How to make friends in Moscow

expat blog · 2008-11-20 10:44:10

We have been talking about loneliness when you are abroad, let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Moscow top

Which are your best tips to meet people and to make friends in Moscow??

Thanks in advance for your participation

xfactor2000 · 2009-09-22 10:09:08

Hi there!

By being a Russian myself, I think I could be useful with this.

I believe the main principle that works in Moscow as well as everywhere else is to be bold and to act by yourself.

It's very easy to get lost in such a big place like Moscow, but you've gotta overcome the "paralysis" stage and use all the opportunitites you can!

Friends invited you over to a party? Don't be shy, join the fun! You'll meet so much more good people!

Don't speak Russian that well? No worries, you can still have a good company, as there are loads of English-speakign Muscovites these days!

The important part is - you gotta act on principles. Don't be afraid to have your opinion and speak it out. Don't try to "adapt" to other people just because you're new in Moscow - have some "backbone", Russians respect that deeply! I guess the same applies for your entire life - but that's a different story.

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Eva333 · 2009-10-26 14:48:47

I was in Moscow last year. And I found new friends at different parties (e.g.: night clubs, disco, concerts, etc.). However, it is a little bit easier for me to do it, because I speak Russian.

MMirkov · 2009-10-27 12:08:02

I have been in Moscow and meet some girls by hospitallity web site. I asked 10 - 15 girls to be show me Moscow. 2 of them accepted that.

Last edited by MMirkov (2009-10-27 12:08:27)

moohao · 2010-05-15 13:05:43

what sites is useful exept Vkontakte?any other good sites to find friends?

abotamertamer · 2010-05-31 15:48:28

I would like to make a friends with >>>>>>>>>>>

stan200 · 2010-06-11 16:33:08

i'm moroccan i'm thinking to move to moscow and live there legal can anyone tell me how?

marconorth · 2010-07-21 10:22:13

let's face it - -for the most part Russians are closed people. They have an instinctual distrust and fear of foreigners. well, they have a general fear mistrust and fear of each other too!

even on the playground with my innocent, open daughter who speaks perfect russian i see this phenomenon. she is playing with kids, speaking russian - -sharing toys. the second I say something to her in english every eye rolls towards us. suddenly the kids treat her like she is strange. they stop playing with her, or act very possessive with the toys. in fact, they take her sand toys a lot at this point. i can be all smiles, making jokes - -i can speak russian then - ot doesn;t matter. we are "not from here" and there is a shadow over us.

of course there are exceptions - -but honestly, this is the rule here and it has not changed.

fraymuller · 2010-07-23 08:01:50

hi)Im 23 years old and i would like to make some new friends)I speak good english )))SO if you need a guide please fell free to contact me)))

davidthornton · 2010-07-23 08:24:51

Hello,

To make friends anywhere, there is the slow track and fast track.

If you have time before coming to Moscow, a good slow track is to begin in ICQ or Vkontakte (etc) and begin communicating with people in a normal way. Develop a rapport and friendship with usual contribution on regular intervals, to include sharing photos. Over time, you will see your network grow as you add friends and friends of friends. Then, when you arrive, you will already have people that you somewhat know and will probably be interested in seeing you and showing you around. This slow track will also allow you to work on learning the Russian language. Sites like Rustran and FreeTranslation '[dot com sites]' will facilitate communication in Russian if needed to increase exposure to non-English speaking Russians.

If you are already in Moscow, listen and observe. You will hear English speakers while out. Do not be shy and look for a tactful way to approach if possible. Work on your conversation starting skills and go for it. Go to English/Canadian restaurants like Boars House at Kurtskaya across from Atrium Mall. You will find new friends at such places and many will be farther along than you in their network. The network of new friends will become your friends and then all will take off on autopilot.

I will tell you that I used both the slow and fast track methods and it works.

I even had people approach me at the Oxodni Rot Mall near the Kremlin in the Internet Cafe when they heard or saw that I was using English. Then, I was introduced to others, and I met great people.

With all these techniques, of course be careful, be alert and safe. Use common and not so common sense. Trust is good, but you can find yourself in a bad situation fast if you are too trusting and miss danger signals. Likewise, do not appear to forward and give off danger signals big_smile guys. Like with any form of marketing (this is self-marketing), best success comes with volume of encounters.

I hope this helps.

