Is it safe to travel in Russia right now?
Short answer — yes, especially if you stick to the main destinations and stay informed.

Despite the headlines, more and more travelers from around the world are choosing Russia as a destination. According to the Russian Border Service, 1.57 million international trips were made to Russia in 2024 — that’s 2.3 times more than in 2023 (when it was just 670,000). Growth is happening across regions, thanks in part to new visa-free group programs and charter flights.

Here are the Top 10 countries by number of tourists in 2024:
1. China — 848,000 (4.5× more than in 2023)
2. Germany — 66,500 (+20%)
3. UAE — 65,200 (+50%)
4. Turkey — 58,500 (+23%)
5. Turkmenistan — 57,300 (+60%)
6. Saudi Arabia — 55,100 (7× growth!)
7. Iran — 49,600 (+68%)
8. Kazakhstan — 24,000 (+48%)
9. India — 23,100 (+58%)
10. Cuba — 17,600 (+50%)

Other countries like Estonia, Uzbekistan, Latvia, and even South Korea and Israel also show a steady interest.

Meanwhile, cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, and Kamchatka are becoming increasingly tourist-friendly — with new routes, infrastructure, and programs designed especially for foreign guests.

Locals are warm and curious, and most visitors say they feel safe as long as they use basic travel precautions.
So… what are you waiting for?

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

How to Get an E-Visa to Russia — Fast and Stress-Free

If you’re a citizen of one of 55 countries — including all of Europe, Japan, Turkey, China, India, and the Gulf States — good news: you can get an electronic visa (e-visa) to Russia without invitations, bookings, or consulate visits.

Here’s how it works:

1. Apply online
Go to the official website evisa.kdmid.ru, upload your photo, fill out the form — takes about 10–15 minutes.

2. Wait 4 days
The visa is usually issued within 4 calendar days. No interviews required.

3. Get your PDF by email
Print it or save it on your phone — and you’re ready to go.

4. Enter Russia
The e-visa is valid for 16 days and can be used at designated border entry points — airports, land crossings, seaports, and train stations (the list keeps expanding).

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How much does it cost?
The official fee is $54 USD (or equivalent in your local currency).
No hidden charges or middlemen needed.

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Who is the e-visa good for?
• Tourists visiting Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Lake Baikal, or the South
• Those visiting friends or attending conferences, festivals, concerts
• Solo travelers looking for a quick and simple entry

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Important notes:
• E-visa is single-entry only
• Cannot be extended
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 more months
• Travel medical insurance is required
(I can send you links to affordable insurance options — just message me.)

Need help finding a place to stay?
I can share links to trusted platforms or completely organize a trip around Russia — just ask in the chat or DM me.

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If you have any questions — feel free to reach out:

News & travel tips: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Help with your trip to Russia: @kaiakatikai

Traveling is easy when you know who to ask!

How to Get a MIR Card in Russia as a Foreigner — Easy and Fast

One of the easiest ways for foreigners to get a MIR card in Russia is through T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff Bank) — a digital bank that lets you apply online in minutes and delivers the card directly to your hotel or apartment in Russia.

How it works:
1. Fill out a short application online
2. Download the T-Bank app
3. Within 1–2 days, a bank representative will contact you and personally deliver the card — and help activate it

What you get:
• Free card and free delivery
• You can top up with cash at T-Bank ATMs — even using USD, EUR, or RUB
• Free transfers by phone number (to Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, etc.)
• Free cash withdrawals at T-Bank ATMs
• Cashback on selected categories, plus interest on savings
• Use it to pay online, book tickets and accommodation, use transport, and more

What you need to apply:
• A valid passport
• A migration card
• You must be legally in Russia (visa or visa-free)

You can even submit the form before your trip, then schedule card delivery after you arrive — a great way to save time.

Who is this card for?
• Visitors staying in Russia for more than a week
• Travelers on multi-city routes (like the Trans-Siberian Railway)
• Anyone shopping on Russian websites or avoiding cash-only payments

Need help?
I’ll gladly share links and step-by-step instructions — just message me in chat or DM.

Travel tips & news: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Personal assistance with your trip: @kaiakatikai

Getting a SIM card in Russia has become very difficult for foreigners in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, new rules are in place. To buy a local SIM or eSIM in Russia, you now need to:
• get a notarized translation of your passport
• obtain a Russian social security number (SNILS)
• register on Gosuslugi (state services portal)
• go through biometric identification
• and do all of this in person — no online shortcuts.

If you’re only in Russia for a short stay, don’t waste time or energy.
Just get an eSIM from Holafly:
• Unlimited data
• Instant activation via QR code
• No documents or store visits needed

You won’t get a local number, but you’ll be able to use maps, messengers, and all the travel essentials without a problem.

