Way to Russia Talk Lounge

knowledge · Just Starting Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

I am looking for an inexpensive apartment in Irkutsk or Listvyanka this winter and wonder how much it will cost approximately for a small but decent place if I stay several months until spring.

Will it be difficult to find such an apartment or just a single room, and who should I contact in Irkutsk?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

Irkutsk is actually a popular destination for foreigners so you should be able to find a room. Hopefully you speak some Russian? Registration could be tricky. No one will want to register you. I think the best thing to do is get there and then ask around.

And hopefully you have a visa that allows you to stay for such period of time?

Winter in Irkutsk. Shocked

This sounds like a good idea for what reason?

Good luck.

knowledge · Just Starting Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for reply. Do you perhaps know how much a room or apartment may approximately cost each month?

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

No clue. Irkutsk in winter should be cheap. As a foreigner you can be sure the price will be at least doubled.....

You didn't answer my other questions.

You speak Russian?
You have an appropriate long term visa?
You have a back up plan for registration?

knowledge · Just Starting Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

I love winter! I want to learn Russian. I have to get the long-term visa in Norway, but why is it difficult to get registration?

Cheap like perhaps 4000 rubles a month? Or 6000?

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

Mind, you can do anything you want in this life and I wish you well but--

Russian tourist visas are issued for a maximum of 30 days. This hardly covers a winter in Irtkusk. Just because you apply for a 30 day tourist visa doesn't mean the Russians will even give you that much. They could deny the visa altogether, give you 2 weeks, you never know what the hell they're going to do. Read around this site and you'll see what kind of crazy stuff Russian embassies are capable of. You know not what you're dealing with here.

Russian registration for foreigners is a major mindfcuk. You must be registered at a Russian address within 3 business days of arrival. Registration is a process the average human cannot comprehend. However without it you are in the country illegally and the Russians will bust you in a heartbeat. You could find yourself in jail and/or fined if your registration is not in order. Nobody in Irtkusk is going to rent you a cheap room and jump through the hoops of registration for you. This is a MAJOR stumbling block with your plan.

You don't speak Russian??? You know nothing about registration, you want to rent a cheap room from a local and hang out for the winter? Rolling Eyes

You have no idea what you're getting into here. No idea. I suggest that you read some of the visa help pleas in the visa folder, look at the WTR registration information, and then rethink your adventure.

If you don't, I hope you enjoy your time in Russian jail. It doesn't have a good reputation.

knowledge · Just Starting Joined: 12 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks for your concern, but I have been in Siberia before with a one year student visa, and managed perfectly with a little help from my friends and a translator. I did not have a problem with registration two years ago, but has this changed now?

Last time, it did not stay long in Russia (so a student visa was actually unnecessary) and I did not rent an apartment, and that is why I am asking now.

I did not have a problem with the authorities when I visited last time, even though I slept in the park near the walls of Kreml and the police used their megaphone to wake me and the rest of the park. I was lucky I know. Then I was a couple of days late with my registration, and that went well also. But I am not tempting faith anymore.