

and embassies, and office moves.

relatively simple, you will need to provide the









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SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia:

Russians and rules

Russians have an interesting interpretation of

rules. See a ‘no swimming’ sign and you can be

sure that there will be people swimming. See

an emergency exit and you can be sure that the

exit is either used as a regular exit or it is closed

with a lock rendering it useless in the event of

an emergency. See a garbage container, and

usually, you will find the trash next to the con-

tainer. See a ‘no smoking’ sign in airports and Monument to Emperor Alexander II, the Liberator

public buildings and you will see that the largest Tsar – Moscow

congregations of smokers assemble within a 2

meter radius of this ‘no smoking sign’. Moreover, on closer inspection, you will notice that close

to the ‘no smoking signs’ you can actually, in most cases, find ashtrays placed there by the facility

managers. The Russian needs his freedom and when the foreigner gets used to this way of life,

he or she usually starts to appreciate certain aspects of the Russian’s particular relationship with

rules. While standing in a long line at passport control at the airport, the Russianised foreigner

will try the empty line for diplomats and will be gladly surprised that nobody says a word. Next

time, he will try the shorter line for Russian citizens and also understand that this is no problem

whatsoever. He will be happy to understand that you can park your car almost everywhere and

that speed limits only apply there, where the police controls them. The thing in Russia is to under-

stand that most Russians are practical instead of formalistic about rules. Very often, the short term

objective takes precedence over the long term rationale of a rule. This can be exasperating to

foreigners once in a while, but once you get used to it, you will sometimes see the benefits of a

liberal and practical interpretation of rules.









Manezh square – Moscow

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Living in Russia: Moscow









Moscow by night







Living in Russia: Moscow

The City: step by step Special Status, or territories. These usually

include areas with small or no permanent pop-

Living in Moscow could be fabulous, interest-

ulations, such is the case with the All-Russia

ing and unforgettable: a city of contrasts and

Exhibition Centre, the Botanical Garden, large

fascinating history offers its inhabitants and

parks, and industrial zones.

guests a variety of adventures.



Moscow is the capital of the largest Euro- Moscow Centre: step by step

pean country and is situated in the heart of

The centre of Moscow is very picturesque and

what is known as European Russia. Hence,

extraordinary from an architectural point of view:

this capital city, being the epicenter of life for

different styles harmoniously collocate side by

people of different nations and parts of the

side. Here you will discover the most attractive

world, takes the best from “West” and “East”.

and luxurious areas of Moscow – Step by step.

Twenty years ago, Russia opened wide its

doors to business and tourism from all over the

1. Ostozhenka

world and Moscow became one of the most

influential and fantastic cities on Earth. The area has a rich historical background and

several exceptional sides. It is situated on the

In that chapter, you will discover Moscow

river bank near the Cathedral of Christ the

step by step. Have a good trip!

Savior, the Kremlin, the Red Square and some

The city is divided into ten administrative of the most popular museums.

regions (okrugs) and 123 districts. In addition

Moscow’s aristocracy initially disliked

to the districts, there are Territorial Units with

Ostozhenka and began to settle there only in



22 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





the 18th century and in the first quarter of the 2. Patriarshy Prudi (Patriarshy ponds)

19th century. The architecture of the area cor-

The cultural and aristocratic center of Moscow

responded to the unpretentious tastes of its

is situated around the Patriarshy pond. Cur-

inhabitants: modest apartment houses were

rently, there is only one pond, which is sur-

side by side with taverns and bars. Over the

rounded by a garden. In the 17th century, it was

many centuries of its existence, it has earned

a whole district called the Goat Marsh and it

a reputation for being the most expensive,

was part of the Patriarch suburb. Here, some-

prestigious and fashionable area of the city.

where in the vicinity, was the Patriarch Zhitnii

Moscow’s guests are attracted by its proxim-

yard. By order of the Patriarch, the Ponds were

ity to the historic walls of the Kremlin and the

dug to “supply” fish for the patriarchal table.

domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Nowadays, the best locations in this area

The area is very calm and cosy. This is one

are with a view over the pond. During the

of the areas occupied by Moscow’s elite; it

warm summer days, the park is filled with

offers a lot of contemporary buildings, with

people promenading, children playing games

unique architectural style, advanced engineer-

and young people sitting and talking on the

ing systems and developed infrastructure. At

benches, while in the winter, the pond turns

the same time, it offers a very special neigh-

into an ice skating ring. This area hosts the best

borhood – wealthy intellectuals and individuals

restaurants, main theaters and nightlife. This

from major international and Russian compa-

area is also legendary from the literary point

nies and embassies.

of view: a lot of Russian writers (and their

protagonists) lived here.

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Living in Russia: Moscow





3. Arbat 4. Tverskaya

A wonderful area situated around one of the This is Moscow’s aorta and was the most luxu-

most ancient streets of Moscow. From the late rious area during the Russian Empire epoch.

18th and 19th centuries, this area was domi- The Tverskaya Street has long been considered

nated by the home-estates of nobles; in the a benchmark for luxury and prestige.

second half of the 19th century, this was the

In the 15th century, it was a trade road from

place where one would find the majority of

the Kremlin to Tver, which was one of the

Moscow’s intelligentsia.

most important and influential cities at that

The Arbat Street is one of the oldest streets time. Many innovations in Moscow started

of the capital. For Muscovites, it’s not just a from the Tverskaya Street, though not all of

street, but a special "piece" of the capital, them were beneficial to the ancient capital

a kind of "Moscow within Moscow”, with and its culture. It was completely reconstruct-

its own history, identity and traditions. The ed in the 1930s. In 1932, the street was named

street’s image is created by its residents. It after Maxim Gorky, a proletarian writer. This

was always “a closed world”, full of exception- was a present from the Stalin government,

al people: the aristocracy and intellectuals. The made during the writer’s lifetime. Soon, the

list of famous arbat people “arbattovsi”, works Tverskaya street met a tragic fate; it was the

written, masterpieces created and scientific first street reconstructed according to the

discoveries made in this place could serve as master plan for the socialist reconstruction

information for an encyclopedia. This is also of Moscow. Subsequently, it lost not only its

the reason why many memorial museums and original name, but its personality. This was the

commemorative plates are placed here. result of L. Kaganovich’s (a powerful "architect

of socialism") vision.

Arbat has always been one of the most

beautiful streets of the city. Gradually, century Once again known as the Tverskaya street,

after century, the street emerged with its own time has hardly changed its usual trends. The

unique architectural style. It boasts original modern Tverskaya remains the most impor-

ancient mansions with moldings, balconies and tant commercial, business and cultural street

caryatids, small cozy lanes, laced lamps, stone of the capital, with the most expensive and

paved roads. During the Soviet government, luxurious hotels being located here: the Ritz-

the Old Arbat changed irreversibly: in the early Carlton, the Marriott, the Hyatt etc. Being a

1960s, it became the laid back street of the business area, Tverskaya has a limited number

new modern avenue – the New Arbat. This led of residential buildings; therefore, the prices

to the destruction of many 18 and 19 century for living here are quite high.

monuments; nevertheless, the Arbat has not

lost its charm. Walking along the streets and 5. Hamovniki and Pluchikha

lanes here, you can touch the history of Russia;

This area is very popular among business

it is almost every house on Arbat – even the

people and expatriates. A large number of the

small and seemingly insignificant, when exam-

buildings were constructed during the Stalin

ined will reveal the names and events that are

epoch; therefore, the architecture is quite

impossible to forget. In 1986, Arbat became a

specific, surviving the buildings of “a new era”

pedestrian street. Nowadays, it remains one

(Soviet period architecture).

of the most prestigious areas of Moscow and

from a cultural point of view, an absolutely At the end of the 17th century, this green

fascinating place. picturesque area drew a lot of attention.





24 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





This was followed by the rise of suburban 6. Zamoskvorechye

estates with regular parks, ponds and build-

This is one of the biggest parts of old Moscow.

ings belonging to such eminent families as

Situated on a river bank, this area is composed

Dolgoruky Volkonskiy, Galitzin, Trubetskoy,

of different types of buildings, both old and

Obolensky, Kropotkin, to mention but a few.

modern. There are also a lot of museums and

The erection of modern plots on the Frun- churches in the area.

zenskaya Embankment and Komsomolsky

In 1591, the wooden walls on the ground

prospect began only after the revolution in

embankment under the Garden Ring were

the late 1920s. First, there were a few 4 and

erected in Zarechye. Due to the specificity

5 storey houses the silk factory workers. Sub-

the territory, Zarechye settlements were of

sequently, the area began to develop rapidly –

the suburban type for a long time. Until the

the scope of work had tremendous character.

end of the 19th century, the residential devel-

The Frunzenskaya Embankment was erected

opment of Zarechye evolved largely from

in granite and combined piers for river trams.

smaller urban mansions with gardens and

A lot of Stalin style architecture buildings,

orchards. This created a spacious urban land-

such as the Ministry of Defense were built

scape with silhouettes of churches and bell

in this period. Most of the buildings in the

towers. Thanks to the flat topography and low

Hamovniki area are of the business-class. The

building height, the Kremlin hill is clearly visible

area is still one of the most rapidly developing

to the southern outskirts of the city. With a

in Moscow.

sharp bend of the river, from the coastal hills to

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Step by step : Living in Russia 25

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia:

Better to have 100 friends

than 100 rubles

‘It’s better to have 100 friends than 100 rubles’

is a saying that every Russian will consent to.

Dealing with the daily reality in Russia can be

a daunting task. Many domestic matters, daily

chores or banal issues at work that can be dealt

with in the blink of an eye in many countries,

often manifest themselves as major obstacles in

Russia. The service sector is still underdeveloped Petersgof – Russia

in Russia and official institutions and organisations are still lacking. For the most mundane tasks

that elsewhere, you can solve in minutes by opening the yellow pages or browsing the internet, in

Russia, you will need to rely on the people who you know. This network of people that are close

to you and that you can rely on, is something I call the Micro Cosmos. You will see that every Rus-

sian has this Micro Cosmos around him or herself. After 16 years of living in Russia, I also came to

realise that I created this Micro Cosmos that helps me to deal with most problems in one or two

phone calls. Via friends and friends of friends you can get just about everything done. Your work

permit, the right apartment, your car registration, without the need to stand for hours in a queue,

the best doctor in town or the right business partner. All of this can be easily arranged through

your Micro Cosmos, whereas, the official channels mostly come up blank when you need a solu-

tion. The Micro Cosmos does not only exist on the level of individual people; the government and

big Russian companies function according to this principle. Business and political leaders always

bring their close group of trusted people when-

ever they occupy a new post. Even corporate

and national political policy often stems from the

idea of this Micro Cosmos. Russian businesses

prefer to do everything in-house, whereas, their

Western equivalents would outsource many

tasks. Also, the Russian national policy is focused

at establishing independence from the outside

world. Russian political leaders would deep

down prefer to deal with other countries from

the position of autarkic independency. These

Micro Cosmoses are the building blocks of the

cohesion of Russian society. Each Micro Cosmos

functions according to its own rules and systems

and although Russia often seems unorganised

and unexplainable to foreign eyes, much can be

explained by recognising and understanding the

Iverskaya chapel, Red square – Moscow workings of the Russian Micro Cosmos.

Living in Russia: Moscow





the South-West and South-East of the Kremlin, historical residences that were preserved as

it offers magnificent views. monuments of architecture. Currently, devel-

opment is being geared towards the recon-

The significant development that took place

struction and restoration of private residences.

in this area up until 1917 contributed sig-

nificantly to the erection of many a building.

8. Sretenka: Tsvetnoi Boulevard

After 1917, Zamoskvorechie was very densely

populated. All the old mansions and apart- Historically, this was both a residential and

ment houses were turned into communal commercial area, with craftsmen living and

apartments. Nationalised by the Soviet power, working here. Nowadays, there are a lot of

Zamoskvorechie was the glory of the industrial reconstructed old buildings in that part of Mos-

district. In the last decade of the 20th century, cow. So, if you are interested in living in the “old

extensive restoration and reconstruction work city”, you should choose the Sretenka area.

was carried out in Zamoskvorechye, with the

In the 17th century, Sretenka was made up

aim of preserving and restoring this district’s

of traders’ stands and craftsmen’s workshops.

architecture.

The length of the entire modern Sretenka is

only 800 meters, but it is literally divided by

7. Chistye prudi (Chistye ponds)

lanes: on the left hand side of the street there

This is Moscow’s historical center, full of parks are seven, and on right – nine. There are also

and beautiful corners. It is very calm and full lanes that do not lead directly to Sretenka, but

of old mansions. Subsequently, it has a very are in immediate proximity.

special architectural style. With a heterogene-

The area of Sretenka is characterised by a

ous social background and a large number of

big number of reconstructed buildings, with

theatres, this is one of the most prestigious

historical facades that are typical of old Mos-

and popular districts, ideal for people inter-

cow. The paradox of the area is that there is a

ested in cultural life.

considerable number of dilapidated buildings

When the White city wall was built across often adjoining modern and reconstructed

the Moscow river, a pond was formed. Initially, structures. The area’s buildings are concen-

it served as a garbage disposal site for waste trated along the streets Sretenka, Trubnaya

from the butcher shops located on the nearby and Tsvetnoi Boulevard, where coffee houses,

Myasnitskaya street. restaurants and shops are located.



