About Russia

Get an introduction to all the essentials of life as an expat in Russia, from the climate to the cost of living and how to stay updated with local news.

An overview of Russian food and cuisine

Russian cuisine is known for its diversity and heavy dishes, as well as for its special traditions and festive cooking, and of course, Russia’s famous vodkas.

A large crowd of people walk through a Christmas market in Moscow, a banner saying 'Merry Christmas' in Russian hangs overhead

Russian public holidays in 2025

Need a break? Here are the Russian public holidays in 2024, 2025, and 2025, as well as other important dates to note in your calendar.

What’s it like for expats in Russia?

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to branch out in your new surroundings. Here’s ten tips to enrich the experience for expats in Russia.

Introduction to Russian: Russia’s official language

We take a look at the Russian language, from its origins in medieval Eastern Europe to its fascinating grammatical structure.

30 surprising facts about Russia

There’s more to Russia than nesting dolls and vodka. Impress your friends with this collection of little-known facts about Russia.

Newsstand/street trade kiosk in Moscow, Russia. Everything is covered with recently fallen snow. A man in coat is standing in front the kiosk's open window to buy something.

Where to get the news in Russia

From picking up an English-language newspaper to listening to the latest podcasts, here’s how expats can keep up with the news in Russia.

Emergency services in Russia: numbers and helplines

Crises can be scary in any language, but don’t get caught out! Here’s which emergency number or helpline to call in Russia.

The cost of living in Russia in 2025

Due to war and sanctions, the cost of living in Russia has increased in recent years. Find out what everyday life costs there in 2025.