TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT THE FSU COUNTRIES

While some of these may seem a bit far fetched and even funny, believe it or not, there are still people who ask such questions (I am making the last statement based on personal experience). 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 women 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 women playing extensive scams to get a visa/green card to leave the country. Watch for red flags in your communication to determine how sincere she really is. If the woman is not seeming sincere or giving you reasons to question her intentions, we would encourage you to take your time deciding about future steps of your relationship and exercising extra caution. While we are not able to monitor and get to know every lady, signed up with our site, our partners Oksanalove.com specifically select the women, who are interested in serious relationships, and guarantee putting you in contact with women who will not waste your time.

2. MYTH 2 – All Russian girls are out for money.
Yes, there are some girls who are looking for ways to rip you off. 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 times 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 lady (see Oksanalove.com if you are looking for high quality guaranteed profiles), we do promise that we will remove any lady from our network if she will ask you for money (or any equivalent). We care about your safely and want to make this dating experience about forming relationships, not about running up your credit card.

3. MYTH 3 – Russians are rude.
Some Americans have actually left Ukraine with such an impression. Yes, you will encounter some people, whose manners lay at home covered by a thick layer of dust. But in general, people here are not looking to insult or offend anyone. The reason for making an impression of a ‘rude’ nation is simply because they are blunt, and I mean, VERY blunt. In comparison to the US, for example, where people are used to hints and thus remaining diplomatic, Russian people do not use such an approach. They are very direct in their behavior and communication. 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: hotels and apartments for rent are going Euro style, and you will have no problems with hot/cold water, showers, electricity and any other commodities.

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 monster after using it. However, for your convenience and peace of mind, purified 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 caf?’s and many other types of services, you will not be 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 history has been recorded; in 2000 a bear was officially named a “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 people you meet overseas if you actually show them you know their country as 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 and you have a chance of showing yourself as a culture conscious, well rounded person that you are if you avoid 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 or see them. While levels of corruption and organized crime are still fairly high in the FSU 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 entrepreneurs will use this fact to their advantage. The key to not getting ripped off is keeping a low profile and making connections with locals, 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 local, chances of you getting fair treatment and prices are high. 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 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 a capital of an FSU country, it will be more expensive than the regional centers. In Ukraine, for example, you may find food and alcohol quite inexpensive, instead you will have to pay up on 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 if you wait to buy them in smaller cities.

10. MYTH 10 – Russian girls are beautiful.
I am yet to meet a foreigner who would have remained indifferent to our 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 Former Soviet girls are beautiful. Many people share an opinion that among the most beautiful ladies of the world, still the best live in the Donbass region (the Eastern part of the Ukraine).

More than that, Russian girls are also smart. The level of education in the FSU schools has been admittedly recognized as much more extensive than many other educational systems. Most students know some foreign language, 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, the ladies will prove to you they have brains to go along with beauty when you begin to communicate with them.

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