Sweeping changes begun in 1703, when

9. Krasnaya Presnya. Barrikadnaya

Alexander Menshikov acquired a big manor on

Myasnitskaya street. The prince did not want In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area devel-

to live in a less than ideal place; therefore, oped as a craftsmen’s and trade center. Presn-

he ordered that the ponds be cleaned and ya became a large arts and craft shopping

named “Pure” (“Chistye” in Russian). Thanks centre of the city and a favorite vacation spot

to Menshikov, this area has of one of the most for Muscovites. In our days, it is a very popular

well-known historical buildings – the church of location, where federal and city structures are

Archangel Gabriel. located: the House of the Government of the

Russian Federation, World Trade Centre, Mos-

In 1960, the coasts of the pond were lined

cow Zoo, Cinema House, ITAR-TASS, Expocen-

with stone to prevent erosion. Social status

tre. The construction of the largest in Europe

wise, this area is a pocket of contradiction with

international business centre – "Moscow City"

a few recently built elite houses among private

will increase development and activity in this





Step by step : Living in Russia 27

Living in Russia: Moscow





area, eventually turning it into a modern Man- provide safer ecological conditions for the chil-

hattan of Moscow. dren, though this means sacrificing a consider-

able amount of time towards travelling to and

This area is not on the elite areas list

from work. The table below provides the gen-

despite the fact that one of the very first and

eral characteristics of the types of accommoda-

well-known elite houses in Moscow – Agalarov

tion, their features and prices based on the clas-

House – was erected here. On the other hand,

sification existing currently on the Moscow resi-

the proximity to the Kutuzovsky prospect

dential market. This is an extended overview;

makes it very attractive to many people.

for more information, all interested persons are

encouraged to take a so-called “look-and-see

10. Taganskaya

tour”, offered by any proper real estate compa-

The district "Taganka" is located between the ny. This will help them understand what is being

rivers: Moscow and Yauza. offered on the market. Rest assured, whatever

your choice, every part of Moscow is fascinating

The street Taganskaya itself dates back

and has its distinctive features. Spending time

to the 14th century. It was a part of the road

in this city would definitely become one of your

to Kolomna, Ryazan and other cities. After a

most exciting experiences!

fire in 1812, many large and beautiful stone

houses were built along the street. Some of It is common knowledge that many people

these houses were converted to factories prefer living in the suburbs, having their own

by their owners. In 1867, over 60% of the house and being closer to nature; these are the

houses located 35 yards from the main street things they sometimes treasure more than the

belonged to merchants, some of whom were prestige of living in the city centre. An alterna-

at the time already bestowed the title of hon- tive to renting a town house or a house outside

ourary citizen. Moscow exists; the only reason why it is yet to

become widely popular is the current location

Taganka acquired industrial features; the

of good schools. However, developers have

first decade of the 20th century finally turned

found a solution by erecting several cottage

Taganka into one of the largest industrial areas

settlements near famous international schools,

of Moscow. Although, by that time, the inhab-

the most famous of them are the Rosinka and

itants there were no longer merchants, but

Pokrovsky Hills compounds at Serebryany Bor.

working class people. After the revolution, the

These settlements already have many expatri-

area was called “the Proletarian” up until 1936,

ates living there; with a favourable atmosphere

when it was renamed “Taganskaya”.

for socialising, this arrangement also helps

facilitate cultural adjustment. Both of these set-

Where to live and how much does it cost

tlements have good quality housing, round the

The majority of people who come to Moscow clock security and own infrastructure, with the

on a long-term employment contract are faced prices varying between 10,000 and 50,000$.

with the problem of finding a proper residence.

You can opt for staying in the center and enjoy- Useful links:

ing the entertainment, shopping and night life

Real estate companies:

options the city has to offer; this is a common

www.mayfair.su

choice for single persons or couples without

www.intermarksavills.ru

children. Families that come to Moscow with

www.realtor.ru

children mostly opt for staying on the outskirts,

www.evans.ru

the so-called cottage settlements, in order to

www.delight.ru



28 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





Types of buildings

Types of

De luxe Luxe Business Econom

Buldings

1 2 3 4 5

Downtown, inside

the Garden Ring, or

prestigious areas in Any except

The central district,

immediate proximity ecologically

Location the Western and Any

from it. Locations like: problematic

South-West districts.

Ostozhenka, Arbat, districts

Zamoskvorechye,

Plyuschikha, etc.

The unique modern The unique modern Modern

Architecture architectural project, architectural project, architectural Any

unique shape unique shape project

Has serious Has long

Has serious reputation

Development reputation and experience

and authority on the Any

company authority on the elite on the real estate

elite real estate market

real estate market market

Decent light

At the highest level,

engineering, Not very

Interior expensive light Simple.

finishing combines expensive

decoration engineering, natural Cheap

natural and artificial materials

finishing materials

materials.

Number of

Less than 25 Less than 80 Any Any

apartments

Advanced systems

of ventilation and

air-conditioning, Modern systems of

Balanced system

Technique independent systems ventilation and Simple

of ventilation

of power supply, air-conditioning.

system of water

filtration.

Might be

available for

additional

Underground parking, Underground or

payment on a

Parking minimum 2 slots for surface. 1 slot for No

guarded parking

apartment apartment

in about 10 min

walk from the

building









Step by step : Living in Russia 29

Living in Russia: Moscow



1 2 3 4 5

Fenced territory Not fenced.

Video

under professional Fenced territory Surveillance

surveillance. The

Security surveillance. under video of the

territory might be

Inner yard with profes- surveillance entrance of

partly fenced.

sional landscape works. the building

24-hour technical

support, reception,

delivery service,

24-hour technical

Extra professional cleaning,

support, delivery No No

services gardener, children’s

service.

playroom with nannies.

Fitness facilities,

swimming-pool, sauna.

Average Any.

price 10,000–50,000 Euro 5,000–20,000 Euro 2,000-5,000 Euro 500-1,000

(per month) Euro



Moscow Elite Residential Rental Market, Price in USD, by Areas as of October 2010

Area 1-room 2-rooms 3-rooms 4-rooms 5-rooms

Arbat- 2 700 ± 1 000 3400 ± 1500 5 600 ± 3 000 8 700 ± 4 000 13 500 ± 5 000

Kropotkinskaya

Zamoskvorechye 2 500 ± 1 000 3 000 ± 1 000 5 000 ± 2 500 8 000 ± 3 000 12 000 ± 6 000

Patriarshiy Ponds 3 000 ± 800 5 000 ± 1 500 8 000 ± 3 000 14 000 ± 6 000

Lubyanka-Kitay- 2 000 ± 100 3 500 ± 1 000 5 000 ± 1 500 6 000 ± 2 000 10 000 ± 4 000

Gorod

Tverskaya-Kremlin 3 500 ± 1 000 3 500 ± 1 000 6 000 ± 2 500 7 000 ± 3 000 11 000 ± 3 000

Tsvetnoy Blvd 3 000 ± 1 000 5 000 ± 1 500 6 500 ± 2 000 10 000 ± 3 000

Leningradskiy 3 500 ± 1 000 5 500 ± 2 500 6 500 ± 2 000 9 000 ± 4 000

Prospekt

Krasno- 3 000 ± 1 000 4 500 ± 2 000 6 000 ± 2 500 9 000 ± 3 000

presnenskaya

Kutuzovskiy 2 000 ± 500 2 500 ± 1 000 4 000 ± 1 500 6 500 ± 3 000 9 000 ± 3 000

Prospect

Leninskiy Prospect 3 000 ± 1 000 4 500 ± 2 000 6 500 ± 2 500 11 500 ± 4 500

Prospekt Mira 2 000 ± 500 2 500 ± 500 4 500 ± 1 500 5 500 ± 2 500 8 000 ± 2 000

Sokolniki 3 000 ± 500 5 000 ± 1 000

Frunzenskaya 2 500 ± 500 5 500 ± 2 000 4 500 ± 1 000 10 000 ± 3 000

Kuntcevo 3 500 ± 500 5 000 ± 2 000 7 500 ± 3 000 10 500 ± 4 000

Taganskaya 2 000 ± 500 3 000 ± 1 000 4 000 ± 1 000 7 000 ± 500

This information was provided by Intermarksavills





30 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





Living in Moscow: Magic World Kindergarten:

other useful facts www.mgworld.ru/eng



a. For those with children Children’s entertainment

There are over 1800 high schools and 110 col- There are several options for keeping your

leges in Moscow. There are also over 200 insti- children entertained in Moscow. These include

tutions offering higher education in Moscow, ice rinks, horse riding, dance and theater class-

including 60 state universities and the leading es, roller skate parks and various sport schools.

Russian University – the Lomonosov Moscow

State University, which was founded in 1755. Useful links:

Children in Moscow: www.childreninmoscow.ru

Schools (“shkoli”)

Wiki List of Parks & Gardens: en.wikipedia.org/

Moscow has a number of international schools wiki/Parks_and_gardens_in_Moscow

that are popular with the expat community. All Russian Exhibition Center (AREC):

These include the Anglo-American and British www.vvcentre.ru/eng/recreation/entertainment

International schools. All offer English speaking Moscow Zoo: www.zoo.ru/moscow/defengl.htm

classes, with academic qualifications recog- Fantasy Park: www.fpark.ru

nised worldwide. All schools are fee-paying. Sand Project: www.sandproject.ru

The fees depend on the grade level, period Moscow Botanical Gardens:

of enrolment and whether or not your child www.moscow.info/parks/botanical-gardens

requires any additional support programmes. Beaches and Pools in Moscow:

In general, the fees are 3,000 to 7,000 euro www.expat.ru/s_beaches_and_pools.php

a month. The admission procedures for all

schools are quite complex and consist of seve- b. Health (“zdorovie”)

ral steps (application form, test, interview etc);

therefore, it is better to begin to do it well in 1. Medical centers (“Polycliniki”/ “Gospitolya”)

advance.

The Russian health care system has seen major

improvements in recent years, both in tech-

Useful links: nologies and pharmaceuticals. Moscow hosts

English International School of Moscow: a number of Western medical clinics that can

www.englishedmoscow.com look after all of your family's health needs. The

Anglo American School of Moscow (AAS): clinics are spread out over the city; therefore,

www.aas.ru regardless of your location, there is sure to be

British International School of Moscow a good medical facility in the vicinity.

(BISM): www.bismoscow.com

International School of Moscow: Useful links:

www.internationalschool.ru

Emergency Number: 03

German School:

International SOS (The Moscow Clinic, 24 hour

schulwebs1.dasan.de/ds_moskau

service to its clients):

Nordic School: http://www.nordicschool.ru

www.internationalsos.com/en

French Lycee: www.lfm.ru

American Medical Centers (24 hours service):

The English Nursery School: englishnursery.ru

www.amcenter.ru/en

Little Angels International Kindergaten:

www.littleangels.ru





Step by step : Living in Russia 31

Living in Russia: Moscow





European Medical Center (French, British and Azbuka vkusa ***** www.azbukavkusa.ru

American experts): www.emcmos.ru/en Stockmann ***** www.stockmann.ru

American Clinic: americanclinic.ru/eng Seventh **** www.7cont.ru/eng

US Dental Care (Canadian, American and continent

Russian specalists. Open 7 days a week): Perekrestok *** www.perekrestok.ru/

www.usdentalcare.com Carrefour ** www.carrefour.ru

American Dental Center: www.americanden- Auchan ** www.auchan.ru/en

tal.ru/index.html

Kopeika *

The American Russian Dental Center (the

Piaterochka * www.e5.ru

clinic is Moscow's only Russian affiliate of the

American Dental Clinic): ardc.ru/eindex.html 2. Shopping Centers

Information about pharmacies in Moscow:

Auchan: www.auchan.ru/en

www.mosaptec.ru

GUM (A huge shopping mall located right on

Internet – pharmacy: www.pastera.ru/

the Red Square): www.gum.ru/en

Pharmacy 36,6: www.366.ru

TSUM (Continuing the age-old traditions, TSUM

Rigla: www.rigla.ru

today – is the first and only department store

Old Lekar: www.oldlekar.ru

of the country, offering the highest quality

products): www.tsum.ru

c. Shopping

Stockmann: www.stockmann.ru/portal/en

– Cheap (*) Mega Mall: Mega Mall is one of the largest

– Middle class (**/***) shopping malls in Europe and includes a huge

– Expensive (****/*****) Auchan hypermarket, skating rink, cinema, food

court and hundreds of Russian and Western

For the most part, shopping in Moscow is a

retail outlets including Zara, Mango, and Mexx.

