An experienced Russian traveler named three comfortable countries for relocation: Kyrgyzstan is among them

The man told how relocants earn money, why they get depressed and gave advice to those who are preparing to emigrate.

Konstantin Zyryanov is from Barnaul. At the age of 23 he moved to Moscow. Graduated from the HSE Master’s Program in Media Management. In the capital, he worked a little as a journalist, producer and even a courier. Then he returned to Altai, where he worked as a guide and sold health products via the Internet.

— I have been in the mood for emigration since 2018. I picked up different options, figured out how I would earn money, – says Konstantin. – The priority was three countries where I would like to anchor – Slovakia, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. But while I’m in Goa. In the last year, I became interested in recovery, and Goa is a suitable option for strengthening immunity: here the sun, the sea, and fruits.

I left Russia through Kazakhstan. Then I drove to Kyrgyzstan, where I stayed for two weeks. And from there he flew to India.

– Did you have a desire to stay in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan?

– Kazakhstan is a normal country, there are many opportunities, but it loses to Kyrgyzstan. But I think about Kyrgyzstan. There is gorgeous nature, mild climate. In winter there are no severe frosts, in summer it is not so hot. In autumn I stopped in the city of Karakol. I was waiting for cheap flights to Goa.

Kyrgyzstan seemed to me a freer country than Kazakhstan. She survived several so-called revolutions, as a result, the people achieved a change of power. Now the authorities are afraid of repetition and make decisions in the interests of the people. Courts operate on the principle of justice.

Kyrgyzstan does not have as much oil and gas as Kazakhstan. There is no clan system, when relatives are assigned to good positions. In Kyrgyzstan, the people themselves “pull themselves out by the hair”, get out, look for work, I respect this. I think that Kyrgyzstan is a promising country for me, I can start there.

Plus, life there is cheaper than in Kazakhstan. Surprised by the prices for dental services. One filling with anesthesia cost me 1,500 rubles, teeth cleaning – 1,200, removal – 400, a panoramic shot – 320 rubles.

The Kyrgyz language is quite simple. 80 percent of the local population speaks Russian even among themselves.

The attitude towards the Russians is calm. I specifically went to a public bath, talked with ordinary Kyrgyz. Only one person began to swear at the Russians in the steam room, the rest calmed him down. But that man can be understood, he worked as a guest worker in Moscow, harbored a grudge against the Russians. It seemed to me that the Kyrgyz are quieter than the Kazakhs, I understand them better. I felt at home there.

Of the relocators who moved to Kyrgyzstan, many stayed in the city of Karakol. And they still live there. Someone earns remotely, someone spends savings. You can live there on 20 thousand rubles. If you save, even less will come out.

As for journalism, there is a huge amount of media in Kyrgyzstan, there is room for development.

There is an unplowed field for the development of tourism. You can work as a guide or build a camp site to attract foreigners and Russians.

It is possible to sell products via the Internet: herbs, dried fruits, berries, honey. For example, a kilogram of mountain Tien Shan or barberry honey costs 100 rubles in bulk. In Altai, the cheapest, buckwheat or sunflower honey costs so much.

If you do not run across the road to the locals, but do something unique, the Kyrgyz will only be in favor.

– If Kyrgyzstan is so good, why consider Georgia and Slovakia?

I need to decide where is more comfortable. I analyzed and read a lot and realized that these three countries are the most promising. I do not expect revolutions there. If there is a world economic crisis, they will survive, because each country relies on its own resources. I think I will go to Slovakia in October and spend the winter in Georgia. The plans are to apply for a residence permit, then get citizenship.

“15 thousand rubles a month is enough for the eyes”

Relocants often complain of depression. Are you familiar with this condition?

– Depression did not cover me, because I was mentally prepared for difficulties. But I observed decadent moods among compatriots in Kyrgyzstan. The fact is that many came unprepared.

I talked with the guys who left Russia without a source of income. Many just graduated from the university, did not have time to get on their feet, gain experience. Also, prices have risen in Kyrgyzstan. People dropped their hands.

One guy from Yekaterinburg got a job making sushi, received 1000 rubles per shift, he was provided with housing, but he still felt uneasy. People were afraid to be left without money.

I also worried a little about finances. I expected to spend one amount in Kyrgyzstan, but it turned out more. But when I arrived in Goa, the situation with earnings returned to normal.

I have been making money on the Russian stock exchange as a trader for many years. My capital is approximately 2.9 million rubles. I invest this money in Russian shares, then I sell them. Of course, in Russia I felt more confident, there were opportunities for part-time work, I could start my own business …

– Do you have to save a lot?

– In order not to remain broke, I have been keeping a diary of expenses for four years, fixing all purchases. I understand how long it takes to live. A very useful habit. Many expats do this. People post diaries of their expenses on the Web, I read them for self-education. The diaries of the relocators also compensate for the lively communication that is lacking in emigration.

– You have been living in Goa for six months. How much do you spend there per month?

