sazor

I'm not arguing that it's difficult for an average Russian. My point is that "conscience" or its absence has little to do with your ability to leave. You don't have to be "mafia" or some sort of hustler.

It's easier for some professions as they have more mobility and skills are transferable. But I've seen people from all sorts of backgrounds.

There are some folks involved into crypto/gambling/other questionable companies but I would say they're minority and rarely move to EU/UK/US because of regulations and taxes.

Software engineering is (was) an affordable way to climb the social ladder. It is not impossible at all. SWE could have easily earn 5k+ USD which is enough to leave.

I'm not from an even remotely wealthy family, not a mafia and was able to move to the EU. Not exceptional by any means.

The appeal and selling point of Airbnb experiences was local guides and small groups compared to Viator with more traditional group tours. In my experience it was quite good in Europe at the beginning. But now prices are just too high to justify, like 200+ euros for few hours walking tour.

The worst part is Germany as usual. Had to change some trains with buses on Gdansk-Berlin route.

Other than that it was quite good and on schedule. I’ve used railpass so it was also cheap enough.

My longest voyage was Moscow-London back in the days when Moscow-Berlin and Moscow-Paris trains existed (pre-covid).

Not citizen but resident of EU country.

Last summer Spain’s Renfe offered huge discount for a pass for people under 31. Only for paper version though which is slightly less convenient but worth it anyway. I guess other eu countries could have similar seasonal discounts.

Trainline support most of the Europe. Used it from Poland to Portugal, not much of a hassle.

It does miss some regional train tickets which could be found on local platforms but major lines are covered fine.

Spain has special tax regime applicable to high qualified workers (in any region) and nomads (in some regions currently) who haven’t been tax resident in Spain for last 5 years (ie relocated recently). It’s 24% flat (under 600k per year) IRPF tax for 5 years.

Also, capital gains outside of Spain sourced income are not taxed in Spain.

Social security contributions are paid in full same as usual tax residents.

Tax treaty doesn’t apply for such tax residents though and it complicates taxes in general.