24hr affair and you can find anything you want.

www.eng.megamall.ru/main.wbp

Groceries: From small convenience stores IKEA: www.ikea.com/ru

located close to apartment blocks and Metro Crocus City Mall: www.crocus-city.ru/eng

stations to huge shopping centers found

everywhere, including the city outskirts, you d. Pets

can buy pretty much everything you need. For

Russian veterinary medicine offers quality ser-

those who like to shop in supermarkets, there

vice; it is not hard to find the same quality of

is a variety of different chains, offering a wide

service you are used to in your native country.

range of products, including some that are

Moscow has a number of veterinary services

popular particularly within the expatriate com-

to choose from, although not all vets may

munity. Farmers markets, where fresh food

speak English.

can be purchased also exist.



Clothing and accessories: These can also Useful Links

be purchased everywhere, with the options

Move One Relocations: Pet Transport:

ranging from everyday affordable to designer

www.moveonerelo.com/pets/

and haute couture. The most expensive outlets

Moscow Animals: www.moscowanimals.org/

such as Chanel and Hermes are located on

English Speaking Vets: www.moscowanimals.

theTretjakov passage and Stoleshnikov Lane;

org/advice/vet.html

while the less expensive clothing lines, such as

H&M, Zara etc. can be found in many Moscow

shopping centers.



32 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Living in Russia: Moscow





Time out Damas Latinas:

www.geocities.com/dlatinas/club.html

Russians are very friendly and hospitable peo-

Moskva Accueil (French Women's Club):

ple. Also, there are many expats already living

www.site-moskva-accueil.org

and working in Moscow who will be happy to

Swedish Women's Educational Association

welcome a newcomer and offer any advice

(SWEA): www.swea.org

being sought.



a. Art

Useful Links

Useful links:

The Moscow Expat Site: www.expat.ru

The Moscow Guide: guides.moscowtimes.ru Information about museums:

Moscow Life: www.moscow-life.com http://www.museum.ru/

Expat Blogs: www.expat-blog.com Information about theaters:

Ways to Russia: www.waytorussia.net http://www.theatre.ru/emain.html

Moscow in your Pocket: www.inyourpocket.

com/russia/Moscow Useful links:



Information about parks: http://bestguide.ru/

International Clubs & Associations:

The International Women's Club of Moscow: b. Cinema

www.iwcmoscow.ru Useful links:

British Women's Club of Moscow:

www.bwcmoscow.co.uk Information about Moscow cinemas:

American Women's Organization of Moscow: www.afisha.ru

www.awomoscow.org http://www.kinoafisha.msk.ru/



Restaurants

McDonald’s * As everywhere in the world

Elki-palki * Russian

Mu-mu * Russian

Korchma Taras Bulba ** Ukrainian

Yakitoria ** Japanese. Chinese

Il patio ** Italian

Fish house Filimonoff & Yankel *** Fish

Steak House Goodman *** American

Friday’s *** Mexican

Vogue Cafe **** European

Chez Geraldin **** French

Oblomov **** Russian. European

Bellagio Giardino **** Italian

Cafe Pushkin ***** Russian

Nedalny Vostok ***** Chinese. Japanese

Cantinetta Antinori ***** Italian

Turandot ***** Russian. Japanese. Chinese





34 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





c. Sport and outdoor activity ■ Do not be afraid to smile and say “hello” to

Useful links: people. Although relatively new, the culture

of well-wishing is rapidly developing.

Fitness clubs: http://www.worldclass.ru/ ■ Do not hail a car (gypsy cab) – better call a

Information about ice rinks in Moscow: taxi. It will be safer, especially, if you not an

http://katok2.ru/ “experienced” expat in Moscow. You can not

Skiing: www.volen.ru pay with a credit card,

■ even in major taxi companies.

Restaurants ■ Do not be afraid to ask if you are lost – it will

be a pleasure for people to help you.

– Cheap (*)

■ Do wait for a few seconds after the green

– Middle class (**/***)

light lights before crossing the street – the

– Expensive (****/*****)

traffic is very unpredictable.

■ Do always have your documents ( passport

Useful links: and registration/visa) with you – you could be

Information about restaurants in Moscow: asked by the police to show it at any point in

time, also, you are usually required to show

http://resto.ru/

your passport as a means of identification

http://www.restoran.ru/

when making payment with a bank card or dur-

ing transactions involving currency exchange.

d. Night life

The nightlife in Moscow has moved on since Entertainment:

the Soviet times. Today Moscow houses many

■ Do not engage in a drinking contest with a

of the worlds largest nightclubs. Many estab-

Russian – this may lead to less than desirable

lishments operate as restaurants and cafes dur-

repercussions.

ing the day, transforming into a club at night.

■ Do smoke in restaurants – it is still not for-

The major and most popular nightlife areas are

bidden.

around Tverskaya Street and Krasnaya Presnya.

Welcome to Russia: enjoy Moscow!



Useful links: Marina Markarova

Information about night life in Moscow: Managing partner — General

http://www.clubmap.ru/tag/msk/ Director of the consulting real

estate company MAYFAIR

DOs and DON’Ts Properties. Founded in 2006,

MAYFAIR Properties is set up to provide

Airport:

the highest quality residential and reloca-

■ Do not change money at the airport. tion advisory services. MAYFAIR Properties

■ Do not use the services of taxi drivers that is also offering services in the fields of elite

jump on you when you enter the airport. residential, land properties and commercial

■ Do engage the services of an official taxi. real estate. Our Residential Department offers

a wide range of relocation and residential

City: services to assist your company. Our aim is

to provide the best and most exclusive services

■ Do prepare cash for buying the tickets in

for clients with employees looking to work in

public transport (metro, bus etc) – you can

Russia or move to live in Moscow.

not pay with a credit card.





Step by step : Living in Russia 35

Living in Russia: Moscow









Property of Four Squares

Serviced apartment





Serviced accommodation in Moscow

Serviced accommodation can be a good solu- Serviced Apartments (SA’s)

tion for business travellers and tourists looking

Serviced Apartments are popular with business

for an alternative to hotels.

travellers and tourists who are looking for an

Serviced accommodation in Moscow can be alternative to hotels. There are a number of

split into three groups: western companies who provide this service

■ Hostels (economy level) and maintain a portfolio of properties for rent.

■ Serviced Apartments (mid-range) Most of the apartments are located in central

■ Apart’hotels (premium) Moscow and close to the central business

districts at Moscow City, Paveletskaya, Smo-

Hostels lenskaya, Belorusskaya. One unique feature of

Moscow SA’s is that they are usually individual

Ideal for students and budget travellers, there

properties located in normal residential build-

are a number of western-style hostels that

ings (in London and other major capitals all the

have opened in central Moscow over the last

apartments in a block are likely to be serviced

five years. They offer traditional dormitory-

apartments). This allows you a fascinating

style accommodation (i.e. bunk-beds), as well

insight into Russian life, through daily interac-

as separate rooms for 2 to 4 people. Rates are

tion with the neighbours, but also means you

relatively competitive. In line with the econo-

also share the same building entrance – which

my level status, “functionality” best describes

may need a good clean now and again.

the level of fixtures and fittings. Hostels may

not be a long-term option for living in Moscow, A standard serviced apartment is a 1 or 2

but they are an economical solution for those bedroom apartment, good western-style reno-

on a tight budget – and a quick way to make vation and fitted out with all mod-cons. Inter-

friends with the other 50 guests in the place net, satellite-TV and local phone calls are all

JGodzillas (www.godzillashostel.com); free, and apartments should have a welcome

pack (complimentary tea, coffee) and maps of

■ New Arbat (www.hostelnewarbat.ru);

Moscow. Some companies have 24/7 help-line

■ Oasis hostel (www.oasishostel.ru);

support. For large families or business groups

■ Moscow Home hostel (www.moshostel.ru);

there are also 4 and 5 room apartments, with

■ Napoleon Hostel (www.napoleonhostel.com).

baby cots and baby tables optional extras. For



36 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Moscow





short stays of 2 to 3 days many businessmen Apart’hotels include Mamaison (www.

prefer a hotel stay which includes breakfast, mamaison.com) and Ukraine hotel (www.

but for longer stays a SA is a more convenient ukraina-hotel.ru).

choice, especially for families



Serviced apartment providers include Four Michael Bartley

Squares (www.foursquares.com), Flat Link Michael is Partner and General

(www.flatlink.ru), Moscow Suites (www.mos- Director at Four Squares Relo-

cowsuites.ru), Like Home (www.kakdoma.ru). cations. A British national who

speaks fluent Russian, Michael

Apart’hotels first came to Russia in 1994, and has worked

in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. With over

There are a few Apart’hotels in Moscow, but

15 years experience in the region, Michael

the market is very under-supplied, and those

provides invaluable insight into the Russian

now in operation cater to the premium seg-

market from a relocation perspective. Four

ment. Serviced accommodation here com-

Squares is a leading Relocation provider in

prises 1 to 4 room apartments in a VIP-style

Russia, offering in-house Immigration Services,

environment. Benefits include 24 hour con-

Serviced Apartments, House Rentals and Set-

cierge service and a premium level of interior

tling-in Services. Four Squares employs a team

design and fit-out. The price may be beyond

of Expats and Russian nationals, to ensure the

the budget of most expats and businessmen,

ideal mix of professionalism, quality of service

but this is a niche market that provides a high

and local expertise.

level of service.

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Living in Russia: St. Petersburg









St. Petersburg







Living in Russia: St. Petersburg

Districts of St. Petersburg Admiralty/St. Isaac’s

The Golden Triangle Some of the grandest apartments on the

market can be found here, the Admiralty

This is the area North of Nevskiy Prospect

Embankment has spectacular views over the

bordered by the Neva to the North and Fon-

Neva River and most apartments have high

tanka on the East. It is the most prestigious

ceilings and many have restored a lot of the

area, as well as the most popular area to live

original features. With the spire of the Admi-

in amongst the foreign community. The area

ralty visible from the far ends of Gorokhovaya,

has four large parks – the Summer, Fields of

Voznesenskiy and Nevskiy as they all radiate

Mars, Mikhailovskiy and Admiralty Gardens. It

from it; many may feel this is the true center

also has all the advantages Nevskiy prospect

of St. Petersburg. The Admiralty was in fact the

can offer with shops, cinemas and museums

headquarters of the Russian navy from 1711 to

including both the Hermitage and Russian

1917. It now houses the country’s largest mili-

museums. Nevskiy Prospect itself can be noisy

tary naval college. The Admiralty Garden is a

to live on, but has a thriving residential neigh-

public open space with a well kept park, musi-

borhood. Parking can be a problem, therefore,

cal fountain in the summer and a children’s

if you intend to drive your own car you would

playground. It is within walking distance to all

be advised to ask your agent about this. There

the central historical and cultural venues of St.

are several garages, where a designated space

Petersburg.

can be rented by the month.









38 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





Tavricheskiy Gardens and Smolniy b. Taxi

Telephone: +7 (812) 309-00-18 and 970-66-64

Here, you will find many of the consulates,

including British, American, Finnish, German, c. Emergency car pickup (24 hrs)

Austrian and Indian. The large park at Tavriches- LAT 001 or 987 0000

kiy was renovated a few years ago. It is now a SPAS agency +7 (812) 327-7001

good place for walking and has three children’s

play areas and a fenced football field. Some RENT-A-CAR

houses have parking spaces in their courtyards.

a. Hertz

Telephone: +7 (812) 326-4505 or 324-3242

Krukov Canal

www.hertz.spb.ru

The small area between Krukov canal, Pulkovo airport Terminal 2

St. Nicholas Church and the Mariinskiy Theatre

b. Europcar

has some lovely buildings. It is away from the

Collection points: Nevskiy 25 (Atrium)

rush and noise of Nevskiy Prospect, but, other

or Pulkovo Airport Terminal 2

than the small park around St. Nicholas itself,

Telephone: +7 (812) 336-32-55

the area is very short of green space. A large

Website: www.europcar.ru (Russian, English)

number of communal apartments still exist in

this area. c. Pulkovo Rent-a-car

Telephone: +7 (812) 332-0101

Petrogradskaya district Pulkovo Airport Terminal 2



Petrogradskaya is a busy residential area, par- d. Avis

ticularly, for wealthy Russians. This neighbor- Address: Alexander Nevskiy 2

hood includes the green islands to the North: Telephone: +7 (812) 600-1213

Kamenniy, Kristovskiy and Yelagin islands, Website: www.avis-rentacar.ru

where many residents relax during the wee- Avis offer an easy option for collection and

kends. drop off from either of the airport terminals or

the above address.

Vasilevskiy Island

METRO

The intellectual heart of the city; this is where

you will find the university, art academy and The Metro in St. Petersburg is the deepest in

many other academic institutions. the world. It is fast and efficient – you rarely

need to wait more than 2 minutes for a train.

