If you’ve been in Russia for a while, you’ll agree for the next few minutes that these apps are holy-grail in Russia- whether it’s for translation, ordering food, shopping, getting a train, bus or taxi, etc.
And maybe you’ll also get to discover the ones you’ve been missing out on:
- Yandex Metro (Maps, Google Maps, Yandex Taxi)
If you live in Moscow (or Petersburg), you’ll already know that the major way to get around the city is by taking the metro. And this app will help you navigate the city in one glance- best route, other options, length of journey, delays etc.
You might need to spend some time understanding how it works if you’re new or visiting the city but you shouldn’t get lost more than a few times😉. You’ll soon learn and then start teaching others how it works.
You can also use Yandex (or Google) Maps to also find your way around most cities and if you need to take a cab, Yandex Taxi, City Mobil, Uber or even VK Taxis have got you covered.
- VK (WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Meet, Zoom)
Maybe you’re just finding out, but Russians use ВКонтакте for a lot of communication. So especially if you’re a student, you’ll need to download it to stay in touch with your group mates- for study materials, assignments, communities etc.
Короче, be ready to switch social messaging apps multiple times a day for different purposes because you’ll find that many Russians actually use WhatsApp and Telegram a lot too and you still need to call home without using direct calls.
Because of the pandemic and online classes that are still with us, you can’t delete GoogleMeet and Zoom just yet, so make space for any app at any time.
- Google Translate (Duolingo, Babbel, Yandex Translate)
How much Russian do you actually understand? Trust me, if you’re new in Russia, you’ve probably looked very confused several times- trying to understand and/or express yourself in a language that’s not yours.
So why don’t you make it easier for yourself? Download a translation app (some people vouch for Yandex Translate) and start speaking as soon as possible.
And if you really need help, add Duolingo or Babbel to your regular Russian classes, be diligent and shock yourself with fluent русский in a few months. If you’re feeling fly, subscribe to a streaming site and binge watch Russian movies.
- Delivery Club (KFC, BurgerKing, Magnit, Yandex Eda)
For those that don’t really like cooking and for those who just like to get some variety from time to time, Delivery Club should be your bestie. From KFC and McDonalds to your favourite restaurants, you can order food anytime you like.
On cold or lazy days, you can also order groceries from apps like Пятёрочка, Магнит, Перекресток, Лента, О’КЕЙ, Ашан etc. Just wait for a few minutes, (maybe) pay some delivery fee and you’ll get the package on your doorstep.
- SberBank (VTB, Tinkoff)
If you still have money in your account- and we hope you do-, a bank app will be very useful to manage your cards, exchange currencies, move money around, receive money (Amen) and monitor cash when you begin to get debit alerts.
If you ever get your bank card lost, you might need to block it to avoid stories that touch the heart. There are also online versions of these apps in case you can’t access the app for one reason or the other.
- BlaBlaCar/ РЖД
If you’re travelling to another city within Russia, you’ll need to explore transport options and figure out the route to take, where to buy tickets and plan around the schedules and delays.
There are several options depending on where you’re going. You can:
- take a flight (book online or use specific airline apps)
- take a train (download the RZD (РЖД) app or go to the website)
- take a bus or car (go to the автовокзал, take a BlaBlaCar , visit Tutu.ru etc.)
Just make sure you always keep your passport around and ask questions so you don’t lose money unnecessarily or get into difficult situations while travelling.
- Avito.ru (Wildberries, Ozon)
For those who love to shop online, there are several options in Russia to order and receive devices (new or already used), fashion and self-care items and some of those things you usually get on AliExpress.
Some of these online stores and retailers- Avito, Ozon, Wildberries, Yandex Market, Kwiberry and direct brand websites. You might get a bargain on some goods, advertise your own goods, or even swap items.
By now, you should’ve realised that life in Russia can be very easy- as long as you have the right apps and timely information.
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