Ways to move from Kazakhstan to Russia in 2021

Preface

Hello, dear forum users. My name is Irina. In order to get to know you better, in a nutshell about us. We are me, Irina, my husband (both are quite mature), our 8th grade son. At the time of the move, the daughter is 20 years old, a student, studying in St. Petersburg. My sister’s family moved a little earlier than us; she and her husband have two daughters, 9 and 25 years old.

For more than a year now I have been living in Stavropol with my family. We moved from Kazakhstan, Aktau. I promised myself that as soon as my life in a new place settled down, I would talk about it, share what my family experienced, what difficulties we had to face, how our new life was arranged.

A feeling of unfulfilled duty torments me and, anticipating all the doubts, fears, apprehensions, and insecurities of those who for some reason cannot decide on such a difficult life step - moving, not just to another city, but also to another country, I will begin my story .

I was born and raised in Kazakhstan, my parents, very young, came to conquer the harsh steppes of Western Kazakhstan and build a young city. In 1994, they, like many others, moved to their historical homeland, to the city of Mineralnye Vody, while my sister and I with our families remained to live in Aktau.

Aktau. Photo by kaikups (https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/kups-nkz)

We lived very well, we had a job that paid quite well, a large number of friends, children were growing up, we went on vacation every summer. Everything is like everyone else. I, and not only me, everyone who has lived quite a long life in Kazakhstan, and especially in the city of Aktau (former Shevchenko), remember with great warmth and love this amazing, sunny, bright, sincere, unlike any other city .

I can talk about the city endlessly. My childhood, youth, young years passed there. The best memories are associated with life there. I am grateful to my parents and fate that I was lucky enough to be born and grow up in this wonderful place, to find such a large number of friends, colleagues, acquaintances and just very good people, whose support helped me so much in moments of despair in a new place. Well, this is a small lyrical digression.

Restrictions for migrants

Is it worth moving from Kazakhstan to Russia? Successful border crossing requires:

• visas;
• passports;
• certificate of a participant in the resettlement program.

A migration card can be issued at the checkpoint. Legal stay on the territory of the Russian Federation requires obtaining a temporary residence permit, the validity of which is directly related to the purpose of the visit.

Only incapacitated and incapacitated persons with limited health status cannot resort to state assistance. They are allowed to cross the border, but under other conditions, for example, as a member of the applicant’s family. A foreigner who has serious health problems that do not prevent him from providing for himself can move to Russia for permanent residence if he provides an employment contract signed by a Russian organization.

Where is the best place to move? In accordance with the program aimed at supporting compatriots, a foreigner can choose. Each region has a different number of quota places. The best cities in Russia for immigrants from Kazakhstan: Kaluga, Krasnoyarsk, Voronezh, Rostov, Primorye, Novosibirsk, Tambov, Tula, Khabarovsk, etc.

Reasons for moving

The issue of moving periodically came up on the agenda in our family; many friends and acquaintances moved to Russia, both successfully and not so well. The national issue, especially the future of children, was a little depressing. We thought about this too.

In 2014, we began to obtain Russian citizenship, since going for permanent residence in the Russian Federation without it is almost a utopia. Everyone knows that this procedure is quite complicated, lengthy, troublesome and takes quite a lot of time. But we were lucky. Our parents lived in the Russian Federation and we quickly obtained citizenship through the Consulate General of the Russian Federation.

Today, this is the simplest scheme for obtaining citizenship. It took us a little over a year, from the moment we started collecting documents until we received consular passports.

Reason #2: travel accessibility

Russia itself is so huge and diverse that you can be content with domestic tourism, but I’m not talking about that) Living in St. Petersburg and receiving a salary in the region of 40 - 45 thousand rubles, you can easily afford to go to Southeast Asia with one salary, and for half my salary - to Europe. What can we say about the nearest countries (a 4-day trip to Vilnius costs me 8-10 thousand). Of course, the scope of travel is different for everyone. But with the same scale at home, I couldn’t afford it. And all because air tickets from Kazakhstan are much more expensive. Let's take Tbilisi for example (as a city equidistant from St. Petersburg and Astana). A ticket from St. Petersburg will cost approximately 6-7 thousand , and from Astana - 14-16 . And this despite the fact that salaries in Russia are slightly higher.

“An investment in travel is an investment in yourself” - Matthew Karsten.

City search

And at the same time we began to search for cities, where should we go?