Useful links However, during rush hour (8:00 am to 10:00

am and 5:00 am to 7:30 pm) it can become

AIRPORT very crowded. There are 4 color coded and

numbered lines. Tickets can be bought at the

Pulkovo St. Petersburg airport ticket point found at the entrance ‘kassa’ or

website: www.pulkovoairport.ru you can buy plastic cards to be used for ten

All flight information can be obtained online or more journeys; these cards are valid for

a fixed period of time (7 days, 14 days or

TAXIS more depending on the number of passes

purchased).

a. Peterburgskoe taxi

Telephone: +7 (812) 3-200-200





Step by step : Living in Russia 39

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





TROLLEYBUS/TRAM/BUS Russkiy Ostrov

Address: Canal Griboedova 55

The tram system in St. Petersburg is the largest

Telephone: +7 (812) 571-7877 and 311-7778

in the world, with over 2,400 cars and 690

km track! They are usually very reliable when Auchan

used to travel within the same neighborhood The Auchan supermarkets at both Mega Malls –

or getting to the metro, but they can be very ‘Mego Dubenko’ and ‘Mega Parnas’ will clean

crowded and dirty. just about everything including down duvets

and pillows and at very reasonable prices.

MARSHRUTKA/ MINIBUS-SHUTTLE Telephone: +7 (812) 448-4401

Website: www.megamall.ru (the site is in Rus-

A marshrutka is a privately owned minibus that

sian only for now, but the English version will

runs a fixed route through St. Petersburg and

be available soon!)

its suburbs. Marshrutkas are fast and cheap,

although, they may be a bit confusing for first- Gryazi Net!

time users. Telephone: +7 (812) 323-0512

clean clothes, curtains – many locations for

HOME SERVICES your nearest look on www.gryazinet.ru



TV

WATER DELIVERY

There only one legal satellite TV operator in St.

Petersburg, which offers a package of interna- a. Nestle Water Coolers

tional channels: Telephone: +7 (812) 332-0340

Website: www.nestle-purelife.ru (Russian and

NTV Plus

English)

Telephone: +7 (812) 346-8198

Website: www.ntvplus.ru b. Crystal Springs

Telephone: +7 (812) 33-44-889

DOMESTIC HELP Website: www.cswater.ru



(Drivers/Housekeeper/Nannies) c. Rosinka-Polystrovo

You should not expect domestic help to speak Telephone: +7 (812) 320 20 40

English, some do, most do not. The best way Website: www.polustrovo.ru

of finding help is through personal recommen- They sell both Rosinka and Kluchevaya, but

dations at work or through friends; you can Rosinka 2 is recommended for children due to

also check out the "Funstuff'' newsletter (see its mineral content.

section on Women's Clubs for details on how

to receive this excellent source of information) KINDERGARTENS

for advertisements placed by families leaving

Note that in addition to those mentioned there

or you can put in your own advertisement

will probably be Russian kindergartens near to

request when you arrive.

where you are living some of which are fan-

tastic – children can stay there from 8:30 am

DRY CLEANERS

any time up to 7 pm at night and they have

a. Balakomp a proper sleep after lunch where they all get

Address: Karavannaya Street 16 into pajamas and somehow get 20 or 30 kids

Telephone: +7 (812) 571-9306 and 311-9306 to sleep in one room! It is a great opportunity

Small but professional for children to get a basic knowledge of the

language.



40 Step by step : Living in Russia

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SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia: Pride

According to good Russian tradition you may find

yourself at a certain point in time sitting around

a kitchen table, with your Russian friends, dis-

cussing all that is right and wrong in this country.

After a good meal and the customary glass of

vodka you may hear a certain discontent being

expressed by your Russian friends. ‘why is there

such a bureaucracy in this country?’; ‘why can’t

we fix our roads?’ and why don’t the rich do

more for their country?’. It is only natural in such A Russian winter

a discussion to add some views of your own and

contribute some criticism you have to add about Russia. But the moment you do this, do not be

surprised if silence descends over the kitchen table and your Russian friends turn to you in indig-

nation. It is like a husband complaining about his wife to his neighbor. He can tell his neighbor all

about her shortcomings, but the moment his neighbor agrees and adds some more shortcomings

on his own initiative, an invisible line is crossed and an insult is inflicted. With Russians and Russia,

it is the same. They can complain about all they think is wrong in Russia, but as soon as a foreigner

attempts to chime in, the Russian pride gets hurt. No matter what a Russian says about Russia,

he always has a very strong sense of pride when it concerns the Russian people, soul or soil. You

always need to be aware of the Russian pride, especially, when telling a Russian that you – or

“we in the West” – know how to do something better. Apart from the fact that this is not always

true, you are guaranteed that Russia’s doors will remain closed to you by doing so. If you want

to convince a Russian colleague or business partner about a better technology or method, or way

to do something, it is best to expose him to this method or technology and to let him come to a

conclusion on his own. And if ever in doubt, just remember that with respect, you can never go

wrong and that all that Russia requires from the outside world is to be taken seriously.









Luzhniki – Moscow

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





a. British Consulate-General Kindergarten RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Address; British Consulate Proletarskoy

a. Derzhavin Institute

Diktatory Square 5

Telephone: +7 (812) 740-1925 or 740-1926

Telephone: +7 921 88 11 207

E-mail: info@derzhavin.com

Daria.elliott@fco.gov.uk

Website: www.derzhavin.com

b. International Kindergarten

b. Language link Herzen at the Pedagogical

Preschool to the International Language

University

Academy (ILA)

Address: Kazanskaya Street 5

Address: Nalichnaya Street 34,

Telephone: +7 (812) 571-3948

Vasilevskiy Island

Website: info@ll.spb.ru

Telephone: +7 (812) 356-8348

Website: www.ilanew.spb.ru c. Zlatoust

Based on the British National Curriculum, takes Address: Kamennoostrovskiy Prospect 24/25

children from 2 to 7 years old Telephone: +7 (812) 703-1176

E-mail: school@zlat.spb.ru

c. International Preschool

Website: http://www.zlat-edu.ru/page62.html

Address: Furshtatskaya Street

(opposite the American Consulate) d. Linden & Denz

Telephone: 8 921 977 15 61 Address: Transportniy per. 11 (4th floor)

Telephone: +7 (812) 334-0788

d. P’tit CREF (French kindergarten)

E-mail: lindenz@lindenz.ru

Address: Chernoshevskogo prospect 2

Website: www.lidenz.ru

Telephone: +7 (812) 579-57-63

and +7(812) 579-59-21 e. Private Russian Lessons

E-mail: spb@cref.ru Contact person: Nicholai Karmishenskiy

Website: www.ptitcref.ru Telephone: +7 921 752-7838

E-mail: Karmishensky@yandex.ru

e. Montessori

Located on Vaselievskiy Island

MEDICAL AND DENTAL

Telephone: +7 (812) 3356-3446

or +7 921 970 05 05 a. American Medical Center

Email: sproeva@gmail.com Address: Moika Embankment 78

Telephone: +7 (812) 740 20 90

f. Finnish Kindergarten

www.amclinic.ru (English)

Telephone: +7 911 909 76 69

b. MEDEM International clinic

FOREIGN AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Address: Marata Street 6

Telephone: +7 (812) 336-3333

a. The Anglo-American School of St. Petersburg

Website: www.medem.ru (almost all European

Address: Penkovaya Street 5

languages)

Telephone: +7 (812) 320-8925

Website: www.aas.ru c. Euromed

Address: Suvorovskiy Prospect 60

b. Finnish School

Telephone: (812) 327-0301

Telephone: +7 921 967 35 48

Website: www.euromad.ru (English, Finnish)

and +7 (812) 633-0607

Website: www.peda.net/veraja/piesko









Step by step : Living in Russia 43

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





PHARMACIES

a. Homeopathic Pharmacy

Address: Nevskiy prospekt 50,

metro Gostiniy Dvor

Telephone: +7 (812) 571-4498

It’s open from 9 am to 10 pm



VETS AND PETS

a. Veterinary Station

Address: Ligovskiy Prospect 291

Telephone: 8 901 302-3486

Petersgof Very good vet station; here you can obtain

d. Dental Palace travel documents for pets (Russian only).

Address: Petropavlovskaya Street (Petrograd-

b. Vet clinic

skaya Side)

Address: Chepaeva Street 16a (Petrograds-

Telephone: +7 (812) 325-7500

kaya)

This place has friendly staff and offers all pos-

Telephone: +7 (812) 232-5592

sible dental treatment including orthodontic

They attend to all animals. Do not do home

and children’s dental care. Some of the staff

visits, but you can call to book an appointment.

speaks English and Finish.

c. Vet Oxanna

e. Medi

Address: Enzhinernaya Street 6

Address: Nevskiy prospect 82

Telephone: +7 (812) 570-5659 or 714-5580

Telephone: +7 (812) 777-0000

Russian only – will do home visits.

Website: www.emedi.ru

This is a network of clinics located in all city d. Lutchie Druziya

districts. They offer all types of dental work Address: Novoizmailovskiy Prospect 51

including unique cases. Telephone: +7 (812) 370-9120

Tatiana Pavlovna

OPTICIANS Website: www.zoosalon.narod.ru



a. Eksimer Eye Clinic:

INTERNET SITES

Address: Apraksin Pereylok 6

Telephone: +7 (812) 325-5535 www.rbcnews.com provides news and

This clinic offers full diagnostics and laser eye announcements about Russia

correction. Some staff speak a little English. www.interfax.ru news agency



Fedorov Eye Clinic

BEAUTY

(IR&TC “EYE MICROSURGERY” named after

S.N. Fyodorov) a. Rive Gauche

Address: Yaroslav Gashek Street 21 This chain has outlets all over St. Petersburg

Telephone: +7 (812) 771-1616 (9 am - 5 pm) including Nevskiy 81 and Nevskiy 90.

Information Bureau (registration for consulta- They have a large stock of well known cos-

tions, registration for planned operations) metics.

Website: www.mntk.spb.ru

b. L’Occitane

Address:



44 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





i. Nevskiy 25 LOCAL MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS AND BOOKS

Telephone: +7 (812) 326-2620

■ The St. Petersburg Times, which is also avai-

ii Savushkina 126

lable on line www.stpetersburgtimes.com;

iii Effimova 3

■ The Russia Journal, www.Russiajournal.com;

Telephone:(812) 335-9370

■ 'Where' and ‘In Your Pocket’ www.spb.

L’Occitane shops are also situated in both

inyourpocket.com magazines can be found

Mega Parnas and Maga Dybenko.

free of charge in most major hotels, many

c. Irina Anderson central fitness clubs, supermarkets, cafes

Address: Fontanka 17 and restaurants and are in English;

Telephone: +7 (812) 570-6327 ■ The 'Traveller's Yellow Pages', available in

Email: hairbyia@pilotideas.com large bookshops and online www.infoser-

Website: www.pilotideas.com vices.com. It is not just a phone book, but

Hair, manicure and pedicure. Friendly English contains theatre plans, airport plans, clot-

speaking staff – book in advance. hing sizes and much more.



d. Posolstvo Krasoti (The Embassy of Beauty!)

SHOPPING

Address: Chaikovskogo Street 38/9

Telephone: +7 (812) 275-9053 or 273-5365 a. There are 2 huge MEGA malls situated on

Website: www.beauty-spa.ru the outskirts of St. Petersburg.

Cosmetics from Biologique Recherche – Paris, Website: www.megamall.ru (Russian and English)

spa, hair, manicure and pedicure, massage etc. Shops include:

■ Auchan (supermarket)

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Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





■ IKEA

■ OBI (DIY)

■ Media Markt (Electrical goods)



b. Gostiniy Dvor (Гостиный Двор)

Address: Nevskiy 35 Open from 10 am – 10 pm

Telephone: +7 (812) 710-5200



c. Furniture

IKEA (ИКЕА)

Mega Dybenko Telephone: +7 (812) 332-0055

Mega Parnas Telephone: +7 (812) 332-2252

www.ikea.com



Mebel City (furniture city) (Мебель Сити) Church of our Savior on the Blood – St. Petersburg

Open weekdays and Saturday 11 am to 7 pm; The Open World

Sunday 11 am to 5 pm Address: Malaya Morskaya Street 13

Address: Telephone: +7 (812) 715-8938

i Prospect Prosveshenia 27 One of the best shops for classical music lovers.

Telephone: +7 (812) 296-1808

ii Prospect Prosveshenia 68 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Telephone: +7 (812) 558-7789

a. M.Video (M.Видео)

Many locations round the city – see their web-

FOOD

site for the most convenient one for you

a. METRO (МЕТРО) Website: www.mvideo.ru (available in Russian

www.metro-cc.ru (see website for most con- and English)

venient location)

b. Technosila (Техносила)

b. ‘OK’ (ОКЕЙ) Many locations round the city – see their web-

These numerous supermarkets are open 24 site for the most convenient one for you

hours and have a Website: www.technosila.ru (Russian)

wide variety of quality food stuff. Payment can

be made by cash or credit card. They have a BOOKS

children’s play area.

