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What Is Dating In Russia Like? (Insights To Russia)

Written by Anna Armstrong

Last updated on April 16th, 2022

Table of contents:

What Is The Difference Between Dating In Russia And The West? (United States and Europe)
What Is It Like Dating Russian Women? (What To Expect From A Single Russian Woman)
What Preparations To Make When Going To Russia For A Date? (Useful Tips)
What Are The Best Russian Dating Sites? (Legitimate Russian Dating Sites)

There are three common reasons why men go to Russia. To work, for tourism, or to meet a single Russian woman found on a Russian dating site or through a Russian marriage agency. A single foreign man who works in Russia sometimes starts dating a Russian woman he meets through the workplace or through the community where he lives. Often expats in Russia stay for years, and thus over time, a single foreigner in Russia will eventually bump into someone he can start dating. Single men who go to Russia for tourism often come with a male friend to take the Trans-Siberian Railroad through Russia or try out the wild nightlife in Moscow etc. Thus, meeting a single Russian woman to start dating is not that likely simply because of the lack of time. However, what we will focus on in this context are the single men who go to Russia because they have met someone through a Russian dating site or Russian marriage agency. Dating in Russia can be challenging or straightforward depending on your approach, what you expect, your preparations, and where you are going in Russia.

Initially, when planning to date someone in Russia, you have to have to come to terms with how big Russia actually is. Thus, there is a significant difference if you have met someone who lives in Moscow or Vladivostok. Also, there is a big difference whether the single Russian woman you have to meet lives in a big or a small city. Unlike the United States or western Europe, prices fluctuate a lot in Russia depending on what city or part of the country you visit. Moscow is known as one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit and live in, whereas if you go to smaller towns around Russian, things can be extremely cheap. E.g., prices for accommodation in Moscow are approximately 200-500 USD per night for a standard hotel room, whereas if you go to smaller towns or cities, you can find a standard hotel room for 20 bugs a night. Transportation in Russia is relatively cheap, no matter if you are in a big or small city. Public transportation such as metros and busses are much more affordable than in, e.g., the United States or western Europe. Likewise, if you want to fly within Russia, airplane tickets are also generally cheaper.

Concerning the dating experience itself, dating a woman in Russia can be different from what you are used to when it comes to a few issues. For example, the majority of people in Russia do not speak English, or they speak relatively poor English. Thus, when you start dating in Russia, it is a good idea to bring a small dictionary and download a translation app from the internet. Alternatively, if you are meeting a single woman through a Russian marriage agency, the agency, in most cases, can provide a translator. Another issue that can be different from what you are used to might be Russian dating etiquette. For example, Russian women are more cautious opening up about their personal feelings, especially when they meet someone the first couple of times. Also, don’t expect to have sex on a first date. In contrast to women in, e.g., the United States and Europe, Russian women tend to play hard to get, simply to test if the man they are dating or have started dating is serious about her. Likewise, meeting the family sometimes is a prerequisite for more intimate relations with a single Russian woman you have just met.

What Is The Difference Between Dating In Russia And The West? (United States and Europe)

Over the past 100 years, a lot has happened regarding how relationships and marriages are established in the west, from more or less arranged marriages – to today’s casual dating scene. Likewise, Russia has followed a similar pattern, and dating in Russia has come a long way compared to, e.g., Soviet times. In Soviet times, opportunities were limited when it came to going out, going traveling, and meeting people from other countries. In today’s Russia, women outnumber men significantly, and cultural paradigms such as tradition and a Russian woman’s social status can make it difficult for a single woman to find a soulmate to meet, date, and marry. Furthermore, men in Russia are not known to be very susceptible to a woman’s needs. Thus, making it even harder for a Russian woman to find someone with whom to have children. An estimated 20% of the Russian female population is married to someone from another country than Russia, showing that many Russian women look elsewhere than to Russian men when it comes to finding a partner.

