Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rostov-on-Don is a major port city located in the south of Russia along the Don River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 RUB ≈ 0.013 USD, 1 USD ≈ 76.92 RUB. Major banks available include Sberbank and VTB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is advisable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include MTS, Beeline, and Tele2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; ATMs are pervasive. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, hostels, and Airbnb, with affordable rates. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local websites like Tvil.ru offer numerous options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Kino' offers dormitory beds starting at around 700 RUB per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central district, near the Don River and major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nevskiy Area, known for coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Kuznya, with prices starting at 3,000 RUB per month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café 'Grot', popular for its free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted at Coworking Kuznya and Techpark. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social events can be found in Facebook groups like 'Expats in Rostov'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi and Uber are popular ride-hailing options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Zebra and Mixin provide bike rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rostov's city beach on the Don River, roughly 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pobeda Airlines serves several regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeroflot offers international flights from Rostov's airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major connections include the M4 Don highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rostov-on-Don railway station, with connections across Russia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for buses and trams, starting at 1,000 RUB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses serve nearby cities like Taganrog and Novocherkassk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Clinical Hospital No. 1 offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio 'Svet' provides various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 'World Class' offers modern facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 'Clean City' is a popular choice for expats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Club and Yandex.Eda dominate the local food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) are a popular local breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe 'Fruits & Veggies' caters to vegetarians and vegans. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confectionery 'Slastena' is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Rostov's Central Market offers a variety of local foods and produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.ru provides a wide range of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Sbermarket delivers groceries across the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rostov's Pushkinskaya Street is a lively nightlife hub. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Don Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a quality selection of Russian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try traditional blini or shashlik from vendors at the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant 'Pasta & Pizza' serves Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Rostov Main Mosque and the Don River embankment are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Rostov Regional Museum of Fine Arts showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Rostov State Conservatory is a beautiful historical building. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Rostov Cathedral is an important religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rostov Festival of Arts is held every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Pushkin Street is known for its cultural atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Rostov State Musical Theater offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gorky Market is famous for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands frequently perform at venues like 'Mushrooms Club'. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found around the city center, especially on Naberezhnaya Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary School 'Chef's Academy' offers Russian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 'Svetlogorie' displays contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Rostov City Hall is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rostov is an important cultural center along the Don River. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Don River provides beautiful escarpments and walking paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby parks include the Tsimlyansk Nature Reserve. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the Don River provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The waterfront area offers incredible sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetland areas near the river are perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Don River allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | CDEK and Russian Post offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Service centers like 'IT Pro' can handle various device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs like 'Pong Club Rostov' are great for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language Center 'Polyglot' offers Russian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Rostov Regional Scientific Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Rostov Cultural Center offers events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafés like 'Game Zone' cater to gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Shangri La' offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 150,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 6,000,000 RUB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 90,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 3,600,000 RUB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 130,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 7,800,000 RUB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 80,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,800,000 RUB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 110,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 8,800,000 RUB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 70,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 5,600,000 RUB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% for individuals on income over 5 million RUB. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in certain circumstances. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on cadastral value, typically around 0.1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No direct tax, but registration fees apply. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Limited tax on foreign income for non-residents, making it favorable. |