Several shops that sell foreign language books:

Website: www.okmarket.ru (see website for

most convenient location)

a. The John Parsons Bookshop

Address: Fontanka 38

CD'S, DVD'S AND VIDEOS

Telephone: +7 (812) 331-8828

a. Play www.centercom.ru

Address: Nevskiy 51 and Karavannaya 1 Probably the best collection of books in English

Website: www.play-sistem.ru in St. Petersburg. Books not in stock can be

Probably the best selection of films; also, great ordered through them and you can pick them

music collection. up in 2 months.



b. Titanik (Титаник) b. Anglia Bookshop

Has many outlets including Nevskiy 63 and 158 Address: Fontanka 38

Website: www.titanik-spb.ru Telephone: +7 (812) 579-8284





46 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg

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Step by step : Living in Russia 47

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia: SUPERstitions and Tfu tfu tfu…

The satellite and the space rocket, the first nuclear power plant, Mendeleev’s Periodic Table and

the first electric tram. Russia’s status as one of the world leaders in science and technological

inventions dates back to, at least, the 19th century. Russia is also well known for its academic

prowess and for having one of the highest literacy rates in the world. But in spite of Russia’s

impressive academic and technological credentials, daily life in the 21st century is still very much

ruled by superstitions.



Russia is a very emotional country and in many ways, Russians consciously choose the emo-

tional and superstitious over the rational in life. I have to admit that after 16 years in Russia, I have

also started to adapt my daily life according to a number of these superstitions, although I was

once born as a rational and level-headed Dutchman.



There are superstitions that deal with luck, money, relationships and marriage, as well as

drinking, quite obviously, and many other things in life. Some of them are hard not to notice. For

example, whistling will cause money problems and any Russian will immediately urge you to stop

whistling. Shaking hands, kissing, hugging or greeting someone across the doorway should also

be avoided at all cost! When the threshold of a doorway divides people during a greeting, it will

bring about a quarrel.



Ladies, don’t put your bag on the floor because that also means you will not have money! And

by the way, to those ladies who are not yet married, after you have taken care of your bag, don’t

sit down at the table facing the table’s corner or you will stay unmarried for seven years!



If by accident you step on a Russian’s foot, don’t be surprised if he or she will step on your foot

in return. This is done to avoid a quarrel that would have otherwise surely materialised.



When giving flowers, always make sure to give an uneven number of flowers, unless it is for

a funeral, where an even number of flowers is given. And if you want to break up with a lover,

then giving yellow flowers is a fail-proof method to cause an argument and end the relationship.



If your nose itches you, better be aware as

you will have a drink (see the previous article

on Vodka drinking), get into a fight or fall in love.

And if the itch leads to a sneeze, while you were

saying something then what you were saying,

or your last thought, can’t be anything but the

truth. If, however, your ears itch, have a look

around the office, because someone is saying

bad things about you.



If you have forgotten something, and have to

return home after having closed the door behind

you, bad luck awaits you. However, this situation

can be averted by looking in the mirror, before Russian traditional hohloma design

leaving your home the second time. But make sure the mirror isn’t broken! If you leave on a big

trip you will need to sit down (preferably on top of your suitcase) before leaving and be silent for

a moment. Also a drink is often drunk ‘na pososhok’ (one for the road) in order to guarantee a safe

trip. However, bearing in mind that the average Russian usually doesn’t limit himself to “one” for

the road, this habit may actually increase and not decrease the risks of the trip.



If you have bought something new (from a pair of shoes to a car or a house) you need to

‘obmiyvat’ (wash it over) by – what a surprise! – drinking something alcoholic. In the case of a pair

of shoes, this can be a glass of champagne. But in the case of a car, this can involve some more

extensive drinking (please refer to the previous article on Vodka drinking). This prevents the item

from getting damaged or stolen and ensures that the item serves you well. It is not known if the

amount of alcohol consumed is directly proportional to the amount of protection provided, but

Russians tend to drink more than enough, just to be on the safe side. As a result, the cost related

to the drinking often exceeds the value of the purchase.



One of the scariest superstitions is the ‘Sglaz’, comparable to the ‘evil eye’ or the ‘malocchio’.

The Sglaz is a negative influence of one person on another on an energetic level. A Sglaz can hap-

pen consciously and subconsciously. Causes for the Sglaz are usually jealousy, egoism and greed.

A very strong Sglaz is like a curse. Some of the symptoms of a Sglaz are laziness, sleepiness,

irritation, bad luck and regular nose colds. But then again, if one were to go by this superstition,

then every second expatriate and just about every Russian suffers those symptoms (one Russian

friend suggested you get the Sglaz automatically, at passport control in Sheremetyevo interna-

tional airport), so maybe the Sglaz is not so dangerous after all. More importantly, never wish a

Russian good luck; this may also invoke the evil eye (shtob ne sglazit). It is better to wish someone

‘neither down nor feathers’ (ni pukha ni pera); this started as a hunter's ritual, meaning may he

return unsuccessful. The appropriate response to this is ‘go to the devil’ or ‘go to hell’ (k Tchortu).

Also gifts are not given before a person’s birthday.



And if, in this labyrinth of dangers, you ever feel lonely, then know that a whole army of crea-

tures accompanies your every move. First of all you have a Guardian Angel (Angel Khranitel) stand-

ing on your right shoulder. The nemesis of your Guardian Angel is the Devil (Tchort) who is lounging

on your left shoulder. Is there something you think you misplaced in your apartment or you can’t

light a match? Then that is your Domovoi at play. Your Domovoi is like a good house spirit (imagine

something like a gnome or troll); although he protects the house and its occupants, he can some-

times be a little mischievous and break stuff or hide your keys. Most likely, when you have to return

home to pick up something you forgot, it is your Domevoi at play and he will be laughing, while

you look into the mirror to ward off the bad luck before you leave your home the second time.



Ever saw a Russian spitting over the left shoulder and emitting a sound that goes something

like ’tfu tfu tfu’? Remember this and learn to copy the gesture and sound! This is the antidote for

all the bad stuff that can possibly happen to you and if you want to get through your stay in Russia

in one piece, the ‘tfu tfu tfu’ will serve you better than a Lloyd’s insurance policy. And why spit

over the ‘left’ shoulder? That is where your Tchort was lounging about of course!



A book could be written about Russian superstitions, but this short article should get you

through your first year in Russia. The rest you will find out along the way, with a little help by

your Guardian Angel.



(Oh and by the way, beware of the woman with the empty buckets......!!)

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





Telephone: +7 (812) 233-2293

This was the first market in St. Petersburg; it

was located on Trinity square. In 1711 it was

moved to its present location, which is the

outskirts of town.



b. Kuznechniy Rynok

(Closed every 2nd Monday of the month)

Address: Kuznechniy Periolok 3 (Vladimirskaya

metro – behind the church)

Telephone +7 (812) 312-4161

This is the best meat and produce market,

used by many of the city’s restaurant.



c. Maltevskiy Rynok

Address: Nekrasova Street 52

Telephone: +7 (812) 272-3350



d. Sennoy Rynok

Address: Moskovskiy Prospect 4a

Telephone: +7 (812) 310-1209

The gryphon (griffin) – St. Petersburg

e. Vasiloestrovskiy Rynok

c. Dom Knigi (Дом книги) – Zinger’s House

(Closed every 1st Monday of the month)

Address: Nevskiy Prospect 28

Address: Bolshoi Prospect 16

Telephone: +7 (812) 312-5710

(Vasiloestrrovskiy Ostrov)

Beautiful old shop that has undergone reno-

Telephone: +7 (812) 323-6687

vation in the last few years. It not only sells

Cheap but not so well stocked

books in Russian, English, French and German,

but also stationery and has a little cafe with a f. Pet Market

great view. Polyustrovskiy or Kondratievskiy Rynok

(Closed every 3rd Monday of the month)

d. Bukvoyed (Буквоед)

Address:Polyustrovsky Prospect 45

Many locations around the city including:

Telephone: +7 (812) 540-3039

Nevskiy Prospect 13

Telephone: +7 (812) 601-0601 g. Art Market

They offer a smaller collection than the other It is located right in front of St. Catherine of

shops, but at better prices! Alexandria Church on Nevskiy 32–34.

Open every day and consists of open-air

MARKETS stands, where artists display their paintings.



The markets tend to be expensive, but offer h. General Market

quite an experience. If you become a regular Yunona Rynok (Рынок ЮНОНА)

customer of a particular stall holder, you will Address: Marshala Kazakova 40.

get a better deal and fresher produce! Website: www.spb.unona.ru

Very large market selling everything from CDs

a. Sytniy Rynok (none of which are original copies) to clothes and

(closed every 4th Monday of the month) electrical items. On Saturdays, it also has a huge

Address: Sytninskaya Ploshad 3/5 flea market selling anything and everything!





50 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





WOMEN’S GROUPS AND FAMILY INFORMATION b. American Women's Organisation (AWO)

The AWO is a Moscow group that many may

a. International Women's Club (IWC)

find useful. Full AWO membership is open to

The IWC invites members of every nationality.

American women living in Moscow and to non-

They have regular meetings, lots of clubs and

American wives of Americans. The AWO also

social events. The IWC is a good way to get to

welcomes women of other nationalities who

know St. Petersburg using the experiences of

are not married to Americans, as non-voting

other foreign women. They also have several

associate members. Please check the Moscow

fund raising events and support various chil-

Times for details.

dren’s charities in St. Petersburg.

awomoscow@yahoo.com

Email: iwcstpete@gmail.com

Website: www.iwcstpete.com



Restaurants



Name Type Location – Contact Comments

Cuisine $$

Fiolet Oriental – Lomonosovskaya Very good food and service.

Fusion $$ Square 6 Informal and formal style.

Tel: +7 (812) 713-5207 Booking recommended.

Ryba Italian $$ Academica Pavlova Str. 5 Excellent pasta dishes and fresh

Tel: +7 (812) 234-5060 fish. Informal atmosphere.

Chin Chin Oriental / Mytninskaya Emb. 3 Small restaurant with good service

European Tel: +7 (812) 232-1042

$$

Mops Thai $$ Pushkinskaya Street 12 Only Thai in St. Petersburg.

Tel: +7 (812) 572-3834 Cafe area and restaurant area.

Good authentic Thai food.

Old Customs House European Tamozheniy per. 1 Excellent food and wine. Probably

$$$$ Tel: +7 (812) 331-9612 the best in St. Petersburg

Dve Palochki Japanese $$ Various Reasonable prices and fresh.

Service hit and miss!

Bistrot Garcon French $$$ Nevskyi Prospect 95 Good, authentic French food –

Tel: +7 (812) 717-2467 breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Stolle Cafe Russian Konushenniy per. 1/6, Excellent piroshki (pies) both

1 Linya V.O. 50 savoury and sweet. Very simple

Dekabristov Str. 19 and 33 concept – counter service.

www.stolle.ru Can order take out large Piroshki

(Pies).

Borsalinos Italian $$$$ Malaya Morskaya 24 Excellent Italian food.

(Angleterre Hotel) Good bar with live jazz.

Fasol European/ Gorokhovaya Str. 17/56 Informal atmosphere,

Russian $$ Tel: +7 (812) 571-7454 reasonable prices.

SADKO Russian $$$ Glinki Street 2 Russian food, well cooked and

Tel: +7 (812) 920-8228 good service.





Step by step : Living in Russia 51

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





weekend.ru, www.afisha.ru or www.inyour-

pocket.com or in ticket offices at various

locations all over St. Petersburg, including the

central ticket office on Nevskiy Prospect 42.

Telephone: +7 (812) 571-3183.

The St. Petersburg Times also has listings of

coming events.



OPERA AND BALLET

A cathedral in St. Petersburg a. The Mariinskiy Theatre (Kirov)

c. St. Petersburg Women Entrepreneurs Address: Teatralnaya Square

English speaking foreign and Russian women Telephone: +7 (812) 326-4141

meet once a month to exchange and discuss Website: www.mariinsky.ru

ideas with regard to development and socialise.

b. The Hermitage Theatre

Address: Dvortsovaya Embankment 34

SPA, WELLNESS AND FITNESS CLUBS

Telephone: +7 (812) 710-9030

a. World Class

c. Shostakovich Philarmonia

Address: Efimova Street 4a

Address: Mikhailovskaya Street 2

Telephone: +7 (812) 313-0000

Telephone: +7 (812) 710-4257 or 710-4290

Website: www.wclass.ru (Russian)

Website: www.philharmonia.spb.ru

b. Planet Fitness Famous conductor Yuri Temirkanov presents

Many locations throughout St. Petersburg some of the very best festivals and concerts in

including St. Petersburg – 2 halls, Bolshoy Zal (Great Hall)

Kazanskaya Street 37 and Maliy Zal (small Hall) Nevskiy 30

Telephone: +7 (812) 315-6220 or 315-7175 Telephone: +7 (812) 311-8333

Grand Hotel Europe

d. Mussorsky (Mikhailovsky) Opera and Ballet

Telephone: +7 (812) 329-6000 or 329-6597

Address: Iskusstva Square 1

Petrogradskaya embankment 18

Telephone: +7 (812) 545-4284

Telephone: +7 (812) 332-0000

Website: www.mikhailovsky.ru

Website: www.fitness.ru (English)

Not as grand as the Mariinskiy but some nice

c. Flying Dutchman performances.

Address: Mitninskaya Embankment

e. Yusupov Palace Theatre

(on a boat!)