In contrast, 33% of women in the United States and Europe don’t want a partner and prefer to live alone after a divorce or a failed relationship. Thus, making it hard for American and European men to find some to share their life with. Nevertheless, when it comes to dating in the United States and Europe compared to Russia, you can say that dating in the west tends to be more informal and casual. Whereas the dating etiquette in Russia still has some aspects of times gone by traditions and courtesies. For example, it is not unheard of to meet the family as a prerequisite when dating a Russian woman. Also, bringing flowers, paying for dinners and lunches, inviting to the movies, concerts, etc., are a part of the Russian dating ritual. Likewise, it is the man who makes the first move in Russia. It is not uncommon for a Russian man to address a woman in the street and ask her out on the spot, something women in the United States or Europe might find intimidating and too aggressive. Also, women in the United States and Europe tend to favor the modern “soft” man with liberal values. Whereas in Russia, women prefer men to be more masculine and conservative in their views.

Also, it is worth mentioning that marriage rates have declined dramatically from the 1970s and onwards in the west. Thus, the whole idea of marriage has become more and more unpopular, especially among women. Furthermore, western women have fewer children than ever before in history, which has resulted in a negative growth rate for babies conceived by western women in all western countries. Governments in the west encourage western women to live alone and to have careers etc. Thus, the average age for western women to have babies has risen significantly. Moreover, for marriages, the increase in the age at which people are getting married has grown, particularly in North America and Europe. In Sweden, e.g., the average age to get married for women went up from 28 in 1990 to 34 years in 2017. In Russia, more women per capita get married and at a younger age. Also, Russian women have more children than in the west. In contrast to western governments, the Russian government encourages couples to have children by providing financial incentives.

What Is It Like Dating Russian Women? (What To Expect From A Single Russian Woman)

Having covered some of the differences between what it is like dating in Russia compared to Dating in western countries, we’ll now look at some of the main characteristics of dating Russian women. Initially, when you meet single Russian women, you can’t help noticing that they tend to dress very feminine. In contrast to western women in general, Russian women like to wear miniskirts, dresses, high heels, and makeup. Also, you can’t help noticing that most single Russian woman looks very fit. In other words, Russian women tend to be making sure that they look attractive. On the other hand, women in the west tend not really to care what they look like, e.g., in the United States, the adult obesity rate approaches a staggering 50% of the female population. In Europe, it is a little less than in the United States, but it is going in the same direction. However, dating a Russian woman is much more than just great looks; also, most likely, she is very well educated. Consequently, dating a Russian woman can seem somewhat intimidating and overwhelming to a single western man, especially when comparing her to the obese single woman next door, two-time divorced with four kids.

Another issue to touch upon is that Russian women sometimes come across as reserved at the beginning of a dating relationship. Russian women, for cultural reasons, have a difficult time trusting men. In Russia, men are not exactly known for accommodating the needs of their women. Thus, Russian mothers have brought up their daughters to be cautious about men and to make sure that they don’t rush into something that shouldn’t have been, from the getgo. In other words, you have to earn a Russian woman’s trust. Moreover, when dating a Russian woman, she most likely will test you to see how you respond in certain situations, which can sound negative. However, try to see if from her perspective, especially when she is dating a foreigner and considers leaving the country, family, and friends behind. Of course, she has to make sure that the man she is dating and potentially marrying is reliable and trustworthy. Thus, if you plan to meet and date a single Russian woman, make sure always to keep your promises and build trust by being honest in everything you do.

On a lighter note, after you have dated a Russian woman for a while and she trusts you, you’ll discover that Russian women are quite exceptional. Russian women value family above everything else, and if you respect and share the same belief both in thought and action – a Russian woman will stay loyal and faithful no matter what happens. Also, Russian women don’t really see money or wealth as something important, as long as there is food on the table. During Soviet times, everybody had nothing and had to make due nonetheless. Thus, even today, most people in Russia can get by with very little, compared to western standards, and without complaining. On a final note, Russian women don’t see themselves as victims; on the contrary, they see themselves as survivors and capable. Today everything in the west is about who is a victim of what, and everybody feels that they somehow were wronged by either society, race, parents, gender, capitalism, etc. To a Russin woman, most of these feelings of victimhood are considered nonsense.

What Preparations To Make When Going To Russia For A Date? (Useful Tips)

After being single for too long and missing someone to share your life with, a friend recommended checking out the Russian marriage agency he used some years ago. Consequently, a couple of months later, you are corresponding with a couple of beautiful single Russian women, and one of them has agreed to meet you if you come to Russia. Your vacation is coming up, and you have to start making preparations for your trip. So what preparations do you have to consider? Initially, it is recommendable to use the marriage agency to set up your first date to avoid misunderstandings. You don’t want to go all the way to Russian to find out the woman you were supposed to meet has left the city to see her grandmother. From there on it is a good idea to plan your trip in detail, especially if you are from North America and have to travel far. Make sure tickets, transits, and other transportation arrangements are in place. Likewise, make sure you have a valid visa if it is required. Check your travel insurance to see if it covers medical and other serious matters. Check your credit cards and have some local currency in place at your arrival in Russia; some taxis don’t accept credit cards or US dollars.