The biggest expense item is rent. From October to March I rented a large studio for 12,000 rupees (11,700 rubles). Now we rent together with a friend a four-room apartment near the sea for 20 thousand rupees (19,500 rubles), each pays ten.

About 1,000 rupees (975 rubles) per week is spent on food.

Once a week I go by bus to the city, where I buy groceries. I am a vegetarian, so my diet consists mainly of fruits, I buy nuts, seeds, coconuts, almonds. Started eating fish in April. I take fresh mackerel from the fishermen. In the season, ten fish were asked for about 100 rupees (97.5 rubles), now five fish are given for this amount.

In the cafe, giant vegetarian dishes with a drink cost no more than 200 rupees (197 rubles). Mobile Internet costs 300 rupees (292 rubles). 15 thousand rubles a month is enough for the eyes.

Are you ready to sacrifice comfort for a vague future?

— I love quality things, comfortable accommodation and delicious food. But I understand that in order to achieve success in the future, you need to shrink in the present. Yes, emigrants away from their homeland lose their status and high-paying jobs, which they suffer from. But I am ready to sacrifice momentary blessings. Moreover, I come from a poor region, I grew up in the nineties, I know how to live modestly.

— Are there many of our relocators in GOA? And where do people work?

“There are enough relocators. People earn extra money in cafes or act in films. Local producers, casting agents place ads in chats about the recruitment of actors for filming. In addition, people with a European appearance are invited for money to attend the opening of new resorts or cafes. They are required to create extras: fill the space of the institution, eat there, and even get paid for it. Girls are invited to hand out flyers at parties.

Those who have savings open cafes together with Indians, master production: they make cheeses, bake bread, organize the delivery of salads. Some provide massage services, repair equipment, teach yoga.

Those who work remotely get a decent and luxurious life. Because of them, prices for rental housing and scooters have risen in Goa.

The season here lasts from November to March, then the rains begin, cafes, shops, and guest houses close. Tourists are leaving, but there are still many of us here.

— Do the locals know something about the NWO?

– They are aware of events, watch the news, communicate with visitors. Russians are treated well. In terms of NVO, they adhere to a neutral position.

Why don’t you want to stay in Goa?

I’m tired of the Indians. No matter how tolerant and helpful they may be, we have a different cultural level. There are no common interests, there is nothing to talk about with them, except perhaps about household affairs.

I’m also tired of the heat. At 30 degrees, it’s not very successful to do something useful, especially since I don’t have air conditioning in my house. At most I can read and do something around the house. For me, Goa is a test migration. I didn’t mean to stay here. If you live in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia or Slovakia, pump, gain experience, then in Goa you get the feeling that you are wasting time.

“Goa has become a respite”

— You communicate a lot with relocants, do you think people live in the past or the future?

— When you recycle, by inertia you live with your past deeds, past relationships, circumstances. Even if a person left for good or planned the future in another country, he is still interested in what is happening in his homeland.

Everyone discusses the news of Russia. But everyone thinks about the future. For example, one guy left a business related to architecture in Russia. Now he lives in Goa, he was going to enter the master’s program in Slovakia and establish a small project there. Another, while in Goa, looking for a job in Cyprus, passed the first online interview. Another acquaintance organized a small online business.

– Among your friends there are those who returned home?

– There are enough of them. My friend came to Goa from Yekaterinburg, hoping to find a part-time job here or open a business. It didn’t work, he flew back. The second worked in Moscow. In the autumn I succumbed to the general mood and left. First to Kyrgyzstan. From there to Goa. I didn’t save much here, the money quickly ran out. In January he returned to Moscow. He was hired for the same position.

A friend from Barnaul also could not stand it. At home, he has apartments, dachas, business – he could not quit everything.

To summarize, people are returning who were not ready to emigrate, but left, succumbing to the general craze.

In my case, it turned out “measure seven times and cut one”, I nevertheless prepared in advance not only morally, but also made a plan.

The option with Goa is good because you can come here, catch your breath, plan and start preparing for a new life. For many relocators, a break in Goa was a good help in understanding where to go next.

– When you decide on the country of residence, what do you think to do next?

I plan to buy a house, I will be engaged in beekeeping. I will make honey and sell it. I will continue to earn on the stock exchange.

– Do you have any plans to visit Russia yet?

– I’m thinking of going to Barnaul in June. There are no obstacles to return, but there is no desire to stay there either. I want to visit relatives, friends, sell some of my things. I’m thinking of transferring my share in the apartment to my mother in case she decides to exchange housing. My former tourists also contacted me and asked me to organize a tourist trip. If I’m late, maybe I’ll work as a guide there.

– Do you miss your homeland?

I miss you, but I don’t want to go back. Just for a while to see relatives. I don’t know the feeling of nostalgia. Maybe if there were some strains in Goa, then I would have a different mood. Although I admit that I can finally return to Barnaul in my old age, when I can no longer earn money.