Address: Moika Embankment 94

Telephone: +7 (812) 336-3737

Telephone: +7 (812) 314-9883

Website: www.gollandec.ru



d. Maxi Sport

Address: Hotel Pribaltiyskaya Vasilevskiy Island

Telephone: +7 (812) 448-0488

Website: www.waterville.ru



CULTURAL EVENTS

Information about the times and locations of

cultural events can be found on-line at www. St. Petersburg





52 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





f. Jazz Philharmonic Telephone: +7 (812) 273-6672

Address: Zagorodniy Prospect 27

b. Circus

Telephone: +7 (812) 764-8565

Address: Fontanka 3

This well known venue has 2 bands – straight

Telephone: +7 (812) 570-5411

jazz and Dixieland; also, many guest/foreign

Website: www.circus.spb.ru

bands. Concerts are every evening starting

at 7 pm. b. Children’s Philharmonia

Address: Bolshoy Sampsonievskiy Prospect 79

g. JFC Jazz

Telephone: +7 (812) 245-4267

Address: Shpalernaya 33

Telephone: +7 (812) 272-9850 c. Children’s Music Theatre

Very good small club, with jazz, blues and folk Address: Rubinshteina 3

bands including many guest/foreign bands. Telephone: +7 (812) 316-5480

Website: www.zazerkal.spb.ru

CINEMAS

d. Upsala Circus

Although it is possible to see all the latest Performances at various venues around

American and European films, they are usually St. Petersburg

dubbed into Russian. Occasionally, they are in Telephone: +7 (963) 320-1159

the original language, with Russian subtitles. Website: www.upsala-zirk.org

Check the St. Petersburg Times. Below are (Russian, English and German)

some of the better cinemas, but for a list of

e. Dolphinarium

all possible venues, please visit the website:

Address: Konstantinovskiy Prospect 19

www.spb.timeout.ru/place/list/cinema/

(Krestovskiy Island)

Telephone: +7 (812) 235-4631

a. Avrora

Address: Nevskiy Prospect 60 If you have any questions regarding real estate

Telephone: +7 (812) 315-5254 or relocation issues in St. Petersburg, please,

Website: www.avrora.spb.ru do not hesitate to contact us in Moscow:

8 (495) 502 9553

b. Crystal Palace

Address: Nevskiy Prospect 72

Website: www.cp.spb.ru

Irina Yakimenko

c. Dom Kino

Head of Intermark Relocation

Address: Karavannaya Street 12

Irina joined Intermark in 2006.

Telephone: +7 (812) 314-5614 or 314-0638

In this role, Irina ensures the

Website: www.domkino.spb.ru

provision of professional reloca-

d. Mirage tion and immigration services and efficiency

Address: Petrogradskaya, Bolshoi Prospect 35 of expatriate management. Irina also manages

Telephone: +7 (812) 498-0563 Intermark Relocation's expansion into Russia

Website: www.mirage.ru and strives for constant diversification and

evolution of the company's services. Born in

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Moscow, multi-lingual and having been an

expatriate herself, Irina knows what an expa-

a. St. Petersburg Bolshoi (Big) Theatre

triate goes through and what it's like to live in

Of Puppets

Moscow and move to Russia.

Address: Nekrasova Street 10





Step by step : Living in Russia 53

Living in Russia: St. Petersburg









Isaac's Cathedral – St. Petersburg







A Review of the St. Petersburg rental

market in 2010

General Dynamics of the Rental and in May, 2010, it reached its minimum for

Market the 1st half-year of 2010 – 37,420 roubles). Such

increase in rental rates only reflected their cor-

In 2010, the cost of the elite real estate stopped

rection in relation to euro-currency, and not

falling; the market became stable. From Janu-

changes in the market cost of property objects.

ary to mid February, 2010, the market situa-

tion was marked by the traditional seasonal Insignificant price fluctuations in 2010 were

recession during the winter holidays and in the caused both by seasonal changes in the supply

post-holiday period. An increase in the demand and demand structure, and the adaptation to

for real estate in the corporate segment was the situation in the world currency markets,

observed starting from mid February, 2010; but not by internal structural changes of mar-

most requests came in from medium-size and ket conditions.

large companies. Peak demand was reached by

the middle of May, 2010; this period was noted Tendencies of the rental market

for the highest quantity of rental transactions. of elite residential property

When compared to rental rates as at the in St. Petersburg in 2010

end of December, 2009, there were no consid- 1. Supply and demand decentralisation in the

erable changes in rental rates throughout the market of corporate residential property rent.

1st half of 2010. On the whole, for the half-year,

Due to the formation of two new industrial

rental rates increased by 5 to 10%, but it is

zones in the south (factories of such large indus-

noteworthy that the increase mainly referred

trial companies as General Motors, Philip Morris,

to marketable residential property objects.

Toyota, Bosh and Siemens) and in the northwest

The inconsiderable growth in rental rates of St. Petersburg (automobile cluster, presented

in May was caused by fluctuations of currency by such large motor-car manufacturers as Nis-

rates (euro exchange rate in relation to rouble san, Magna Cosma International, Hyundai, Suzuki

had been going down since February, 2010, etc.), apart from the traditional demand for the





54 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Living in Russia: St. Petersburg





elite apartments located in the central districts Geography of the Offered Elite Objects

of the city, a growing demand for business-class

Among the areas still in high demand are the

apartments located in new residential com-

Central area of St. Petersburg, with its well-

plexes in the south and the north of the city was

known “golden triangle”, including the Nevsky

observed. For many employees of the above

Prospect, with such streets as Italianskaya,

mentioned companies, residing in close vicinity

Karavannaya, Millionnaya, Malaya Konjushen-

to the office, allowed them to minimise time

naya, etc., and part of the Admiralteyskiy area.

spent on transportation, without prejudice to

Of particular interest to clients are the elite

the quality of residing conditions. Meeting these

apartments with an all-around view over the

requirements becomes possible due to active

Moyka River, the Fontanka, the Griboedov's

and infill real estate development in the northern

channel, as well as the Petrogradsky area,

and southern districts respectively.

including Krestovsky and Kamenny islands.

2. Amid the receding economic crisis, the

The current lack of new housing devel-

largest international industrial companies still

opment projects in the historical city-center

remain the main tenants of elite apartments.

has led to a very high demand for the newly

In the general structure of requests, the share

built elite houses, such as, for example, “Le

of requests from small and medium-size busi-

Grand” house (152, Nevskiy Prospect), block

nesses, as well as individual entities, was

of apartments developed by “Renaissance

rather insignificant.

of St. Petersburg” corporation (137, Nevskiy

3. Corporate clients are very much concerned Prospect), club houses on the quay of the

about choosing the right professional real estate Fontanka river (house 1) and building No 12 on

agent as it guarantees better terms and service Italianskaya street.

with regard to obtaining an elite apartment,

Residential developments in Petrogradsky

as well as beneficial lease conditions and the

area and the Krestovsky Island, in particular,

maximum protection of the tenant’s interests.

still remain especially attractive. The main

4. The rental market still has strongly pro- reason for this is convenient location and

nounced characteristics of a “tenant’s market”, ecologically-friendly conditions of residing on

with its inherent features: exclusive require- the island. Kamenniy Island remains the most

ments of the tenant to an apartment and lease closed, private territory of the Petrogradsky

conditions, flexibility of the landlord in terms area. Thus, offers on elite apartments on the

of price setting (frequent mark-down of the Kamenniy Island are unique.

rental rate by 10%, from the declared rate dur-

In 2010, 80–150 sq.m. elite apartments

ing the negotiating process) and implementa-

within the Central area of St. Petersburg,

tion of improvements in the rented apartment.

located in newly-built houses with developed

5. In comparison with the 1st half-year of infrastructure and in reconstructed historical

2009, the year 2010 showed a general revival residential buildings and a modern access con-

in the market of the elite residential property trol system were in great demand.

rentals, manifested itself in the growth of the

quantity of inquiries, stop in the landslide of

Marina Markarova

rental prices and even some growth in rental

Managing partner — General

rates (5 to 10%), which testifies to the fact that

Director of the consulting real

there is a gradual normalisation of the market,

estate company MAYFAIR

with the supply and demand equation gradu-

Properties.

ally reaching a balance point.



56 Step by step : Living in Russia

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Living in Russia: Sakhalin









Property of Coleman Services

Sahalin







Living in Russia: Sakhalin

The Sakhalin region was founded on the 2nd and birch. The undergrowth is of dwarf Sibe-

of January, 1947. rian pine, and Kuril bamboo. The usual forest

It includes the Sakhalin and bordering islands inhabitants are bear, marten, wolverine, sable,

and the Kuril islands. squirrel, Northern deer, musk deer and adder.

The Sakhalin Region is a part of the Far East There are two mud volcanoes and more than

Federal District. sixty thousand rivers and streams, the largest

Territory – 87,1 thousand sq. km. of which are the Tym and Poronai Rivers. The

The population 608,000 lakes number about 16,120. The largest among

The regional centre – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. them are the lagoon lakes, Tunaicha (174 sq

km) and Nevskoye (178 sq km). The climate is

Geography moderate-monsoon. Average January temper-

atures range from -6°C in the South to -24°C

Sakhalin is one of the largest islands in Russia.

in the North of the island. The average tem-

Washed by the Okhotsk and Japanese seas, the

perature in August is +19°C in the South and

island stretches 948 km, from North to South.

+10°C in the North. The Kuril Islands stretch

The coastline is slightly indented. Nearly two

from north to south for 1,200 km. Their total

thirds of the Sakhalin area is mountainous. The

area is nearly 15.6 thousand square kilometers.

Lopatin mountain is the highest, at 1.609 m.

Among the islands of the Kuril archipelago are

The Northern part of the island is a swampy

30 large islands; more than 20 small islands

plain, covered with deciduous taiga. Mountains

are of volcanic origin. The highest waterfall in

of the central and southern parts of the island

Russia, Ilija Muromets, is located on the Iturup

are covered with forests of Ayan spruce, fir

Island and is 141 m. high. The climate of the



58 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Sakhalin





Kuril Islands is typically marine-like, without and commercial aquaculture industries, thrive

strong frosts or extensive summer heat. Rain in these waters.

and fog are quite frequent in the summer.

Mineral resources

Historical remark Petroleum: The are 112 deposits. Sakhalin oil

the Sakhalin region, in its present form, was is suitable for the production of high-octane

officially defined and integrated as a part of fuel and lubricating oil. The condensate is suit-

the Russian Federation on January 2nd, 1947. able for manufacturing diesel fuel, petrol and

The region lies off the eastern coastline of aircraft kerosene.

mainland Russia and includes the island of

Coal: There are 60 deposits of coal. The

Sakhalin, the islands of Tyulenyi and Moneron

grades of coal in these deposits vary, with the

and the Kuril Islands.

coal used as high-quality power fuel being the

The region is separated into 17 admin- predominant grade. Other grades are suitable

istrative districts. There are 19 towns and for chemical processing and reception of fuel oil.

33 urban-type settlements. Important cities Peat: There are 200 deposits. Peat is used as a

and towns are: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Kholmsk, constituent in fertilisers, heat-insulating mate-

Korsakov, Okha, Poronaisk, Alexandrovsk- rial. It is also used for the absorption in water

Sakhalinsky, Nevelsk, Uglegorsk, and Dolinsk. and soil of pollutants resulting from petroleum

The Sakhalin Region existed in various forms, products.

prior to 1947:

Timber resources

■ From 1909 to 1914 the Sakhalin region com-

prised of the northern part of the Sakhalin Most of the Sakhalin island, is located in the

Island; taiga zone and is covered in forest. The forests

■ From 1914 to 1920 it also included the Udskyi of the Sakhalin region occupy 6.9 million hec-

district and the city of Nikolaevsk-on-Amur; tares, which is 87% of the territory. Coniferous

■ On October 20th, 1932 the Northern part of forests are prevalent. The silver firs and white

the Sakhalin region was merged with that of woods produce valuable softwood. Sakhalin is

the Far East; one of the economic leaders in timber resourc-

■ Since 1938 has been part of the Khabarovsk es of the Russian Far East.

Territory.

On January 2nd, 1947, South Sakhalin and the

Kuril Islands were made part of the Sakhalin

region. Simultaneously, the region was des-

ignated as a separate territory of the Russian

Federation.



Natural resources

Property of Coleman Services









Marine resources

The area where the seas wash the coast of the

Sakhalin and Kuril Islands is among the most

economically viable in the world. This basin is

Russia’s largest fishing ground. Many species

of fish, which are of great value to the food The streets of Sakhalin





Step by step : Living in Russia 59

Living in Russia: Sakhalin









Property of Coleman Services

Sakhalin



Transport linsk airport plays a vital role in facilitating

transportation Sakhalin. In addition to local

тransport is one of the main segments in the

flights, there are regularly scheduled interna-

economic complex of the Sakhalin region. The

tional flights to Hakodate ( Japan), Seoul, Pusan

transport branch is comprised of all types of

(Korea), as well as charter flights to Niigata,

transport: sea, railway, motor and air.

