Job Discussion Forums

[coledavis]

"Many Muscovites tell me that Moscow isn't like the rest of Russia, but that's sort of basic logic I think. Austin isn't like the rest of Texas, but living there doesn't mean you aren't experiencing Texas." Yes, and it is worth going to other cities. I don't regret having been to two Siberian cities and am expecting to spend some time in a city in European Russia soon.

[maruss]

Going out alone and getting hammered in Russia is one of the worst mistakes you can make!Not only are you more likely to be robbed etc. but are also a target for the police,especially when they are bored and looking for something to pass the time!If you wind-up in a holding cell at any Russian police station,you will immediately wish you had read this posting beforehand!Not only will you understand what a loss of human dignity means,Russian style, but may also end up losing any cash or other valuables you had on you and possibly need to pay dearly for help to secure your release next day....If you really need to resort to a liquid remedy for the blues,there are plenty of 24 hour places selling it so you can take it home and sink into oblivion in warmth and comparative safety and ideally with some trustworthy company,rather than alone!(that's another subject about who you invite home,especially if you don't know them well.This definitely also applies to any strange females you pick-up outside and who are over-eager to go back to your place with you!)I know it's common sense but I know of several guys who fell for it while I was over there.....

[Houston]

I've heard a couple of stories of guys who invited Russian men back to their flat, only to get beat up and robbed.

Don't invite anyone into your flat that you're not sure of, and don't open the door for anyone you don't know. Legally, you don't even have to open the door for the police here.

[maruss]

but when people go abroad they often seem to leave it at home!I've seen so many expats do crazy things in Russia and also in other countries!
The most common trick with girls who are working a scam is to spike your drink once you relax and let your guard down..if you are lucky you will wake-up alone and minus your wallet and any other valuables.If they have overdosed you, it will mean a hospital trip-or worse...and they will also know where you live and have passed on the information!Take Houstons advice and NEVER invite strangers home.Also never leave your drink unattended in their prescence while you go to the bathroom etc. and that applies everywhere!

[BenE]

Wow the idea of the dangers of being beaten up when going out drinking or worse are unheard of in this little country called Belarus that everyone avoids.
People are fairly relaxed here and are certainly not that nationalistic even though the government broadcast constant programmes about how great the country is on state-run tv.
A larger majority certainly have the desire to leave Belarus and move somewhere else. It's certainly the case that many people see a better future outside the country.
As for corruption it's pretty nonexistant because everyone is so scared of the state. I'm reasonably well informed as I live with a Belarussian and have a family of sorts who tell me most things. The story is similar for crime as there are just so many Militsia walking around.

So I guess it's best to stay here for the moment. Yes the wages aren't as good as some've the numbers I hear on the forum but the food is much cheaper. E.g. in a city centre restaurant we often pay around $20 for two of us. (sometimes a little more if it's high class)

Yes yes the politics are dreadful here and it's not wise to join any protest movements if you want to keep your visa and job. Also the landscape can be seen as a bit dull with many soviet-style cities with little to offer the tourist but otherwise life is reasonably good here.

[JN]

Though I am not in Russia now, thanks for the advice on not opening doors to strangers. It is good to hear that advice again.