Buy/Rent/Remodel an apartment

[Ste]

What do u do? I work for myself but I couldn't really do it on the end of unreliable consumer broadband, not saying that's what RU broadband is but if its my living I want SLA's. Depends like I say on what u do. Occasional email or sending docs fine but not if ur in IT and need a good solid link..

[Solrock]

What do u do? I work for myself but I couldn't really do it on the end of unreliable consumer broadband, not saying that's what RU broadband is but if its my living I want SLA's. Depends like I say on what u do. Occasional email or sending docs fine but not if ur in IT and need a good solid link..

I'm a freelancer programmer, basically iPhone and Android applications. I need a solid connection to work, and since it is the capital I would expect to find a good quality connection, or is the internet there bad?

[Ste]

What do u do? I work for myself but I couldn't really do it on the end of unreliable consumer broadband, not saying that's what RU broadband is but if its my living I want SLA's. Depends like I say on what u do. Occasional email or sending docs fine but not if ur in IT and need a good solid link..

I'm a freelancer programmer, basically iPhone and Android applications. I need a solid connection to work, and since it is the capital I would expect to find a good quality connection, or is the internet there bad?

You should but wait for others, I only know about Urals and it was bad and not much better now, charge per MB was the norm..

My work is all ssh etc and I can't have it dropping out!

Think ull be fine, go for it!

[mendeleyev]

Some of the broadband services offered are Satellite and others are wireless, cable, etc. If you had a good Satellite broadband connection would latency issues cause a problem?

Satellite is perhaps the quickest to be installed and usually includes options for TV and Telephone with the broadband.

[mendeleyev]

Those migration cards are given out upon arrival right?

Yes, typically handed out by stewardess prior to preparation for landing. They are also available when you enter the que area just before passport control.

You have 7 days to have it registered to avoid penalties. I wouldn't wait that long. Take your gal with you to the Post Office and get it registered. Technically your landlord is supposed to do it but most of them are not declaring the income from your rent so most will routinely refuse to register it on your behalf. You can also go spend a night in a local hotel and they're required to register your card.

Anytime you travel to another city you are required to register within 3 days of arrival in a new place. Most rarely do it a second time unless you plan to stay there an extended time before returning to Moscow.

If you are hassled, pay the bribe if offered. If taken in for questioning over a passport/immigration issue:

-  you are allowed a phone call, that is a COMPLETED phone call where you actually talked to someone and not just got a busy signal or answering machine.

- do NOT call the Embassy with your one phone call. I'd register your presence with the Embassy soon after arrival but if held in custody over a passport/immigration issue the Russian government does NOT recognize a foreign government's right to assist their citizens on migration/passport matters. If you are firm, yet respectful and polite some will allow more than one phone call if needed to summon assistance.

- you have the right to obtain an attorney if arrested, but you won't be arrested for an immigration issue unless you've grossly overstayed.

- If not charged with a criminal offense, you must be released within 3 hours of your detention. If detained, hold them to that 3 hour limit. Remind them of their own laws regarding your rights as a foreign resident and that Russian law is clear on your right to be released within 3 hours if not charged with a crime.

- The above is a precaution only, it is highly unlikely that you'll be detained.

- On vehicle stops, while I think it sheer lunacy for you to drive there, beginning 1 January all traffic fines must be videotaped by the officer. If you are stopped and asked for a bribe, you can make the decision to settle it "the friendly way" as Manny calls it, or if the officer is persistent or overbearing, insist on him following the law and video taping the process. That will eliminate a bribe which is the reason for the new law.

[mendeleyev]

New info on some considerations when selecting an apartment: http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=16232.new#new

[Solrock]

Very nice info 

[redroo]

The days of just buying a Business Visa from an agency are over.
I used to use them but my last was refused in writing by the embassy in OZ, and in a follow up phone call, because "we know you have no legitimate business reasons to be in Russia on one"
I was told bluntly to go back to using Tourist Visas, or get one through my family connections.
I don't mind a monthly excursion, but the registration aspect is still a pain in the arse

[Solrock]

The days of just buying a Business Visa from an agency are over.
I used to use them but my last was refused in writing by the embassy in OZ, and in a follow up phone call, because "we know you have no legitimate business reasons to be in Russia on one"
I was told bluntly to go back to using Tourist Visas, or get one through my family connections.
I don't mind a monthly excursion, but the registration aspect is still a pain in the arse

Yep, this is what happened with me, sucks, they only wanted to give me a tourist visa, now I have to cancel my trip   

[sparky114]

The Business Visa issue is something that has been long discussed on the specialised Immigration forums

The old loop hole of using a Business Visa to enjoy just spending a long time with your loved one would appear to be over, 2 guys who were due over to Russia and were going to use this route have just had theirs refused in the UK to 

So it looks like at long last they are clamping down on the misuse of Visas's, on the ex pat boards there is talk this is in line for some changes to come in light of the easing of Visa issues with the USA and also the up coming Sochi Olympic games

Well will wait and see how this plays out but for some it has upset the Christmas plans and some have lost already booked flights