We looked at the south. The very first thing that came to mind was Krasnodar, where would we be without it, a heavenly place that beckons and beckons everyone with its southern sun. And the soul rushed to heaven!

We began to study numerous forums, reviews, comments wherever possible. I don’t even remember how I came across your site and started randomly reading about cities. I'm interested. And then an article about Stavropol caught my eye, and then “5 advantages...”. In short, the choice was made. It even somehow became easier. Krasnodar retreated slowly and at first uncertainly.

In the summer of 2015, while on vacation with my mother, I stopped by Stavropol, but I didn’t really understand anything, because it turned out to be more likely to be passing through. But I liked it. Doubts were completely dispelled when I stayed with my sister’s friend in Krasnodar. It was also great, but I really didn’t want to live in the heat again, and the choice was finally made.

New Year's Stavropol. Photo by komradtip7 (https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/komradtip7)

Preparing to move

Well, then, like all those who suffer to move, the sale of the apartment began. The crisis came, prices fell, sales simply came to a standstill. The cost of housing decreased month after month. As they say yesterday at 5, today at 3. No mood. And we need to leave. I don’t know what helped more - prayers, rituals, realtors, etc., or whether our time and our buyer really came. Everyone exhaled. Both the seller and the buyer came to one point and crossed paths! Oh Gods! Thank you, I thought. We made another small concession, finalized the deal, and started packing our things.

We made a decision: we take everything. The furniture has been recently updated, household appliances are in order. We said goodbye to all the old stuff and rubbish, but what we had acquired through back-breaking labor was carefully unwound, disassembled, packed, wrapped, and put into boxes. All the furniture was dismantled into planks, the soft part was wrapped in stretch. The disassembled cabinets are also in stretch and the corners are in cardboard. Books, shoes, underwear - all in bags and boxes (very convenient for cigarettes: all the same size, good capacity and easy to load into the car). TVs, etc. into blankets and pillows.

Everything was packed carefully, diligently and with love. This was done gradually, over the course of a month, while the discharge documents were being prepared.

Due to the fact that they made a good deal on the sale, the new owners allowed us to live for a month. The machine for sending things loaded quickly. The driver was very good and responsible. My son didn’t have time to really finish the 3rd quarter before he had to fly to Minvody, and my husband and I followed suit a couple of days later by car.

Goodbye Kazakhstan, goodbye my favorite city! There is a new life ahead. We had very little idea of ​​her.

Hello city

We arrived in Stavropol late in the evening on March 9th. Night, dark, icy wind, cold. According to the navigator, we are going to an unknown destination. More precisely it was clear: Nekrasova, 86.

The next day a car arrived with things, we unloaded them safely into the rented garage. It was later that we fell in love with this place, but at that moment everything was wrong, and everything was wrong.

I must say that we were lucky. My sister left a little earlier; she had already been living in her new, renovated apartment very close by for a couple of months, literally next door. She helped us with all first aid issues. What, where, where and how much and why - everything is for her. Having lived in Stavropol for more than six months, she already knew her way around quite well. Well, that was just what we had to do.

There was no fear at this stage, on the contrary. “We have succeeded,” I thought joyfully, not even understanding what kind of depression, worries and worries would await me.. We began to prepare documents, temporary registration, receive internal passports, and work on registering my son for school.

School

We went to school at our new, temporary place of residence. How lucky I am to have good people! The school director and teaching staff listened to us attentively, even with a kind of suffering-sympathy. It was clear that they really wanted to help, to participate, so to speak, in a good cause.

Having looked at our report cards and seeing our son’s wandering gaze, the head teacher asked the question: “Does he speak Russian?” They've arrived, I think. Fortunately, the son spoke Russian and said something welcoming in Kazakh. Everyone smiled.

They were accepted into grade 8B without even providing documents; all of them were submitted to the Federal Migration Service; I only have a certificate in my hands - a temporary identity card of a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Studying did not cause any special problems, the requirements were much lower than in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and we successfully completed the fourth quarter. But seeing how reluctantly he went there, I was of course worried, supported him as best I could, and reassured him. It is clear that in a new place everything is not so simple, but that’s okay, I think we can cope with this too.

