Small Shops

For a lot of Russians, supermarkets are not the first port of call for their shopping. Instead, they tend to use smaller shops.

Open all hours

Banking in Russia

I've never had a bank account in Russia (was paid cash and left to trust that it was all above board on the employer's part - Russia... what could possibly go wrong?!). I did have dealings with banks though for money transfers, currency exchanges and buying travellers cheques. If you only know British banks, those friendly places with smiling staff and complimentary tea or coffee, you're in for a shock...

Is Going to Work in Siberia (or Russia) Right for You?

I went over to Russia for the first time in 2004 to teach English; not just Russia, but to Surgut - a smallish town in the frozen wastes of Siberia. The time was right for me and it was just what I needed. That, however, isn't the case for everyone.

Siberia... snow and apartment blocks... get used to it.

Russian food in the UK

When you live abroad for a while, especially when you're talking years, you pick up a taste for the local food, eating habits which stay with you. You miss elements of British food and certain products when you're over there - I remember wanting malt loaf for about a month and having to make do with a dark, fruit bread. Equally, this leads to similar quests for particular delicacies back in Britain...

beer snacks

Tips: Russian Railways

If the very mention of the Trans-Siberian Express fill you with wonderment and a longing for adventure, read on for some tips on long, Russian train journeys.

Adler Train Station

Russian Post Office/ Почта России

This behemoth of an organisation is as necessary as it is frustrating... and as bewildering to a foreign user. It's one of the most bi-polar of instituions: one day they'll help you wrap a parcel, giving you the paper for free; another day (that's most other days) they are obtuse and the proverbial mule.So, here are some tips.