Where do Russians communicate abroad: forums and social media groups

Communities of Russian citizens abroad

We conducted an analysis of key internet forums and specialized groups on social media that bring together Russian citizens living abroad. In these communities, Russians have the opportunity to get to know each other, share information about obtaining residence permits or citizenship, discuss topics related to buying and renovating real estate, as well as organize games, find tenants for their apartments, travelers, jobs, nannies, and much more.

Forums and social networks: differences

Forums and social networks differ significantly in their information structure. In forums, content is organized and systematized, which makes it easier to find answers to questions. At the same time, in social media, posts appear in chronological order, which can make it difficult to find relevant topics; however, such platforms are well-suited for the quick exchange of news and for receiving real-time responses from other participants.

Registration and access to information

To participate in discussions on forums, registration is usually required. Without it, users cannot create new topics or leave their comments. To obtain special information, one must join closed groups on social media, where membership requires approval from the administrators. In such groups, commercial advertisements are generally prohibited, and posts with unreliable information may be deleted. Both types of resources have their advantages and provide a wealth of useful information.

Structure of the review

Our review will be divided into several components. In the first part, we will introduce you to "Russian" communities in various European countries, as well as in Turkey and Thailand, and we will also include a major thematic forum. In the second part, we will share information about other popular resources used by Russians who live and invest in foreignreal estate.

Community in Bulgaria

In particular, we want to draw attention to Bulgaria. There is a specialized forum dedicated to this country, where about 100,000 people participate. On the platform, topics such as the following are discussed:

• immigration
• everyday life
• rest
• real estate purchase
• business
• education
• medical care

This is definitely one of the most dynamically developing communities of Russian speakers in Bulgaria in the virtual space. Here, you can get answers to questions about how to start a life in this country, how to buyreal estate, or how to make new acquaintances.

Topics under discussion

The forum actively discusses topics such as:

• The impact of changes in the euro exchange rate on everyday life
• features of life in small Bulgarian villages
• recommendations for buying real estate in villages
• Questions regarding moving with pets
• nuances of real estate acquisition
• comparison of mobile service tariffs in this country

Forum "Russian Spain"

In Spain, there is a resource called "Russian Spain," which addresses current issues for Russians living on the Iberian Peninsula. The forum has around 10,000 participants and offers a variety of topics for discussion, making interaction among compatriots more convenient and structured.

Forum about life in Spain

The forum dedicated to Spain is a unique platform for communication in Russian. It stands out for its variety of topics, easy navigation, and regular updates. The main sections of the forum cover various aspects of life in Spain: from immigration to real estate, from tourism to business opportunities. Particularly important is the subsection that deals with immigration issues, as it offers consultations and experience sharing among users.

Current discussions

Current issues are actively discussed on the forum. For example, is it possible to move to Spain on a budget?200 thousand eurosIn the case of a family of three? There are also topics related to juvenile justice and the protection of children's rights, such as:

• “What reasons can lead to a child being taken away in Spain?”
• “How to extend your residence permit if you are not working?”
• “Divorce from a Spaniard and obtaining a residence permit”

Divorces with Spaniards and obtaining residency permits are other important topics that interest forum participants. The "Russian Spain" group has already gathered more1300active participants, which confirms the demand for the platform.

The group "Russian Spain"

The group "Russian Spain" was created for lovers of this country. Members discuss travel, immigration issues, and everyday aspects of life in Spain. Here you can learn:

• latest news
• event announcements
• Useful tips from experienced travelers
• housing rental proposals
• information about attractions

Among the topics being discussed, there is an interest in choosing universities in Spain, cultural events such as the "Russia of the 20th Century" exhibition in Granada, as well as places to enjoy tea in Barcelona.

Forum about life in Turkey

Moreover, the forum dedicated to Turkey has become a real communication network, where the number of participants has exceeded100 thousandThe platform has been around for more than13 yearsIt provides engaging discussions for Turkish language speakers. Immersing oneself in this friendly atmosphere would be impossible without a user-friendly interface and an attractive website design. The forum sections cover life and leisure in different regions of Turkey, helping users find the information they need quickly and effortlessly.

