With the onset of cold weather, many began to think about the possibility of wintering in warm countries. If your specialty allows you to work remotely or you just wanted a change of scenery for a while, pay attention to these countries: Russians do not need a visa to enter them, and their stay can last from two months to six months.
Turkey
Important to know
Russians can spend up to 90 days in Turkey without a visa in six months (continuously – 60 days, but you can always cross the nearest border and return again). Visa, MasterCard and Mir cards issued in Russia are not accepted in Turkey at the moment. A non-resident without a residence permit can apply for a local card at the branches of Vakif and DenizBank, however, cases of refusal are also common: each case is considered individually, it is better to have documents confirming your income with you.
Things to do
This destination has long been loved by compatriots: fans of beach holidays, researchers of antiquities, and simply those who like to eat delicious food, buy fashionable things and have a good time in stylish establishments come here. You can settle in Turkey both in multicultural metropolises like Istanbul and Ankara, and in colorful seaside villages – Kas, Cirali, Alaçati, Datçe. There are also options for lovers of mountain views and wine tourism – for example, Sirince.
It is difficult to list all the attractions of Turkey: there are 18 UNESCO cultural heritage sites in the country, and each region is different from its neighboring one. In your free time, you can go explore ancient cities (Ephesus, Hierapolis, Aspendos, Perge), admire natural beauty (Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Kursunlu Park), go hiking (Koprulu Canyon, Lycian Way), swim in the azure sea (Marmaris, Side, Belek, Bodrum) and even watch exotic animals (“Turtle Island” Oludeniz, Dalaman Nature Reserve).
In our previous materials you can find a guide to major cities in Turkey (in particular, Bursa) and a route for a road trip around the country.
Spending
Living in Turkey is cheaper compared to other Mediterranean countries, but in the first month you will spend quite a substantial amount. The average cost of renting an apartment per month ranges from 130 euros in small towns far from the sea to 5,000 euros in luxury residential complexes in Istanbul. For example, in the resort of Antalya, prices for three-room furnished apartments start from 900 euros, for “euro-bedroom apartments” – from 500 euros. It is worth understanding that in the first month you will have to pay three times: monthly rent, deposit and realtor commission.
The highest prices for food are in Istanbul, but in resort cities in the off-season, especially if purchased at markets, this expense item will not be large. If you plan to cook at home, for two people it will cost about 250 euros per month. Dinner in a restaurant for two will cost about 15-20 euros.
Georgia
Important to know
For Russians to enter Georgia does not require a visa, and without completing additional documents you can stay in the country for up to 1 year. Starting this summer, not only air but also land borders are open for foreigners to enter: you can enter from Russia through the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint, but it is worth remembering that sometimes it is closed due to weather conditions.
Cards issued in the Russian Federation, including Mir, do not work in Georgia, but tourists without a residence permit can get a card from Bank of Georgia, SOLO, Credo bank and Liberty.
What to do
In hospitable Georgia You can find not only attractions, but also coworking spaces, stylish coffee shops and lofts for remote work. The country attracts with incredible cuisine, high-quality wine, mountain landscapes, ancient churches and eclectic city architecture.
If you have already been to Tbilisi and Batumi, discover other Georgian destinations: the heavenly city of Sighnaghi with views of the Alazani Valley, cinematic Telavi, where the film “Mimino” was filmed, ancient Kutaisi, ancient Mtskheta, protected Borjomi. The choice of activities is very wide: you can go hiking in the mountains, explore monasteries (including rock settlements where monks lived for generations: David Gareji, Uplistsikhe and Vardzia). The Adjara region, which is filled with natural beauty and interesting cities, deserves special attention. Georgia only seems like a small country – in fact, it is fraught with many treasures.
We have already written about a food trip in Georgia, a trip to Batumi and five easy mountain routes around the country.
Spending
The range of housing rental costs in Georgia is quite wide, and recently prices in the capital have skyrocketed. In villages you can stay for 200 euros per month, while in Tbilisi a fairly modest two-room apartment can cost 2,000 euros. Food prices also vary – the country has both popular European supermarkets of the Carrefour chain and markets. On average, a standard grocery basket will cost $230-270 per month. The average cost of dinner for two in a restaurant is about 15 euros.