David

johnny69 · 2010-08-08 11:18:47

Nice information Dear David. Hope this will help many persons like me. Thanks for sharing your valuable experience.

marconorth · 2010-08-11 12:26:27

you know, the REAL friends i have made in Russia all have one thing in common. I had a kind of crisis, or deep need -and i did not have the means to solve things by myself. the strangest, most simple contact with some people in moscow can spark something.

yes, there are countless russians who see expats as easy targets, they are predators, and we are easy meat for them. but at the same time, there are genuinely good people who want to really prove to foreigners (specifically americans) the kindness russians are capable of.

so, i do not wish anyone a crisis, but it is the moment when you find out who your friends really are.

m.

amabell · 2010-08-25 12:05:16

hah

SherifG · 2010-09-02 22:05:30

hi i'm 30 years old Egyptian living in Moscow would love to meet new friends.i have been living in Russia for almost 5 years .just 1 year in Moscow .looking for friends!

Sheetul · 2010-09-03 07:05:27

Hello SherifG!

Welcome to Expat-blog! smile

Am sure, you will meet lot of people and make friends soon.

Good Luck!

Sheetul

sergio-ok · 2010-11-21 10:51:15

hi guys....i'm the russian one who would be glad to acquaint with foreginers to touch a new culture and pracice Englsih.....mail me ......sergio-ok[at]mail.ru.......icq 280997371

FeeAcer · 2010-11-21 13:43:53

Welcome on board, Sergio!

leila-smile · 2010-11-26 21:00:49

Guys!
The new generation of Russians is definitely different from their parents' one. All my friends are really open-minded and friendly to foreigners!
I know on the surface a lot of people seem gloomy and unfriendly, but you should really try your luck out acting boldly and smiling, it does work!))
I personally enjoy socialising with people from different countries!)
So if you wanna meet a friendly Russian, here you go)))I' ll be happy to meet you and hang out!

Last edited by leila-smile (2011-02-24 15:39:21)

happyyok · 2010-12-03 15:28:35

Hey ya, I love meeting new people and makin people meet each other..
Anybody out 2nite? smile ) Ill be with some friends..so we all can make not new friends (real friends) but good buddies for sure and meet some new wonderful people!

kroninboy · 2010-12-05 17:09:04

Sheetul, Leila, happyyok... could you leave your contact details for those travelling there, as Sergio did with his email? That might help to get a first contact prior to arrival.
To Marco and David, thanks for your efforts dropping here useful tips.
In general, to those native from Moskva or actually living there, could anyone give some advice and useful info about renting, prices and best locations to rent a flat or studios?
Gracias a todos!
from Spain, Jorge

marconorth · 2010-12-11 12:25:03

cian.ru is where all the smart expats find apartments to rent.

Christine · 2010-12-12 12:23:28

Hi, smile The title of this discussion is "How to make friends in Moscow", if you have other questions, i suggest you to start a new topic on the Moscow forum. smile

Thank you very much.

romman · 2011-01-16 21:20:22

Friends in Moscow you can search in ICQ with field-City or with sites Odnoklassniki or vkontakte.

Lessi · 2011-02-11 15:30:43

Hello. I can advise to go to different english clubs in Moscow to meet new friends. Here you can find some of them study.ru/support/useful/clubs.html#4
I was in one club which is on Chehovskiy station. There were many different people, and they were just talking, discussing different topics. They also usually arrange their future meetings and spend time together. Originally these clubs were designed for the Russians who want to practise English and foreigners who need to learn Russian. But as atmosphere is so informal, that people usually become just friends smile

ThereseStalered · 2011-02-18 16:01:42

Hi everybody!

I just moved to Moscow 2 weeks ago and are looking forward to getting to know some new people! So anyone who's interested? smile

spanglish · 2011-02-20 08:35:12

Welcome to expat blog Therese smile

Where are you from ?

ThereseStalered · 2011-02-20 18:57:04

spanglish wrote:
Welcome to expat blog Therese

Where are you from ?

Thank you smile

I am from Sweden, but I'm looking forward to some Russian culture now smile

Wonil · 2011-02-22 23:42:05

Hi all smile
I completely agree with Leila-smile - lots of young people in Russia (especially in Moscow) are crazy about meeting with foreigners - to have a practice in English, and to become familiar with other cultures. So, just go to the English speaking clubs - and every Russian will be happy to make friends with you. Russians can look closed, but once you become friends, you will find us warm, hospitable and cordial smile
In spite of my appearance, i am Russian too, and would like to make new friends! You are welcome to contact me smile

ThereseStalered · 2011-02-23 21:04:39

Wonil wrote:
Hi all
I completely agree with Leila-smile - lots of young people in Russia (especially in Moscow) are crazy about meeting with foreigners - to have a practice in English, and to become familiar with other cultures. So, just go to the English speaking clubs - and every Russian will be happy to make friends with you. Russians can look closed, but once you become friends, you will find us warm, hospitable and cordial
In spite of my appearance, i am Russian too, and would like to make new friends! You are welcome to contact me

Which is the english speaking clubs? smile

Wonil · 2011-02-23 21:10:24

ThereseStalered wrote:
Which is the english speaking clubs?