Standard of living in Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan ranks 4th in terms of economic growth among the CIS countries; it is ahead of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. According to international data, Kazakhstan survived the global financial crisis from 2014-2016 and showed itself worthy: solvent and patient. If you remember, the peak in economic development occurred in 2013, then the world oil price collapsed, and the Republic of Kazakhstan suffered a strong blow with the depreciation of the local currency. At the beginning by 19%, then by 26%. The situation led the banking and consumer markets to losses. Today the state is actively reforming its domestic and foreign policy. Over the past two years, with the help of government programs called “Strategic Development Plan 2021”, “Kazakhstan 2030”, the state has rapidly taken the lead. Now it ranks 50th in the ranking of competitive economies in the world.

International organizations consider Kazakhstan to be successful in Central Asia, which cannot be said about other countries on this continent. This is an excellent assessment, which was achieved by strengthening national security, consolidating society, economic growth, and attracting foreign investment. Every year GDP grows within 3-4%. The government has developed a new investment program with favorable taxation, so the increase in foreign money has a positive effect on the financial and consumer climate. The goal of many programs is to diversify the economy, boost the oil and gas industries, and also create additional industries with an increase in the range of goods.

The main partners of Kazakhstan remain Russia, China, and Germany. The main share of exports is 67% of oil and petroleum products, the rest falls on ferrous metals, chemicals, livestock products, grain and textiles. Food products, machinery and equipment, and metal products are imported. GDP was recorded in 2021 at $171 billion, and GDP per capita was $9236.

Those who want to move will be pleased by the fact that the standard of living here is no lower than in Russia. The cost of living will be $256 (excluding rental housing). The average salary in Kazakhstan is $400-600, the minimum salary is $110.

First impression

I liked everything. We looked around little by little, everything was somehow unusual, everything was different. Oh, how much we had to get used to. Other people, sometimes it felt like I was back in time.

It really helped that while studying the forum, I met many people in absentia. And already here we communicated very well in messengers, got to know each other better, and what is not unimportant, with many of them we struck up, if not friendships, but very pleasant, interesting acquaintances, we even meet sometimes. All are very good, open, friendly people. They gave each other advice, gave hints, joked, and just talked. This helped a lot at first. You know, there was a feeling that you were known, that you were not alone in a new city. It was very supportive.

Nature was slowly awakening. Spring was coming. Everything was transformed before our eyes. Fruit trees bloomed, the flower beds in the courtyards were full of flowers - tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, irises, and then lilacs - everything was fragrant around and enveloped the city in the aroma of spring. There were such trills of birds! My delight knew no bounds; I did not have time to photograph this beauty. Still would. I grew up in the desert, where there is nothing but sea and sand. Once again I was convinced that we were not mistaken in choosing the city.

But you have to be honest - there was still an internal emotional breakdown. Something prevented me from breathing deeply; the habitual way of my past life was making itself felt. Doubts periodically arose, but how else could you change your life so radically? Who found it easy to move? It’s okay, we can handle it, I thought.

City. My impressions

I liked the city more and more from the outside. And urban infrastructure, and architecture, transport and roads; I was certainly delighted by the presence of such a gorgeous park and forest area within the city. This is truly the highlight of this wonderful city.

The roads in the city, and not only in the city, are good, the drivers are quite polite, I haven’t seen too aggressive driving. There are no special traffic jams. An exception is during rush hour, well, this is acceptable, there are a lot of cars, everyone needs to go. In my opinion, traffic jams are not critical at all.

The townspeople are very calm, slightly slow, well-mannered, intelligent, friendly, and welcoming. They easily enter into dialogue, especially older people - they are very cultured, they will explain, show, and give advice. I didn’t meet any homeless people, drunks or drug addicts on the streets.

Public transport runs well, quite often, and there is quite a lot of it.

A lot of children. There are real clouds in the yards! They play, run, yell, ride bikes, chase a ball, attack swings, the sandboxes are full of mothers and babies. Everything is as it should be. And that's great.

One day I was walking early in the morning (the road passed through a children’s playground), and I noticed that beads, spatulas, buckets—everything had been lying in the sandbox untouched since the evening.

Few young people, including girls, who smoke, have not heard any obvious foul language. Very safe. Very clean. Well, maybe it doesn’t really happen in the courtyards. Even in our house they cannot regulate this process normally. The garbage chute across the floor is closed, everyone takes bags of garbage downstairs and puts them in a box near the entrance. It's just a disgrace. I hope we'll improve.

