Well I don't mean to say that all Russians are anti-foreigner or anything. Most Russians I know are still just fine, even if I disagree with them politically they are very nice people and those disagreements don't ruin our relationship. It's similar to how Democrats and Republicans can do business together or whatever in the states, you just have to know there are some topics that are off limits if you want to stay friends.
But then there are the problem situations where things could turn ugly or get violent, and I've definitely seen more of those recently than in the past. But they are 99% avoidable if you have some situational awareness.
I've spent many months in Russian provincial cities and never had any problems. The main thing is I can pass as Russian by my looks, and as long as I keep my mouth shut people have no way of knowing I'm a foreigner. It's harder in Moscow when you are walking around with friends speaking English. That said, having an English-speaking wingman is a HUGE boost in the provinces because girls will overhear you speaking English, whereas if you're by yourself they may not even believe that you're a foreigner if you address them in Russian with an accent.
But then there are the problem situations where things could turn ugly or get violent, and I've definitely seen more of those recently than in the past. But they are 99% avoidable if you have some situational awareness.
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While I am on the subject of Russia I figure I might as well ask what do you guys think of visiting Russia early next year for a month and traveling to 2nd tier cities (primarily on the Trans-Siberian route) like Yekaterinburg & Irkutsk?
I've spent many months in Russian provincial cities and never had any problems. The main thing is I can pass as Russian by my looks, and as long as I keep my mouth shut people have no way of knowing I'm a foreigner. It's harder in Moscow when you are walking around with friends speaking English. That said, having an English-speaking wingman is a HUGE boost in the provinces because girls will overhear you speaking English, whereas if you're by yourself they may not even believe that you're a foreigner if you address them in Russian with an accent.