Holafly link: esim.holafly.com/ru/esim-russia/

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

Need help? Just send a message — happy to assist!
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💬 RUSSIAN WORDS FOR TRAVELERS
• Save this post — it will help you 😉

Russians really appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language. Even a few words can turn a serious face into a smile 😊
Try these — and you’ll blend in much faster than you think 👇

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👋 Hello — Privet (привет)
🙏 Thank you — Spasibo (спасибо)
😅 Sorry / Excuse me — Izvinite (извините)
👋 Goodbye — Poka (пока)
💵 How much? — Skol’ko? (сколько?)
🧾 Check / Bill — Schet (счёт)
✔️ Yes — Da (да)
❌ No — Nyet (нет)

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🔢 Numbers (you’ll hear them at the store or market):
1 — Odin (один)
2 — Dva (два)
3 — Tri (три)
4 — Chetyre (четыре)
5 — Pyat’ (пять)

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🔥 Bonus (for fun):
💃 Beautiful girl — Krasivaya (красивая)
🕺 Handsome guy — Krasiviy (красивый)

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✈️ Going to Russia soon? These words are your survival kit.

💡 Tip: Russians might not smile at strangers, but try saying “Spasibo” and see how things change 😉

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Help with vacation in Russia: @kaiakatikai

How to Be a Guest in Russia: Rules That Will Surprise Foreigners

Russians love having guests, but there are unspoken rules. Want to be remembered as a great guest? Here’s what you need to know:

1. 🎁 "Showing Up Empty-Handed Is Rude"
• Wine/sweets – a safe choice.
• For the hostess: flowers (but never an even number – that’s for funerals).
• For kids: a toy or book.

2. 👞 "Take Off Your Shoes at the Door"
• Shoes come off immediately – you’ll be offered slippers.

3. 🍽 "Prepare for a Feast"
• Never refuse food – it’s offensive. Even if you’re full, try a little.
• Compliment the hostess ("This is so delicious!") – it’s a must.

4. 🥂 "Vodka Is a Ritual"
• First shot – for friendship/the occasion.
• Don’t outright refuse – say, "Just a little," or take a sip.
• Always snack (pickles, salo, borscht).

5. ⏳ "Staying Too Long Is Impolite"
• After tea/dessert – time to thank and leave.
• The perfect exit – around 3-4 hours in.

6. 💬 "Conversation Do’s and Don’ts"
✅ Safe topics: travel, culture, food.
❌ Avoid: politics, religion, personal income.

7. 🙏 "How to Leave Gracefully"
• Say, "Thank you for your hospitality!"
• Invite them back (even if you don’t plan to host).

🇷🇺 Bonus: If they insist you stay longer – it’s a sign they genuinely like you!

P.S. Which rule surprised you the most? 😊

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

✈️ How to Find a Travel Buddy

Don’t want to travel alone? Here’s how to find someone who’s not only going the same way — but shares your travel vibe 👇

1. How to Start the Search
Put together a short intro post:
— travel dates and duration;
— route and transport (train, plane);
— budget and comfort level (hostel or hotel?);
— trip style: parties, museums, hiking, beach?
— a bit about you: early bird or night owl, food/alcohol preferences, energy level;
— who you’re looking for: male/female, solo or group, someone with language skills or travel experience?

This makes it easier to find someone truly compatible — no awkward surprises later.

2. Where to Look
🔹 Social media — search for “travel buddy” groups or chats.
🔹 Telegram — check out @Russia_expats (open English-language chat).
🔹 Websites:
• tourbar.com — requires ID verification.
• nashaplaneta.net — forum with mostly 40+ travelers.
• mahnem.ru — great for travel buddies, local walks, events, or language exchange.
• couchsurfing.com — global community for travelers, accommodation, and local meetups.

3. What to Discuss in Advance
✔️ Meet before the trip, if possible — you’ll quickly know if your travel styles don’t match (which is totally okay!).
✔️ Divide responsibilities: who’s booking places, printing tickets, researching museums, etc.
✔️ Compare packing lists — no need for two hairdryers! You might even save on luggage fees by sharing one big suitcase.
✔️ Talk about emergencies: exchange contacts, passport/insurance copies, and share any important health info.
✔️ Make room for alone time — even best friends need personal space when traveling.
✔️ Decide which apps/sites you’ll use to book — one of you might have points, cashback, or discounts.

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🎒Travel is not just about where you go — it’s also about who you go with. The right travel buddy makes everything easier, more fun, and way more memorable.

And if you’d rather skip the planning hassle — I can help! From booking tickets and hotels to transfers, concerts, currency exchange, and local support (online or in person).