Israel
Important to know
Israel and Russia have an agreement on visa-free entry for citizens, and you can live in the country for 90 days within six months. This country is known for its strict passport control: upon entry, you will have to show your return tickets, answer questions from border guards, and even possibly show the contents of your luggage.
All foreigners and non-residents have the right to open bank accounts in Israel. It is noteworthy that tourists who stay for a long time have quite a lot of opportunities – for example, you can send your children to school or kindergarten.
Things to do
Israel is a country , where you can always meet Russian-speaking people, there are even entire communities. The main advantage of moving is that they will always help you and give you answers to your questions. This country has a rich historical heritage; it is in Jerusalem that the main shrines of all Christian denominations are located – the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (Church of the Holy Sepulcher) and many churches.
Also in Israel you can relax on the coasts of two seas – the Red and Mediterranean. Here it is customary not only to lie on the beach, but also to dive with a mask and explore marine life. A visit to the Dead Sea, on the shores of which there are spa centers that practice healing with salt water, will also be an interesting experience. By the way, the beach season in the country is long – you can swim from April to December. While traveling around Israel, you can also visit the Bedouins, the inhabitants of the desert.
We have already published a 10-day itinerary around Israel, a selection of the country’s best beaches and instructions for vacationing on the Dead Sea.
Spending
The average cost of renting a studio for a month can range from 400 to 1,500 euros, depending on the location: of course, living in small “provincial” cities is much cheaper than in tourist centers and big cities. At the same time, in Israel there are very impressive utility bills: 50-70 euros will be spent on electricity, 30-50 on water, 20-40 on gas. You will also have to pay council tax and the work of the house manager. The couple will spend about 500 euros per month on groceries. A full dinner for two in a restaurant will cost about 70 euros.
Morocco
Important to know
The holder of a Russian passport can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days continuously. You don’t have to be a resident of Morocco to open a bank account, but you won’t be able to open one in dirhams: you’ll have to choose between euros and dollars. Mostly foreigners open accounts in CIH and Banque Populaire banks, as they have better service conditions.
Things to do
Morocco is a colorful country with an extraordinary culture, charming Islamic architecture, incredibly tasty tagine and sizzling mint tea. There can be many reasons to visit it: people come here to learn surfing in Essaouira and sandboarding on the dunes of the Sahara, spend the night in the desert under the stars, take pictures among the blue buildings of Chefchaouen, attend performances by Berber musicians and even look for filming locations for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones” (hint: they are located in Essaouira, Ourzazate and Ait Benhaddou).
As a rule, Morocco does not leave tourists indifferent: they either say that they will never come here again, or they are fascinated by the local colors and return. If the Moorish style, excessive sociability of the locals, hot days, desert winds and adhans at 5 am do not bother you, it’s time to try to stay here longer.
On our blog you can find a lot of practical materials about Morocco: for example, a nine-day itinerary, an idea for traveling from ocean to desert, a gastronomic guide, an article about the most interesting places in the country and a guide to Tangier.
Spending
Housing prices in large cities start from 300 euros: for this amount you can rent a spacious studio for a month. We do not recommend settling in small towns – the local population usually does not speak English, the main foreign language for Moroccans is French. The total cost of living in Morocco for two people with an average level of consumption per month, excluding the cost of housing, will be about 650 euros. Dinner for two in a restaurant will cost about 40 euros.
Argentina
Important to know
Russian citizens can stay in the country without visas for up to 90 days within six months. If necessary, it is easy to extend this period (for this you will need a certificate of good conduct with an apostille).
A bank card can only be issued to those foreigners who permanently reside in Argentina and have an official migration status. Moreover, even tourists here can use medical services for free.
Things to do
Argentina is one of the safest and most comfortable countries to live in South America. It is also known for its unique nature: on its territory you can see whales, fur seals and penguins, there are glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, fjords, mountains, salt marshes and thermal springs. The culture of Argentina is endless carnivals and festivals, tango, football as a religion, craft beer and numerous llamas, of which there are almost as many on the streets as dogs.
Before your trip, read 10 fun facts about Argentina and check out our two-week itinerary.
Spending
The average cost of renting a one-room apartment is about 200-500 euros per month. It is important to remember: if you do not want to live in a hotel, the minimum contract period for renting an apartment is three months. It is better to look for housing in advance online. Other expenses for two will cost approximately 200 euros: you can even have dinner in an average restaurant for only 8 euros.