Tokyo, Sapporo ( Japan), Dalian, Kharbin and

The sea transport is the main means of Shanghai (China).

transportation in the region. The region has

eleven seaports. There are eight sea trade Sakhalin companies

ports located in Kholmsk, Korsakov, Alexan-

There are several companies operating in

drovsk, Poronaisk, Uglegorsk, Shakhtyorsk,

various economic spheres within the Sakhalin

Boshnyakovo, and Krasnogorsk. There are two

region:

sea fish ports in Kholmsk, and Nevelsk and

one departmental seaport at Moskalvo, which

Oil & Gas

belongs to JSC “Posneft-Sakhalinmorneftegaz”.

DRC Sakhalin Group drcsakhalin.com

The railway transportation accounts for

Liebherr www liebherr.com

about 30% of all transportation related activity

Sakhalin Energy www.sakhalinenergy.com

within Sakhalin.

Schlumberger www.slb.com

Sakhalin has railway lines stretching from

Nogliki in the north to Korsakov in the south. Production

There is also a departmental narrow-gauge

Inter-Energy www.inter-energy.ru

line at Nogliki – Okha extending 228 kms; it

Sakhalin Energo www.sahen.elektra.ru

belongs to JSC “Rosneft-Sakhalinmorneftegaz”.

Sakhalin Machinery, LLC

The main function of air transport is to www. sakhalinmachinery.ru

carry passengers over long distances and in SDM Sakhalin (the official Hyundai dealer)

most cases, to places which can not be easily www.thgr.ru

accessed by other means of transportation.

There are regular flights from Sakhalin to Mos- Telecommunications

cow, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and other cities

Beeline www. skh.beeline.ru

of Russian Federation. The Yuzhno-Sakha-

Dal sviaz www.skh.dsv.ru



60 Step by step : Living in Russia

реклама

Living in Russia: Sakhalin





MegaFon www.dv.megafon.ru

MTS www.sakh.mts.ru









Property of Coleman Services

NTK www.vntc.ru



Services

Coleman Services www.coleman.ru

Kapital Insurance www.ifdk-insurance.ru

Sakhalin Engineering www.edem.su

Swift worldwide resources Sakhalin

www.swiftoilandgas.com

Lake Tunajcha

Finance This is the largest and most beautiful of the

Sakhalin lakes.

Alfa Bank alfa-bank.ru

ATB www.atb.su There are many other unique features

Royal Haskoning www.royalhaskoning.com within the Sakhalin region. This includes the

VTB www.vtb.ru island of Moneron, which has been declared a

…and many others specially protected area for its unique natural

habitat and the Seal island popular for its rook-

Places to visit eries of seals and huge bird markets. In Okha

city boasts of an oil derrick, which was estab-

Sakhalin local lore museum

lished at the end of the XIX century.

The museum was founded in 1896. Since 1947,

With its unique nature and vast possibilities,

the museum has been located in Yuzhno-

Sakhalin is the perfect place to explore and

Sakhalinsk, in a building belonging to the for-

invest in.

mer Japanese governor Karafuto. The building

was constructed in 1937. The museum collec- Alexandra Lubchenko

tions cover the period from the most ancient Alexandra Lubchenko is the

history up to nowadays: archeologic, ethno- Head of special division, South

graphic, historical, paleontological, geological, Sakhalin

botanical, zoological and others. The Coleman Services story

in Russia started in March 1998, when the

Sakhalin regional art museum company offered search and selection

of permanent personnel. In 1999, it was

The museum is located in a building formerly one of the first to provide outstaffing – a

belonging to the Japanese bank “Hokkaido completely new service for Russia. In 2001,

Takuseku”. This building is an original archi- Coleman Services opened a specialised

tectural monument that was erected at the department that provides industrial

beginning of the 1930s. In the 80s, it was enterprises and warehouse complexes with

skilled and unskilled personnel.

reconstructed and converted into a museum.

Today, Coleman Services provides a full

The regional artworks are exhibited in the big

range of HR- services and offers its services

hall on the ground floor. The first floor has in Saint Petersburg, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk,

been let out for the organisation of frequent Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Stupino, Obninsk, Tula

expositions: “Old Russian art”, “Art of Japan”, and Novosibirsk. Coleman Services also has

“Art of Korea”. vast experience in rendering its services

on a remote basis.





62 Step by step : Living in Russia

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia: Authority works!

It doesn’t take a long time for newcomers to Russia to understand that to attract the attention of

a waitress in a restaurant, it is not sufficient to look in her direction or raise an arm. The only thing

that gets her attention is to call out loud: “Devushka” (Miss); an action that would get you almost

thrown out of most restaurants in Europe. In the office, you will notice that after having had a long

meeting with your team, during which you thought everything was discussed and agreed upon,

everyone is still looking at you to take the final decisions. In a newspaper, you may read with some

surprise that next to Vladimir Putin, Josef Stalin is the most popular Russian leader of all times.

There is one common denominator to all three situations described above and that is the con-

cept of authority. Authority is important in Russia and a key ingredient for making things work. For

effective leadership in Russia, authority is much more important than consensus, whereas, in most

western countries the exact opp osite is the case. In Russian companies, the director decides on

everything. Very little power or mandate is delegated to lower management levels. In the work-

place, the boss is expected to know everything and to carry a paternalistic responsibility for his

employees. Russians in general work harder and longer than most Europeans. The formal nine to

five culture does not exist in Russia. Working until late at night or meetings during the weekend is all

within the normal course of business. But the Russian worker needs to genuinely respect his boss. If

respect is lacking, then it is very hard to motivate a Russian worker to ‘go the extra mile’ and in that

case, no HR process, training or management technique will increase the output of your employees.

For foreign managers in Russia, this means that they need to be more firm and decisive than

they are used to being in other countries. This also means that you should be careful not to lose

the respect of your employees. Losing your cool too often and starting to shout is seen as losing

control, and consequently, leads to a loss of respect. Once respect is lost, it is very hard to regain.

Another proof of the fact that ‘authority works’ in Russia can be seen in traffic or in queues.

You may be surprised that drivers cut right in front of other drivers without any repercussion.

Something that would cause road-rage in Europe and a shoot-out in the USA, is calmly accepted

in Russia. If you want to merge into traffic hesitantly using your turn signal indicator you won’t

get anywhere in Russia. You need to be bold and just cut in. Just try it! You’ll see it works. If you

are afraid to dent your car you can start with the queue at passport control. Just cut in front of the

queue, acting as if you own the place and see what the reaction will be. If you do get a reaction,

next time, try it with more authority!

Being nice and gentle is not yet really understood in Russia. It is often mistaken for weakness.

You can be many things in Russia, but at least you have to be firm and strong. Otherwise you won’t

get anywhere. This is one of the things that is often difficult to understand for newcomers to Russia.

It is not for nothing that Russia knows something called the ‘komandniy golos’ (the command-

ing voice). It’s the tone of voice you need to use if you want to get something done here. Even

after 16 years in Russia, I find it hard to find the right ‘komandniy golos’. When the ‘banshik’ (sto-

ker or bath attendant) in the Russian banya (bathhouse), where I usually go proposes to increase

the heat and steam, I am usually the first to say ‘khorosh’ (it’s enough, no need to increase). But

no matter how I say it –loudly or softly, with a deep bass – the stoker always continues to increase

the heat. But, if one of the Russians around me says ‘khorosh’ or ‘esho’ (more), this one word is

enough to spring the stoker into action.

Russians and authority, one more aspect of Russia’s unfathomable mystery. And for most of

us foreigners, there is only one conclusion we can come to – ‘if you can’t stand the heat, stay out

of the banya’!

Living in Russia: Sochi









The Summer theatre – Sochi







Living in Russia: Sochi

Sochi – life for an expatriate timelessness, friendliness and sophistication

heighten the values of Sochi life, enhancing

Foreign employee, married, with children, not

its rapid transformation into a city that is fully

speaking Russian

ready to host the Olympic Games in 2014! Sea

Sochi, a city in the Krasnodar region is situat- and snow are real ambassadors here and we

ed just north of Russia's border with the de facto invite you to join their powerful inner energy!

republic of Abkhazia, on the Black Sea coast.

Year-round, sun-and-snow resort

It is the largest Russian resort city; 145 km

spanning along the shores of the Black Sea and Speaking of the climate, one can hardly talk

against the background of the Caucasus Moun- about four seasons in Sochi. Actually, there are

tains. In 2006, the population was estimated to only two seasons in Sochi – the warm period

be 395,012. from April till November, and a cooler period

from November till April. Sochi’s ‘winter’ is mild,

In addition to being selected to host the

with no frosts, and the snow makes the palms

12th Olympic Winter Games and 11th Paralympic

look so beautiful and floppy that you can not help

Winter Games in 2014, the Russian Formula 1

but enjoy it. The warm sea and nearby Main Cau-

Grand Prix will also be held in Sochi from 2014

casian Range have formed in this land of Russia a

up until at least 2020.

unique climate of humid subtropics, which is not

Sochi is a dream city! It can offer that rare typical of this latitude elsewhere on the globe.

harmony in life, where work is combined

Sochi citizens are fond of mountain skiing

with an eco-lifestyle and precious emotions

and sports in general. The Krasnaya Polyana

we share with family and friends! Purity and



64 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Sochi





ski resort at the foot of the North Cauca- art exhibitions and theater performances fol-

sus mountain range is the most popular and low each other; aqua parks and attractions

famously a favorite ski getaway for Prime in the Riviera Park keep the children enter-

Minister Vladimir Putin. From December till tained all through day and night, and fashion

spring time, there is plenty of snow here. stores demonstrate charm and chic, enhancing

600 m above the sea level and 40 km from women sensuality. The restaurants, night clubs

the coast make this place a truly unique mix and cafes are all just a step away from you. At

of sea and mountain. Today, Krasnaya Polyana the moment, most recreational activities are

has many chalets, hotels, and restaurants; accessible to those who speak Russian only;

quite soon, it will offer new luxury facilities for however, this issue is being addressed right

recreation and different winter sports planned now by the city’s authorities.

for the Olympic Games in 2014 that will take

place at Krasnaya Polyana. Family accommodation

There are six thousand species of flow- As part of the effort to cater to the expected

ers, trees and shrubs in Sochi. This is the only influx of both Russian and foreign wealthy

Russian city, where palms decorate streets; clientele, Sochi is currently erecting luxury

the sights of blooming magnolia trees can be houses, villas, hotels, shopping centers, hospi-

enjoyed only in Sochi! tals and schools, as well as building new roads.

The end result will make Sochi a must-visit

Sochi people love their environment; they

tourist attraction to all and a home away from

are kindhearted, attentive and always ready

home for expats thinking of relocating to this

to welcome people of all nationalities. It is a

wonderful city.

very safe city, where traditions of south and

north are equally respected and where people

Recreation

respond with a smile even when they can not

understand your language. Hospitality and the Sochi is the perfect place for relaxation and

desire to show the best of their city are traits revitalisation!

character of all the locals.



Working in Sochi

Sochi has tremendous business potential in the

construction, tourism, sports and recreation

and the agricultural industries. The September

international economic forum usually attracts

thousands of foreign experts and businessmen

to Sochi. Other months of the year do not wit-

ness as many foreigners in the city. For foreign

investors, this means that the potential is

Property of Intermarksavills









huge and opportunities, limitless, to invest in a

growing city and build a multinational society.



Art and Modern Lifestyle

Sochi life is exciting for all family members,

especially during the summer. Concerts with

Russian and international music celebrities, The Caucasus mountains – Sochi





Step by step : Living in Russia 65

Living in Russia: Sochi





Useful information c. Commuter trains from Adler station (20

minutes south of Sochi http://www.alltrains.ru/

Transport

stat.php?code=2064150

Transportation infrastructure is being prepared Russian Railways is going to establish a high-

to support the Olympics. This will include more speed Moscow-Adler link and a new railroad

roads, tunnels, bridges, interchanges, railroads (more than 60 km long) that will pass by the

and stations in and around Sochi. Ukrainian territory.



Metro

Airport:

The Sochi Light Metro will be constructed

Sochi International Airport: this airport is between Adler and Krasnaya Polyana. It will

located in the Adler District of Sochi. connect the Olympic Park, the airport and the

Website: www.apsochi.ru venues in Krasnaya Polyana.

Telephone: +7 (8622) 440 088

A new terminal has been built and a 3.5 km Cars

runway extension is being planned. The run-

Taxis

way may overlap the Mzymta river.

Like in most other cities, locals put their hand

out and stop a private car and negotiate a

price. For expats this may have serious safety

issues and is not recommended. Do not get

into a car that has another passenger apart

from the driver.



There are several official taxi companies;

however, bear in mind that these companies

do not have English speaking staff.

Sochi

European Taxi

Railway: Telephone: +7 (8622) 34-80-34



Sochi trains Taxi in Sochi

http://www.taxisochi.com/

a. Sochi train station

Telephone: +7 (963) 163-06-03

Address: Gorkiy ul., 56, Sochi

Telephone: +7 (8622) 609 009

Buses and Route (Marshrutnoe) Taxis

b. Lazarevsky train station

Buses are the main means of transportation in

Address: Odoevsky Street, Lazarevsky village,

Sochi. There are about 100 routes connecting

Russia

all parts of the city. During rush hour, they are

Telephone: +7 (8622) 723 544

particularly crowded. Marshrutnoe taxis are

Sochi Elektrichki (commuter trains) private vans that drive along specific routes.

a. Commuter trains from Sochi train station Normally, the route number and a list of stops

http://www.alltrains.ru/stat.php?code= 2064130 is located on a placard in the window, but only

b. Commuter trains from Lazarevsky station in Russian language. Most expatriates will

(city district of Sochi) http://www.alltrains.ru/ find it simpler (and relatively inexpensive) to

stat.php?code=2064030 simply call a taxi.