Here is one of them: englclub.ru/viewpage.php?page_id=4
Actually I have visited only this one, but i believe there are some more of them smile

leila-smile · 2011-02-24 08:48:15

Hey everyone!

Here's my e-mail: leila-smile[at]yandex.ru

I'll be happy to meet up with outgoing and nice people and have a good time.
Or if you have any questions and need help from the native, I'll try to do my best))

Have a good end of the week!

vinran11 · 2011-02-24 20:46:47

hey all,
i was in russia for 2 months,, and i think that the people over there are very eager to meet foreigners and very helpfull,, i made many good friends over there in russia,, and you can easily make friends if you go to night clubs,, or any gatherings,, or discussion clubs,, but still as few people over here have already told,,, you need to be carefull too,,

Oxa · 2011-03-02 14:31:55

don't be shy) go out, do not lose your time in the internet) go to the bar! In the evening there are lots of fpreigners and russian in Papa's place (myasnickaya str), Real Mackoy (1905 str), Propaganda (Lubyanka metro station), etc.
Good luck!)

axel1869 · 2011-03-11 01:01:28

Hello every body
I'm from France and i am currently studying in Moscow for one semester. Unfortunately i don't speak Russian and i find it hard to meet people who speak English around here. So if anyone is interested to meet up one day and have good times, just contact me and i will be glad to answer you!

Armand · 2011-03-11 08:15:21

Hi and welcome on board bellmoun!

I would suggest you to have a look at our American expatriates network in Moscow where you can make many contacts wink

Hi Axel1869 and welcome to Expat Blog smile

I think this is a good excuse to organise a meeting in Moscow wink You just need to find a date and venue then create a new thread on the Moscow forum wink Keep us posted!

Regards
Armand

ThereseStalered · 2011-03-11 12:33:29

axel1869 wrote:
Hello every body
I'm from France and i am currently studying in Moscow for one semester. Unfortunately i don't speak Russian and i find it hard to meet people who speak English around here. So if anyone is interested to meet up one day and have good times, just contact me and i will be glad to answer you!

Hi! Which university are you studdying in? smile

Anna Pchelkina · 2011-03-13 02:46:23

Hi everybody!!
I will be glad make new friends -no matter for girls or guys . I'm from south of Russia and live in Moscow only 4 years but i can show you some nice places i like. I used to live in New York for 2 years and now i miss english speaking people very much!)) So, if you need a friend, feel free to write me and add on facebook. )

axel1869 · 2011-03-13 16:25:14

ThereseStalered wrote:
axel1869 wrote:
Hello every body
I'm from France and i am currently studying in Moscow for one semester. Unfortunately i don't speak Russian and i find it hard to meet people who speak English around here. So if anyone is interested to meet up one day and have good times, just contact me and i will be glad to answer you!
Hi! Which university are you studdying in?

I'm at the state university of management located in VIHINO (line 7)
what about u? are a student too in Moscow?

sergio-ok · 2011-03-30 16:41:53

Guys....i have an idea.....some crazy idea......the weather broadcasters they say next monday will be +15.....we can organize the meeting or may be wait a couple of wweeks and organize a picnic,,,,,i'm quite sure everybody will like it.....we can go to some park....i know such kind of places.....we'll buy food and drinks (not too much) and it will be our "english club" !!!

Wonil · 2011-03-30 21:25:37

Agree smile

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How to make friends in Moscow

#1 2008-11-20 10:44:10

How to make friends in Moscow

#2 2009-09-22 10:09:08

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

#3 2009-10-26 14:48:47

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#4 2009-10-27 12:08:02

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#5 2010-05-15 13:05:43

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#6 2010-05-31 15:48:28

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#7 2010-06-11 16:33:08

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#8 2010-07-21 10:22:13

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#9 2010-07-23 08:01:50

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#10 2010-07-23 08:24:51

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#11 2010-08-08 11:18:47

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#12 2010-08-11 12:26:27

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#13 2010-08-25 12:05:16

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#14 2010-09-02 22:05:30

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#15 2010-09-03 07:05:27

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#24 2011-02-11 15:30:43

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#25 2011-02-18 16:01:42

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#26 2011-02-20 08:35:12

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#27 2011-02-20 18:57:04

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

spanglish wrote:

#28 2011-02-22 23:42:05

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

#29 2011-02-23 21:04:39

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

Wonil wrote:

#30 2011-02-23 21:10:24

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

ThereseStalered wrote:

#31 2011-02-24 08:48:15

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

#32 2011-02-24 20:46:47

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#33 2011-03-02 14:31:55

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#35 2011-03-11 08:15:21

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#36 2011-03-11 12:33:29

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

axel1869 wrote:

#37 2011-03-13 02:46:23

Re: How to make friends in Moscow

#38 2011-03-13 16:25:14