A large number of adults, youth, and children travel by bicycle; For this purpose, special bicycle paths have been allocated both in parks and throughout the city.

In general, the city has its own energy, its own rhythm, its own atmosphere. There is no fuss here, very cozy and comfortable. And I felt this quite recently, after living for almost a year. Probably, such rhythms may not be very suitable for super active young people. Just right for us.

I know that many people are concerned about the issue of Caucasians. You know, we lived in Kazakhstan side by side with Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tatars, Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Uighurs, Dagestanis of all nationalities; we absorbed all this multinationality and lived wonderfully with it. We have friends of all nationalities there. Do you think we will be concerned about the issue of “scary Caucasians”? Yes, we don’t notice them and don’t see them here. For us this issue is simply closed.

Why do Kazakh women marry Russians?

In Kazakhstan, considerable attention is paid to the problem of maintaining the purity of the nation. There are even proposals to ban local women from marrying foreigners. Such concern is understandable, since the outflow of young Kazakh women of childbearing age abroad or their marriage in the country with men of other nationalities leads to a natural reduction in the birth rate of the so-called “pure Kazakhs.” But the condemnation of the authorities does not prevent women from arranging their destiny with representatives of other nations, including Russian men.

Main reasons

There is an opinion that Russian grooms are not highly valued on the global marriage market. But Kazakh women clearly do not agree with this. Their sympathies are understandable if we take into account the following factors:

1. Russification of the population. Despite the fact that the official language in the country is Kazakh, most of the residents speak and even think in Russian. If among the rural population you can still meet people who do not speak Russian, then in cities this is practically impossible. Since childhood, Kazakh women understand and speak Russian perfectly well, are interested in the culture and customs of the neighboring state, watch the corresponding television channels, etc. Accordingly, their Russian identity is highly developed and often they do not even feel that their marriage with our man is international. Children appearing in such couples, as a rule, already fully identify themselves with Russian culture, showing little interest in the national customs of Kazakhstan.
2. Desire to leave the country. Unfortunately, the current economic situation in Kazakhstan is not the most favorable. The national currency tenge is experiencing devaluation, which is why the standard of living of the population has dropped significantly. Many residents decide to leave the state. Russia is seen as one of the easiest options, since when moving here you do not need to learn another language and adapt to a foreign culture. Registration of marriage with a Russian man helps women solve the problem of relocation, as a result of which the procedure for obtaining citizenship is significantly simplified.
3. The rigor of local traditions and customs. For a long time, women's rights in Kazakhstan have been significantly infringed. Only in recent decades have young girls been given the opportunity to freely choose their place of study, build a career, etc. In family life, women are traditionally subject to great demands, which not all modern Kazakh women want to meet. The active emancipation of the country's female population leads to mixed marriages with Russian men. In such relationships, Kazakh women feel more free.
4. Advantages of Russian men. Our grooms have many advantages that positively distinguish them from representatives of other nationalities. This includes the readiness to start a family at a fairly early age, the ability to take responsibility for a wife and children, and the ability to work from morning to evening for the benefit of the family. Unlike Europeans, Russian grooms do not always look stylish and neat, but you definitely cannot confuse them with a woman thanks to their innate masculinity. They are also usually attached to their family and know how to treat their wife’s relatives with respect, without interfering with her communication with loved ones.

Buying a home

We intended to buy a three-room apartment of 65-75 sq. m, approximately the same we lived in in Kazakhstan. We didn’t consider the option of a house, well, maybe we dreamed a little, because we were supposed to live in the city, preferably near my sister’s family. Good houses in the city are expensive, I didn’t want to settle on the outskirts, even more so in the suburbs, villages, etc. I'm a very city person. I need developed infrastructure, people around, traffic so that I can walk, a little noise outside the window, well-groomed sidewalks, shops, etc.

To begin with, I walked around the districts, through the courtyards, trying to understand - where we would like? The primary options were not very suitable. For a 3-room apartment the budget is too small, and a two-room apartment is not enough in area. We searched for a secondary product long and carefully. What we liked - the price was too high, what suited us for the price - the floor was not the same, the location of the house, or the apartment itself was not great. We took a short break and started searching again. We went with realtors and ourselves.