Specialized sections

The forum also includes specialized sections, such as:

• “Forum of Turkish Women”
• “Searching for Turkish Machos”
• real estate
• education
• immigration
• search for relatives

Some of the most discussed topics:

• “Changes to the rules for issuing residence permits to foreigners”
• “Safety tips before traveling to certain regions”

The group "Russian-speaking residents of Turkey"

Among the actively discussed topics in the group "Russian-speaking residents of Turkey," which has more than10 thousandParticipants can highlight posts about how to find a job or new friends in Turkey. "Any question, any solution" is the group's motto, reflecting the members' desire to share useful information and support each other, including language learning.

Conclusion

These online communities provide a great opportunity for communication, sharing experiences, and finding answers to important questions that may arise for Russian-speaking individuals interested in life in Spain and Turkey.

Overview of the active community

We have prepared an overview of an active community that focuses on women's interests. Here, Russian-speaking women currently living in Turkey create a supportive environment.

Activity on the forum

Even during the dark hours of the night, you can observe the active participation of about a hundred people on the forum. Among the key discussion topics are:

• Christmas meeting in Tampere 2014
• Translation of phrases from Finnish to Russian
• Reasons why Finnish coffee may evoke dislike
• A fine of up to 300,000 rubles will be imposed for evading citizenship.
• What is the point of leaving Russia if human rights are in order?
• Rules for the safe transportation of children in cars in Finland

Russian Bangkok

As for Thailand, there is an active community called“Russian Bangkok”It brings together about four thousand participants. This association of Russian-speaking people living in Bangkok provides a space for communication, sharing necessary information, and mutual support.

Members of this community share personal experiences, insights on renting and buying real estate, visa extensions, as well as posting photos and helping each other. The group is free of advertisements, and discussions take place in a friendly and positive atmosphere.

More popular topics for conversations here include:

• Overview of local flea markets in Bangkok
• I'm looking for a wood carving master.
• I'm planning a trip to Bangkok and need help with finding accommodation.
• How to obtain a driver's license in Bangkok if I have never driven before?

Vinsky Forum

Forum“Vinsky”which covers many countries and brings together over 282,000 users. It is a platform designed for independent travelers, creating a vast informational space regarding tourism and leisure.

Initially, the resource was created as a small website entirely dedicated to Thailand and Southeast Asia. However, over time, it significantly increased its audience and became an important information portal about life abroad. Here, you can find reports and blogs from users sharing their experiences from various corners of the world. The topic of Thailand remains at the peak of popularity in the Russian-speaking internet.

The information on the website is structured by regions:

• Asia
• Europe
• Oceania
• Africa

This allows for finding many interesting topics and countries.

Real estate questions

The forum also pays a lot of attention to real estate issues—both buying and renting. Additionally, there is an extensive section dedicated to significant topics such as downshifting, employment and studying abroad, as well as emigration and immigration.

This makes the forum not only a platform for finding travel information but also a valuable resource for those who aspire to change their lives and build their future abroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion of our review, I would like to emphasize the importance of forums and social media groups for Russians living abroad. More and more people are turning to these platforms, where they can find not only the necessary information about life in a new country but also make new friends and like-minded individuals. These resources provide a unique opportunity for exchanging experiences, which is especially relevant for those who are facing difficulties in adapting or simply want to learn more about local realities.

The variety of topics discussed — from immigration to real estate or cultural life — makes each platform a valuable source of knowledge. I learned that on forums, information is structured and accessible, which makes it easy to find the necessary sections and get comprehensive answers to my questions. At the same time, social media groups provide the opportunity to discuss current topics in real-time, share personal experiences, and engage in casual conversations.

Why it's important.

It is important to note that adapting to a new country is a complex process, and such platforms can be a real support along the way. We have only looked at a small portion of the resources available for Russian-speaking communities in Europe and beyond, and in the following articles, we will definitely continue our exploration, delving into other interesting and useful platforms.

The main advantages of forums and groups:

• Structured information on forums makes it easy to find the topics you need.
• Social media groups create the opportunity for instant discussion and sharing of impressions.
• The variety of topics helps address current issues related to immigration and living abroad.
• Support and sharing experiences can significantly ease the adaptation process.

I am sure that there will be even more forums and groups, and they will continue to grow, helping Russians living abroad fill their lives with useful information, support, and friendly communication. I hope that our review will be helpful to you and inspire you to actively participate in these communities, where everyone can find something important and necessary for themselves.