While some of these myths may seem a bit far-fetched and even funny, believe it or not, there are still people who ask such questions. So, if you were ever curious to know if there are bears walking on the streets and whether cities have running water, this article will answer your questions.
1. MYTH 1 - Russian girls are only interested in foreigners to get a green card or a ticket out of their country - We can't deny that there have been cases of Russian girls playing extensive games and even scams to get a visa/green card to another country. Watch for the red flags in your communication to determine how sincere a girl really is. If she does not seem to be sincere or is giving you reasons to question her intentions, we would encourage you to take your time deciding about future steps of a relationship with this girl and exercise extra caution. While we are not able to monitor and get to know every Russian girl signed up with our site, we do call each girl to verify that she is still interested in finding a serious relationship, and we guarantee that you will not waste your time.
2. MYTH 2 - All Russian girls are destitute -Yes, there are some Russian girls who are looking for ways to profit from contact with foreign men. But I am sure Europe and US aren't an exception. There are plenty of 'rich-husband-hunters' everywhere. It is difficult to read another person's mind or determine their motives at any given time and know for a fact "does she" or "doesn't she." The only piece of advice we can give you is to follow our basic safety rules and keep an eye out for red flags. While we do not have an opportunity to screen and observe every girl, we do promise that we will remove any girl from our network if she asks you for money (or any equivalent). We care about your safety and satisfaction and want to make your Russian dating experience enjoyable and successful and not about running up your credit card debt.
3. MYTH 3 - Russians are rude - Some foreigners have actually left Russia and Ukraine with such an impression. Yes, you will encounter some people, whose manners lie at home covered by a thick layer of dust. But in general, Russian people are not looking to insult or offend anyone. The reason many foreigners get the impression Russia is a 'rude' nation is simply because Russians are blunt, and I mean, VERY blunt. In comparison the US, for example, people are used to hints and subtleties and thus remain diplomatic. Russian people do not use such an approach. They are very direct in their behavior and communications. The only way to deal with this is a) do not take it personally; b) talk to the person to find out what he/she means (a cultural gap often leads to many misunderstandings). Chances are, you will both benefit from the experience and will be laughing over whatever seemed to be a problem after just a few minutes of conversation.
4. MYTH 4 - There are problems with electricity and running water. As unfortunate as it is, there still are some areas that encounter such problems. However, they are few and far between. If you visit any major city, you will not find it any different from your home city: hotels and apartments for rent are going Euro style, and you will have no problems with hot/cold water, showers, electricity and any other services and conveniences. Some people have also asked if it is safe to drink tap water or use it to brush their teeth. While I would not recommend drinking tap water, it is absolutely safe for showers, washing your face and brushing teeth, you will not transform into a vegetable after using it. However, for your convenience and peace of mind, purified bottled water is sold in stores (bottles from 0,5 liter to 5 liters), which you can use for all your necessities. Most cities have Internet cafes and many other types of services. You will not be disconnected and left with a feeling of having visited an undeveloped country.
5. MYTH 5 - Bears and vodka? Bears have been a symbol of Russia for as long as Russian history has been recorded. In 2000 a bear was officially named the "live symbol of the Russian forest", you can see these magnificent strong creatures in many movies depicting Russian culture. However, the reality is much less attractive. Brown bears were listed as one of the disappearing species back in 1998. Since 1995 World Wildlife Fund has been conducting projects for brown bear preservation in the northern regions of Russia. With all above said, chances are, you will be able to see the bear only when you visit the zoo.
As for vodka - it is plentiful as ever. However, a word of caution here also: many brands and trademarks are fighting the problem of being falsified. If you want to buy a quality alcohol drink, look for it in specialty stores or ask one of the natives to help you find a reliable product.
6. MYTH 6 - All former USSR countries are still 'Russia' - While former USSR countries may be called that for convenience reasons, you will score extra points with Russian girls you meet overseas if you actually show them you know their country as being an independent entity. Imagine for a minute if someone said: "Oh, well, you are from the US, I might as well call you all New Yorkers!" Feel the difference? Same with the FSU countries. While they are all closely connected and culturally linked, they take pride in their independence. You have a chance of showing yourself as being a culturally conscious, well rounded person that you are by avoiding labeling all as 'Russia.'
7. MYTH 7 - Russian mafia is everywhere - They may very well be, but it is very likely that you won't even guess who they are or see them. While levels of corruption and organized crime are still fairly high in the Russian countries, you will not have any trouble if you follow the basic safety rules, keep clear of suspicious friends and places and remember to use common sense (like not getting into fights, keeping a low profile, etc.)
8. MYTH 8 - People will take advantage of me if they know I am a foreigner - Most likely. Many shops will use this fact to their advantage. The key to not getting ripped off is keeping a low profile and making connections with Russian girls, who will be able to tell you if you are getting a good deal or a good scam. Plus, if you are shopping/eating/partying with a Russian girl, the chances of you getting fair treatment and decent prices are very good. However, please, keep in mind that some places of interest (especially in large cities) have a policy of higher entrance fees for foreigners. Unfortunately, in such cases these are the rules that you will have to accept.
9. MYTH 9 - Russia is cheap - It really depends on where you are going. Moscow and St Petersburg have been named among the top expensive cities of the world, shifting some European/American capitals and cities further down the list. If you are visiting the capital of an FSU country, it will be more expensive than a regional center. In Ukraine, for example, you may find food and alcohol quite inexpensive. But you will have to pay quite a lot for an apartment, appliances and consumer electronics, if you choose to buy any. Also, remember that most handmade souvenirs will not run cheap, but you will pay less for them if you wait to buy them in smaller cities.
10. MYTH 10 - All Russian girls are beautiful - I have yet to meet a foreigner who has remained indifferent to Russian girls beauty. I don't know whether this phenomenon is best explained by a complex ethnic mix, which has formed during the 70 years of communism, or by some other factors, but it remains a wide-spread knowledge that Russian girls are beautiful. Many foreign men share the opinion that among the most beautiful girls of the world, the best live in Russia and Ukraine.
More than that, Russian girls are also smart. The level of education in the former Soviet Union schools has been admittedly recognized as much more extensive than most other educational systems of the world. Most students know some foreign languages, it is common for graduates of high schools to have gone as far as calculus level in math, and they most likely have read top classical works of world literature. But don't take our word for it, Russian girls will prove to you they have brains to go along with beauty when you begin to communicate with them.
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