66 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Sochi





Rent-a-car b. Aquarium

Address: Tcheltenkhema alley, 4, Sochi

Herzt

Telephone: +7 (8622) 67-72-26

They have English speaking staff.

Address: Morskoy per, 12, Sochi c. The Zoo

Telephone: +7 (8622) 35-71-00 Address: Karla Marksa str, 8, Sochi

Telephone: +7 (8622) 44-50-74, 44-52-65

Living in Sochi: other useful facts

d. Madagaskar

For those with children This is a children’s entertainment centre

Address: Kuybysheva str, 36, Sochi

Schools

Telephone: +7 (8622) 40-80-08

There are no Anglo-American schools in Sochi.

e. Zolotaya Nadezhda

There are however schools with a very strong

This is a children’s theatre

English language programme:

Address: Teatralnaya str, 2, Sochi

Gimnasium #1 (intensive English studies) Telephone: +7 (8622) 99-77-09

Address: Yunih Lenintsev str, 5/1, Sochi

f. Sochi Circus

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-69-91

It is located at the intersection between Push-

For those who want to learn Russian kin and Kurortniy avenues, in the immediate

Russian language school proximity to the famous Sochi Arboretum

Address: The London School, Chaikovskogo str, (Dendrarium).

43, Sochi

Health

Children’s entertainment

It is recommended that you register with a

a. Botanic garden medical clinic immediately upon arrival. Contact

This garden hosts an exclusive collection of your medical insurance company for a list of

plants. clinics you can register in. Check how payments

Address: Kurortniy prospekt., 74, Sochi can be made. In an emergency, a clinic should

Telephone: +7 (8622) 62-18-42 be your first point of contact, along with your









Sochi





Step by step : Living in Russia 67

Living in Russia: Sochi





Pharmacies

Most medicines are available in pharmacies

in Sochi. In some cases, prescription drugs,

for example, some classes of antibiotics, may

be procured as over the counter medication

(OTC). However, we recommend that you

visit a doctor to obtain your prescription-only-

medicines. Trade names of drugs may differ

may go by other names and again we suggest

that you seek advice if unsure about these

alternatives.



36,6

Property Cathedral – Moscow

St. Basil'sof Intermarksavills This pharmacy has several retail outlets:

Address 1: Morskoy per., 12, Sochi

Telephone: +7 (8622) 62-28-66

Address 2: Vorovskogo str., 53

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-73-64

Address 3: Gagarina, 72

Telephone: +7 (8622) 55-99-98

Sochi

medical insurance company. A local hospital Veterinary services

should be your second choice and if you do not

a. 4+1 Vet Services

speak Russian, you should certainly be accom-

Address: Yasnogorskaya str, 20, Sochi

panied by a translator. Also, in local hospitals

Telephone +7-8622- 97-86-25

you will often need to pay cash upfront so

make sure you have enough money with you. b. Aybolit

Address: Golubie dali str., 20/4,Sochi-Adler

You should make arrangements for both

Telephone: +7 (918) 409-33-77

medical treatment and evacuation insurance.

Approximate rates for veterinarian services:

Always know where your passport is.

Regular examinations: from 100 rubles, at clinics.

Surgery: depending on the type of surgery, can

Clinics

range from 50 to 300 Rubles.

a. Elisa Vaccination: At regional vet clinics you can get

Address: Dagomisskaya str., 42A, Sochi them done for free, a house call will attract a

Telephone: +7 (8622) 662-777 50 to 80 rubles fee.



b. Medical Centre (incl. stomatology)

Home services

Address: Donskaya str, 27, Sochi

Telephone: +7 (8622) 55-75-66 a. TV

Most expats have satellite TV, which offers

Opticians

access to western channels including CNN,

Best optics BBC Prime, NBC, MTV, Eurosport, Euronews,

Address: Navaginskaya str., 16, Sochi Cartoon Network, RTL and many others. Most

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-20-54 foreign housing developments have this faci-





68 Step by step : Living in Russia

Living in Russia: Sochi





lity; private landlords may not. However, these d. Water delivery

can be easily installed for about $100; the sub-

In general, the water in Sochi is safe to drink,

scription fees are about $10 per month.

but most expats use some form of water fil-

tration system such as Brita. These are readily

Trikolor

available for purchase. You can buy bottled

Address: Vinogradniy per., 2A, Sochi

water in supermarkets or arrange delivery

Telephone: +7 (988) 235-00-69

of water with or without the cooler systems,

hand pumps, and ceramic water dispensers.

b. Domestic help (drivers/housekeepers/

nannies)

i. Chistye Kluchi

You should not expect domestic help to speak Address: Iskra str., 68, Sochi

English, very few do. The best way of finding Telephone: +7 (8622) 47 28 64

help is through personal recommendations at

ii. Aqua Life

work or friends.

Address: Severnaya str., 12, Sochi

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-43-73

c. Dry cleaners

There are many all over Sochi. They can pro- Time out

vide pick up and delivery services directly to

a. Theaters

your home. All you need to do is give your

name and telephone number and a detailed i. Organ and Chamber Music Hall

description of items of clothing to be dry Address: Kurortniy prospect, 32, Sochi

cleaned. Payment is usually when you drop off Telephone: +7 (8622) 62-24-04

the items of clothing, which is also when you +7 (8622) 62-33-99

will be given a copy of your order form.

ii. Zimniy Theatre (Winter Theatre)

i. Galar Address: Teatralnaya Str., 2, Sochi

Address: Konstitutsii str., 34, Sochi Telephone: +7 (8622) 62-20-06

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-33-35

iii. Riviera Park Green Theatre

ii. Deutch cleaner Address: Egorov Str., 1, Sochi

Address: Donskaya str, 15, Sochi Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-10-14

Telephone: +7 (8622) 55-22-73









The black sea – Sochi





Step by step : Living in Russia 69

Living in Russia: Sochi





b. Cinema d. Peter the Great

Address: Kurortniy prospekt, 103, Sochi

There are many cinemas in Sochi. Most films

are shown in Russian language. Sometimes, e. Sakura

they do play English language films with Rus- Japaneese, Chineese cuisine

sian subtitles. The cinema times are displayed Address: Chernomorskaya str, 2/3, Sochi

at each cinema. Telephone: +7 (8622) 66-11-75



i. Premiera f. “Signor Pomidor” pizzeria

Address: Navaginskaya str., 7, Sochi European cuisine

Opening hours: from 12 noon till 20:00

ii. Yubileyniy

Average bill: 1000 roubles

Address: Tchekhova str., 48a, Sochi

Address: Sochi, trade gallery the first block

Telephone: +7 (8622) 55-57-82

Telephone: +7 (8622) 64-11-92

iii. Sochi Note: A parking lot is not available

Address: Abrikosovaya str., 12, Sochi

g. “Prague” French Confectionery

Telephone: +7 (8622) 68-10-20

Specialty of the house – the “Prague” cake

Average bill: 700 roubles

Restaurants

Opening hours: from 11:00 till 13:00

Eating out Address: Morskoy Side Str., 14/10, Sochi

New bars along with restaurants and night- Telephone: +7 (8622) 62-43-33

clubs pop up all the time. For the latest infor- Note: A parking lot is available

mation, check the local papers, with weekly

h. “Japona Mama” sushi-bar

reviews on what’s new in town. A wide vari-

Japanese cuisine

ety of restaurants offering cuisine from many

Address: 25 Ordzhonikidze Str. Central district,

nations are located throughout the city; these

Sochi

include Russian, European, American, Japanese

Telephone: +7 (8622) 33-41-11

and Korean, and there is even a pizza delivery

Open: from 10:00 till 03:00 in the morning

place. To dine in the high end restaurants, like

If you have any questions regarding real estate

everywhere else, reservations must be made.

or relocation issues in Sochi, please do not hesi-

In some restaurants, a 10 to 15% service

tate to contact us in Moscow: 8 (495) 502 9553

charge will be added to the bill, if not, that

amount should be left as a tip. Irina Yakimenko

Head of Intermark Relocation

a. Aleksandr

Irina joined Intermark in 2006.

Address: Vinogradnaya str, 12/1, Sochi

In this role, Irina ensures the

Telephone: +7 (8622) 53-26-82

provision of professional reloca-

b. Bosfor tion and immigration services and efficiency

European and Asian cuisine of expatriate management. Irina also manages

Address: Moskovskaya str, 3, Sochi Intermark Relocation's expansion into Russia

Telephone: +7 (8622) 92-04-36 and strives for constant diversification and

evolution of the company's services. Born in

c. Dionis

Moscow, multi-lingual and having been an

Sea-food

expatriate herself, Irina knows what an expa-

Address: Chernomorskaya str, 3, Sochi

triate goes through and what it's like to live in

Telephone: +7 (8622) 66-18-92

Moscow and move to Russia.





70 Step by step : Living in Russia

SHORT STORIES

Only in Russia:

The Russian people

Foreigners and Russians alike often ask me

why I have been living in Russia for such a

long time. ‘Is it the money or the adventure

that keeps you here? If not, then it must be the

enchanting Russian ladies’.



All valid reasons for staying here of course,

but the actual answer is different.



In 1993, in a train in Switzerland, I met a

Russian family from Irkutsk – Yuriy, a Russian

scientist, his wife Galya and their two young

sons Mitya and Lonya. As I was a mere law

student from Holland, meeting Russians rather

impressed me and we struck up a conversation.

Before I got off the train, we exchanged tele- Celebration of Shrovetide (Maslenitsa) in Russia

phone numbers and that was the end of it. I had forgotten all about them until one year later; in

the summer of 1994, early in the morning, I arrived by train to the city of Irkutsk in order to visit

the Lake Baikal. Hesitantly, I called the telephone number I had been given one year ago and when

I heard the ‘allo-a’ on the other side of the line I said: ‘Yuriy, this is Jeroen. Do you still rememb….’.

Before I could finish my sentence I heard a mighty roar from the other side of the line: ‘JEROEN,

it is you! We have been waiting for you the entire year!’. Before I knew it, I found myself sitting

in their apartment, with their entire family around the kitchen table loaded with food and drinks.

It was unthinkable that I would stay in a hotel, so a place was found for me in their two room

apartment. I stayed for a week. Yuriy took some days off from work and showed me all around

Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. He and his family have been great friends ever since.



It is now 16 years later and I have been

fortunate to befriend many more extraordinary

Russians. Only after making Russian friends did

I understand that the grumpy, cold and harsh

impression Russians often give in public, is

more than offset by the warmth and emotion

they display in their private lives. My Russian

friends have taught me what it really means to

be human, to be sincere and generous. Uncondi-

tional friendship is something I first encountered

in Russia. In Europe, agendas, expectations and

conditions dominate friendships. In Russia, there

are no bounds to the depth or width of friend-

Matreshka ship. More often than not, when you make a

friend, you practically become a member of the

entire family of that friend. During my 16 years

in Russia, by making a couple of friends, I have

acquired a great number of mothers, cousins,

uncles, aunts and grandparents! You happen

to turn up while your friend happens to have a

dinner party? No problem; an extra chair, plate

and glass are easily provided and food is loaded

on to your plate from the plates of the other

guests. You just want to have some company

after a hard day’s work? No problem; you can

always crash on your friends couch without say-

ing a word.



It took me a long time to understand that

there is a very specific Russian expression for

the feeling that has kept me bound to Russia for

all this time. It is the word ‘radnoy’. Literally, it

means something like ‘a relative’ or ‘native’, but

the exact Russian meaning of the word cannot

be translated into one specific English word. In

a wider sense, it means feeling at home with a

person or with a country. A ‘radnoy’ person is

like ‘one of our own’. Samovar used traditionally to drink tea



When you get to know Russian people, you will unavoidably come to understand what I am

talking about. And when you do, you will blink an eye, and realise that you have been here much

longer than you ever imagined or planned to stay, and that Russia has become a part of you.



The short stories were sent in by Jeroen Ketting, Lighthouse.



Jeroen Ketting

Jeroen is Founder and Mana-

ging Director of Lighthouse.

He has been living in Russia for

over 15 years giving him fluen-

cy in the Russian language and

a thorough understanding of the Russian busi-

ness culture. Jeroen has founded and oper-

ated numerous businesses in Russia and has

assisted in the establishment of more than 20

Western-Russian business ventures. Jeroen's

extensive experience in the Russian market is

backed by a strong track record in strategic

business advisory. He is an expert negotiator

and mediator in the Russian-Western context

and is a regular speaker at international

events and seminars related to Russia. He

The Holiday of St. Cyril and Methodius, frequently contributes to Russia related inter-

the creators of Cyrillic alphabet, May 24, 2010 national publications.

in Moscow, Russia

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