Brazil
Important to know
A visa to Brazil is required only for those who intend to stay in the country for more than three months: for a period up to 90 days, a foreign passport is sufficient.
To apply for a bank card, a non-resident will need not only an identification document, but also a Brazilian phone number. True, cards issued to tourists only allow transfers within Brazil. After a month of use, you can also request a credit card from the bank.
Things to do
This country is not as safe as Argentina, but visiting here – and especially living here – definitely worth it. Before moving, it is better to make friends who are Brazilians or long-term expats: they will tell you many interesting facts about everyday life.
Brazil is a sunny and cheerful place with quite an interesting modern culture. The country also cannot help but see its natural resources: the Amazon jungle, savannah, Iguazu Falls, and the snow-white beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Surfing, fishing, rafting, whale watching, tasting the best coffee, contemporary art – the list of entertainment in Brazil is huge.
Spending
The average cost of renting a one-room apartment for a month ranges from 250 to 950 euros, depending on the city and the condition of the house or a housing complex. Most of the housing here is rented out empty, so you will have to spend money on at least a mattress. In addition, in Brazil it is customary to rent apartments for a period of at least a year – you will have to try very hard to find short-term rentals.
Prices for products depend on the category of goods. Fresh vegetables and fruits grown in large quantities in the country will be cheap all year round, but imported goods are more expensive here than in Russia. Dinner for two in a restaurant costs about 50 euros. Clothes are also not cheap. In general, in order to have a comfortable life in Brazil, expats recommend budgeting about $1,000 per month per person, excluding rent.
Mexico
Important to know
Russian citizens are required to obtain an electronic entry permit in advance to arrive in Mexico (this is no longer necessary, if you have valid US and UK visas or a Schengen multiple visa). The permitted period of stay is no more than 180 days, the exact period is determined by the border guard upon entry. To open a bank account, you need CURP – a Mexican resident identification code, which is issued only to citizens and residents of the country. However, Intercam Bank sometimes opens an account for tourists – it depends on your luck.
Things to do
Mexico is considered one of the most exotic and interesting countries in the world for travelers: combining life in such an eventful and beautiful place with remote or offline work can be difficult. The Caribbean coast is ideal for a beach holiday, the cities of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza offer archaeological treasures, and local bars serve the world’s best tequila. The musical culture of Mexico and gastrotourism in these lands deserve a separate article!
It is worth noting that Mexico, like Argentina, is one of the safest countries in South America: here no one will constantly try to deceive you and overcharge you. The locals are always willing to help, plus a lot of people here speak excellent English.
Check out the myths and truths about Mexico, itineraries around Cancun and the Riviera Maya, and material about Mexico City’s top attractions.
Spending
You can rent an apartment in Mexico for 400-800 euros, the most budget options are in small non-resort towns. As a rule, they are reluctant to rent out housing to tourists for periods of less than a year, but you can rent an apartment using aggregators or negotiate with the owner personally. For other expenses, a couple of travelers will need approximately 600 euros per month, since food, restaurants and various goods are inexpensive. The cost of dinner in a restaurant for two can vary from 20 to 60 euros.
Ecuador
Important to know
Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter Ecuador; they can stay in the country for up to 90 days. Those visiting the Ecuadorian jungle are advised to get vaccinated against dengue fever before traveling. A tourist cannot open a bank card in Ecuador.
Things to do
In this unique and Indian culture still lives in this unique country. The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is not inferior in amenities to, for example, Madrid. The streets are constantly patrolled, so visitors here are quite calm (but you shouldn’t let your guard down).
Ecuador will appeal to fans of hiking: the country can be divided into three zones – the selva (Amazon jungle), the sierra (the Andes highlands) and the hot Pacific coast. In addition, it is on the territory of Ecuador that there is a unique natural reserve – the Galapagos Islands, famous for its endemic animals. This is the only national park in the country with a paid entrance; all others can be entered absolutely free.
Spending
An apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms in Quito will cost about 600 euros. In smaller cities you can rent a house for this price. For a comfortable life in Ecuador, two tourists will need about 800 euros per month – despite cheap travel and relatively inexpensive rent, food prices in the country are quite high. The price for dinner for two in one of the most popular restaurants in Ecuador is usually around 60 euros.
