We hope your summer is going great and your plans are working out.
Summer is the perfect time to take on extra jobs, travel, sightsee, learn a skill or two, attend festivals and parties. In all your ‘summering’, we’ve outlined a number of things you should pay attention to as a foreigner in Russia to make sure all your adventures are smooth and stress-free.
1. Traveling & Registration
Remember that every time you travel within Russia or change your accommodation, you are typically supposed to re-register! This might sound like a lot, but it’s a key part of staying legally compliant.
If you stay at a hotel, they usually handle your registration for you and once you go back to your original place of residency, you’ll need to re-register again. Also, if you move to a new apartment or another city for an extended stay, yep, you must register again. Keeping up with this helps you avoid any unnecessary issues and keeps your summer plans on track.
2. Taking Extra Jobs
Summer can be a great opportunity to earn some extra rubles, but you have to be very cautious and open your eyes. If you’re considering taking on any temporary work, if possible, always request a contract for any job you’re taking.
This actually protects both you and your employer and also clarifies your terms of work. Please beware of shady sites offering exorbitant amounts of money for what seems like little effort.
If it sounds too good to be true it is very likely a scam. Know which jobs you’re applying for and what you are legally permitted to do as a foreigner in Russia.
Your visa type and migration status determines what kind of work you can do. Illegally working can lead to serious consequences, including fines or even deportation and/or bans.
3. Festivals and Fun
Like we always say, budget your expenses beforehand to avoid stories that touch. Keep an eye on your belongings. Festivals can get crowded, making them ripe spots for pickpockets. Keep your wallet secure, use a cross-body bag, and only carry what you absolutely need.
You are a foreigner in another man’s land. Open your eyes and be security-conscious as much as possible. Don’t mix with the wrong crowd in shady places to avoid unnecessary implications.
4. Summer Spending
For our rich aunties and uncles that are travelling outside Russia. Know your exchange rates. Don’t just pick the first exchange point you see, especially in touristy areas or at airports. Do a quick comparison to ensure you’re getting a fair deal for your currency.
Get an emergency cash stash. This one is no news. It’s always a good idea to have a small amount of emergency cash tucked away separately from your main wallet. For bigger travel plans, consider using a reliable money transfer service. Without looking too far, #ESolutionsDeyForYou if you need funds quickly sent to/fro anywhere in the world.
5. Driving in Russia
Are you thinking of renting a car for a summer road trip? This is actually a fantastic way to see the country, but it comes with its own set of considerations for foreigners. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential because your foreign driver’s license alone might not be enough. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license.
Also remember there are toll roads on some major highways and parking can be paid through apps or specific machines. Make sure your payment methods (cash or card) are ready for these.
6. Unforeseen Circumstances
Even the best-laid plans can go south. So being prepared can save you a lot of stress. If your passport, migration card, or visa goes missing, contact your embassy immediately. Having copies (physical and digital) of all your essential documents stored securely can drastically speed up the replacement process.
Wishing you a beautiful summer holiday from all of us at E-Solutions!