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Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards do not work inside Russia in shops, at ATMs, or for online merchants. You should bring cash in USD or EUR to exchange at a bank for your first week or two. Afterward, foreigners can open a local Russian bank account and use a Mir card for daily payments.
Answer · From the editor · 06/09/2026
A one-bedroom apartment in central Moscow typically costs between 80,000 and 140,000 RUB per month. In outer Moscow along the metro line, rent ranges from 45,000 to 70,000 RUB per month. Renting is generally cash-heavy and requires a passport, a migration card, and sometimes a deposit equal to one month of rent.
Answer · From the editor · 06/09/2026
Foreigners can enter on a tourist visa, private visit visa, study visa, work visa, or the shared values visa introduced in 2024. The Highly Qualified Specialist work visa requires an employer sponsorship with a minimum monthly salary of around 167,000 RUB. Long-term visas allow foreigners to apply for temporary residence, followed by permanent residence after three years and citizenship in five years.
Answer · From the editor · 06/09/2026
Working VPN options in 2026 include self-hosted Outline, AmneziaVPN, and V2Ray or Xray with the Reality protocol. Standalone WireGuard is increasingly throttled by local networks, while platforms like Instagram and Facebook remain blocked. You should set up your VPN before arriving because most VPN provider websites are blocked inside Russia.
Answer · From the editor · 06/09/2026
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Written by Vlad Lario
Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.
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