But our case came to us. The stars aligned, almost in desperation, my sister and I went to the same address - and breathed a sigh of relief - we found it. And the price, and the condition, and the floor, and the location - everything was fine. In addition, the owner himself was selling, gave us a good deal, and there was a family of lawyers - they prepared the contract themselves, without intermediary services. Happiness, yes only. The renovation was fresh, we were more or less satisfied with it, only the wallpaper was changed everywhere, and that’s all. You can move in.

My daughter came for the holidays, helped me settle in, moved things from the garage and began to settle into the new apartment. Unpack boxes, assemble furniture, hang chandeliers, curtains, connect TV, Internet, etc. Nothing was damaged during transportation, everything arrived safe and sound.

In August we already lived in our new apartment, and we liked it. The location is good - on the street. Pirogov, secondary, but the houses are quite new; nice, spacious, green, cozy yard. Everything is nearby, within walking distance, including the school. They took me to 9th grade without any problems; an ordinary school, without bells and whistles and unnecessary fees.

Who can apply for relocation

You can quickly obtain a Russian passport by joining a program that allows you to move from Kazakhstan to Russia. The concept of “compatriot” includes:

• foreigners belonging to the Russian nationality;
• relatives of residents of the Russian Federation;
• citizens of states that were part of the Soviet Union;
• emigrants from Russia;
• people who have a residence permit in the Russian Federation.

Relocation is allowed not only to a foreigner, but also to his entire family. A temporary group, an organization that facilitates resettlement, can provide support. Specialists accept documents for review, hand over positive decisions, provide consultations, etc.

Recently, the outflow of population from Kazakhstan has increased significantly. The main reason lies in the crisis situation, so most of the Kazakhstanis leaving the state are qualified specialists.

Who is covered by the simplified resettlement procedure?

The following persons are allowed to use the resettlement program: former citizens of the USSR, Kazakhs and persons without citizenship. Required conditions:

• majority;
• capacity;
• diploma of education;
• knowledge of the Russian language.

In addition, the migrant must respect the traditions and foundations of the Russian Federation.

Temporary registration for citizens of Kazakhstan in Russia is not available to every foreigner. The law allows you to stay in the country for a long time if the main purpose of your visit is the following circumstances:

• employment based on a patent;
• obtaining education at a university;
• availability of a temporary residence permit;
• obtaining a residence permit;
• seeking qualified medical help.

Attention: travel for permanent residence to Russia from Kazakhstan cannot be realized if the foreigner does not have a permit from the migration service or his legal capacity is limited.

Products

Regarding products: vegetables, fruits, berries, meat and milk. Just a minute! This is the agricultural southern region of Russia. Well, everything is just very, very tasty! All! Naturally! Huge assortment and choice. For every taste and budget. I won't even dwell on this.

On every corner, in addition to chain stores, there are thousands of small farm shops, kiosks, benches, counters and don’t forget about markets! It still tastes better there. Just sadness and disappointment for someone who is on a diet.

The only thing that was a little disappointing was the bread. An ordinary standard brick. Not very good... both in taste and texture. Everything crumbles, crumbles, tasteless. We tried everything. There is something better, but it can’t be compared with the Kazakh one. Glory to those who raised the Virgin Land! In general, I miss our Rakhat bread and sweets. There is no replacement here.

The prices for the products are quite reasonable, some are cheaper, some are more expensive, I didn’t notice any particular high cost.

Job

Everything is not so rosy here, although not so scary. It is clear that when moving to a new place, in the absence of friends, acquaintances, relatives, in the presence of a very mature age, an endless economic crisis and regional characteristics, it is ridiculous to count on a super job and a high salary. But nevertheless, I worked a month after my arrival, my husband searched for a very long time, not entirely successfully. But for the first time you can definitely find it. The age is serious, so to speak, employers are not willing to hire you everywhere.

In the Republic of Kazakhstan we worked in the production sector, but here it’s a bit difficult. Doctors, teachers, sellers, those who work in the service sector, and drivers have a little easier time.

Well, how can we not mention the gray salaries. Having worked in Kazakhstan for almost 25 years, neither I, nor my husband, nor many of my friends and acquaintances have encountered this. All employment is official only. Here, official employment is perceived as gifts from the gods. Probably, somewhere there are exceptions to the rules and everyone works within the law, but in Stavropol this phenomenon often occurs.

The average salary for the hospital is 20-25 thousand. rubles, although there are probably exceptions.