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

🇷🇺 5 Surprising Facts About Russia

1️⃣ Russia is the largest country in the world: its territory is bigger than Pluto 🌍✨

2️⃣ Russia spans 11 time zones. When people in Kaliningrad are just waking up, those in Vladivostok are already going to bed 🕐➡️🕘

3️⃣ Lake Baikal contains about 20% of the world’s fresh water. If all other sources dried up, humanity could survive on Baikal’s reserves for more than 40 years 💧

4️⃣ The Moscow Metro is not just public transport — it’s a real underground museum. Some stations look like palaces with marble, chandeliers, and mosaics 🚇

5️⃣ The coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth is the Russian village of Oymyakon in Yakutia. In winter, temperatures can drop below –60°C ❄️

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

🇷🇺 RUSSIA | TAXES
- overview of taxes and business options in Russia for emigrants - taking into account both the status without a permanent residence permit (PR) or permanent registration, and with a PR or residence. At the same time, it is important: the status of a residence permit or citizenship does not always coincide with tax residency - the key is the fact of residence, sources of income and other criteria. Before starting activities, I recommend consulting with a Russian tax/legal specialist.

Tax status of an individual: resident vs non-resident.
An individual is considered a tax resident of the Russian Federation if they have actually been in the Russian Federation for at least 183 calendar days in the last 12 consecutive months.

If an individual does not meet this threshold, they are considered a tax non-resident of the Russian Federation for the purposes of personal income tax.

The status of a residence permit (or registration) does not automatically determine tax residency; it is important to consider actual residence and other factors.

What does this mean for income:
If you are a tax resident of the Russian Federation: you are required to pay tax on income from both sources in Russia and (in certain cases) from abroad.

If you are a non-resident: you only pay taxes on income from sources in Russia.

Personal income tax rates:
For residents: from 2025, there is a progressive personal income tax scale:
up to ~2.4 million ₽ - ~13%;
from ~2.4 million to 5 million ₽ — ~15% of the excess and more.

Then, the rates increase to ~18-22% for incomes exceeding 50 million ₽.

For non-residents: the personal income tax rate for income from sources in the Russian Federation is 30% (except for certain types of income, such as dividends, etc.).

Business options and tax regimes:
self-employment, individual entrepreneur (IP), limited liability company (LLC) — with a focus on emigrants.

1. Self-employment (self-employed regime):
In Russia, there is a "professional income tax" (PIT) regime for individuals who work independently.

In terms of taxation, the rate depends on the source of income, such as 4% for income from individuals and 6% for income from legal entities/IPs.

Suitable for very small businesses and freelancers.
Advantages: easy registration and reporting; can be applied regardless of the resident status (but it is important that the income is derived from Russian sources and meets the requirements of the regime).

Restrictions: not all activities are allowed, income limits, etc.

2. Individual entrepreneur (IP):
a form of business for an individual who is registered as an entrepreneur.

There are different taxation systems for IP:

General taxation system (GTS) - IP pays personal income tax (or IP may be subject to personal income tax) + VAT + other taxes.

Simplified taxation system (STS) - two options: "Income" (rate ~6%) or "Income minus expenses" (rate ~15% or regional rate) if conditions are met.

IP also pays mandatory insurance contributions "for himself".

This regime is suitable for freelance entrepreneurs and small businesses.

It is important for emigrants: it is possible to register an individual entrepreneur, but it is important to comply with the rules of residence, tax residency, and sources of income.

3. Limited Liability Company (LLC):
a legal entity suitable for businesses involving multiple individuals and larger-scale operations.

Taxation: if the LLC uses the general system, it is subject to corporate income tax (~20%) + VAT, etc.

If the LLC chooses special regimes (simple tax, patent, etc.), it may be eligible for benefits.

It is suitable if the business is large-scale, and you need partners, possibly foreign participants; but it also requires accounting and reporting.

Special points and nuances for emigrants:
if you do not have a residence permit or permanent registration in Russia, but you have been staying in the Russian Federation for more than 183 days, you may become a tax resident and pay taxes as a resident.

If you live outside the Russian Federation for less than 183 days, you will likely become a non-resident, in which case you will only be taxed on your Russian income at a rate of 30%.

If the business or income is received from abroad, it is important to consider whether the income is reserved as a Russian source or a foreign source, as this affects taxation.

Registering a business (individual entrepreneur, LLC) without proper residency or income source in Russia may cause difficulties with the tax authorities in terms of confirming the place of activity, source of income, and residency status.

Having a residence permit or citizenship does not solve all issues; it is important to meet the criteria specified in the Russian Tax Code.

If you receive income abroad, but consider yourself a non-resident of the Russian Federation, it is still worth making sure that you have not become a resident by time of stay, in order to avoid tax risks.

When choosing a business form, it is important to consider which taxation system is suitable for your activities, as well as the fees, restrictions on income, the number of employees, and how the activities will be carried out (in Russia or abroad).

News | recommendations: @Russia_hello
Chat: @Russia_expats
Help with vacations in Russia: @kaiakatikai

Need help? Just send a message — happy to assist!
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