Travel light, and don’t bring valuables such as expensive watches or jewelry. Make sure your phone subscription works worldwide and that you have an adapter for both European and Russian plugs so you can charge your phone when in transit in Europe and when you arrive in Russia. Dobbel check that you have a direct phone number to the marriage agency customer support, so you can call someone if you need help. Likewise, phone numbers for your country’s embassy or consulate. Also, bring an English – Russian dictionary and download a translation app on your phone; they will come in handy at some point. On arrival in Russia, and if you have to go to a different city than where you arrived, know precisely how to get from A to B or investigate if the Russian marriage agency you are using has an airport pickup service that will take you to your destination. If you are used to traveling in foreign countries and enjoy the excitement of finding your own way, public transportation in Russia is generally safe and cheap.

When you have prepared for your travel arrangements, it is time to prepare for the first date with the single Russian woman you are meeting. Initially, you have to think about how you make the best first impression. Thus, make sure you have packed some clothing that makes you look presentable. Get a haircut just before you leave, and if possible, it is not a bad idea to get a suntan. Ensure your nails are maintained; Russian women have an affinity for nails and will always notice if your nails are not up to their standards. Another thing to consider for the first date is how you come across intellectually; thus, it is not a bad idea to study some Russian history, Russian writers, and to know something about the city where she lives. Also, bring pictures from home, such as of the house you live in, your relatives and of your children if you have any. Also, try to be creative and bring a gift from home that is unique and that represents something special to you. Just buying perfume at the airport might come across as you are not truly invested. Finally, it is also a good idea to prepare for what you will ask her and what you hope to establish by meeting her in person.

What Are The Best Russian Dating Sites? (Legitimate Russian Dating Sites)

You have decided to investigate how to find a single Russian woman online and search the internet. In no time you realize that there are quite a few Russian dating websites to choose from. So how do you identify the best Russian dating website to suit your needs? And how do you know if a Russian dating website is legitimate or not? And what the best Russian dating websites on the market today? Here we’ll try to give you a few pointers on what to look for and what to avoid. Initially, there are a few ways to spot if the Russian dating website you are investigating is legitimate or not. For starters, does the website look trustworthy? If a Russian dating website has a design that looks like something from the past and does not work on a mobile or tablet, it is most likely not active anymore. Moreover, does the Russian dating website have any services to accommodate you actually meeting a single Russian woman in person? Many Russian dating websites only allow you to correspond or chat with a single Russian woman, and thus, when you want to meet in person, it is not possible.

Another crucial issue is if a Russian dating website is free to use or not. Some Russian dating websites are free; however, there is probably a reason for it being too good to be true. In most cases of the free Russian dating websites that you find online, there is a catch. Most often, these websites are made for the sole purpose of scamming both men and women. A lot of the profiles on free Russian dating websites are fake and put there to find someone who, at some point, will send money to help out the person they believe they are corresponding with. Thus, legitimate Russian dating websites are not free; they are a business. Furthermore, if a Russian dating website does not verify its female members, you should be cautious. A high-quality service within the Russian dating niche always verifies its members with minimum a copy of a passport. Likewise, you should only use a Russian dating website that offers live video chat so you can see the Russian woman you are corresponding with live in person.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the difference between a traditional Russian dating website and a Russian marriage agency. Generally speaking, a Russian marriage agency provides all the services needed to meet a single Russian woman in person. Hence, with a Russian marriage agency, you can rest assured that the business is legitimate simply because the business model is that you meet a woman face-to-face. Nevertheless, some marriage agencies, such as SecureDating.com, offer many more services that make meeting and dating a single Russian woman much more effortless. As a member of SecureDating.com, you’ll get access to a whole range of convenient services. E.g., SecureDating.com offers translation services, live video chat, a meet and date service, a phone service, airport pickup, apartment rental, 24h member support, access to a dating counselor, and its online platform is so exceptional that it even can classify possible scammers from the correspondence alone.