Steps for a resettlement program participant in 2020

Moving for permanent residence to Russia in a simplified manner can be carried out within the framework of the program for the resettlement of compatriots. It is recommended to follow a certain sequence:

1. Choose the optimal area.
2. Create and send an application.
3. Join the program.
4. Move.
5. Obtain a temporary residence permit.
6. Get a job.
7. Address the application for acquiring state status.

We also read: Moving for permanent residence in Kazakhstan How much does a foreign passport cost in Kazakhstan in 2021

Official registration in Moscow for citizens of Kazakhstan is divided into 2 types:

• guest stay - duration 3 months;
• work permit - issued for the duration of the performance of job duties in accordance with the contract, but not more than 12 months.

Important: long-term permits are issued on the basis of an employment agreement and a petition from the director of the enterprise.

List of documents

A Kazakh planning to move to Russia for permanent residence must begin by obtaining permission to leave his country. Official approval to stay in the state is necessary for employment and further registration of a residence permit. After 5 years of permanent residence in Russia, a Kazakh can submit an application for state status.

Required documents:

• ID card of a citizen of Kazakhstan on the territory of the Russian Federation (original and copy);
• resident card;
• birth certificate for each child;
• photo (as for a passport);
• written application-request (application form for travel for permanent residence from Kazakhstan to Russia);
• diploma defining the level of qualification;
• certificate of marriage or dissolution of marriage;
• approval from family members receiving alimony;
• paper confirming the fact of delivery of a military ID and deregistration;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• a document guaranteeing no criminal record;
• certificate from the employer (confirmation of official employment);
• certificate indicating knowledge of the Russian language.

Residents of a friendly state are not subject to a visa regime. When crossing the Russian border, a migration card is required to be filled out for Kazakh citizens, since it is the card that gives the right to temporarily stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Relocating with a child under the age of majority requires obtaining written permission to leave from the other parent. A child who is already 14 years old has the right to express his opinion about changing his place of residence.

Where to contact

Documents are accepted in both countries:

1. In Kazakhstan - at the Consulate General located in Almaty.
2. In Russia - in the territorial branches of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Each institution has a migration service specialist who provides comprehensive assistance to Kazakhs wishing to move to the Russian Federation.

Terms of consideration

Migration from Kazakhstan to Russia is considered within 30-60 days. A citizen can familiarize himself with the result both electronically and in paper form.

Is it possible to track the status of an application?

The fate of each application is displayed on the official website for migrants. The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan publishes weekly lists of citizens with both positive and negative responses to requests for resettlement.

Important: the absence of an application on the list means that it is being considered by the Authorized Body of the district to which the foreigner has given preference.

Cost of the procedure

The material side of the issue of obtaining Russian citizenship involves paying a state fee in the amount of 3,500 rubles. Relocation through the consulate of Kazakhstan is impossible without paying a fee of $150.

Climate

Having lived through the calendar year, I can say an unequivocal YES to the local climate. Comfortable all seasons. Spring is blooming, beautiful, fragrant; everything blooms instantly, you just need to warm up the sun slightly - and the grass and the first flowers instantly break through the ground. Summer is very comfortable, not hot, green. Autumn is warm for quite a long time, the whole city is simply buried in gorgeous autumn colors, the rains, at least this year, did not cause any particular inconvenience. They were moderate and short-lived, I didn’t notice much dirt.

Winter is peculiar. It was warm until the new year, in January and February there were slight frosts, snow fell, sometimes quite a bit (we lived in a hot, dry climate), but it didn’t cause much trouble either. A couple of times there were transport problems - traffic jams, etc., but the central roads are cleaned, sprinkled with reagents and sand (I drive along Kulakovo to work every day).

What really surprised me was the fogs. In autumn and winter almost every day (although maybe I’m exaggerating), with different visibility, when it’s light, when it’s thicker. But usually by noon they are gone. Also a feature of this city.

There is often a breeze and sometimes there is wind. For us, this is nothing at all; those who know what Kazakh winds are will understand me. If the breeze blows lightly, it is pleasant and not annoying. Well, if with impulses, then of course there is little good, but nevertheless it is not as scary as many describe in the comments.

I won’t say anything about pressure changes, because I don’t feel it at all. Approaching Mikhailovsk, my ears pop.

About allergies: nothing to say either. Our family does not suffer from it, fortunately.

Here you can touch on the topic of places for recreation, there are so many of them: mountains, and springs, and not far from the sea, and the city is full of places for leisure. This has been written about many times.