Thread:Kiadony/@comment-5916303-20150313162115/@comment-1746153-20150321172207

Well, Finland actually likes it when us Russians spend our money there - in fact, St. Petersburg citizens even get special privileges when it comes to getting their multi-visa. You are, however, expected to spend more time in Finland than in other countries (they don't appreciate it when you just drive through them straight to other countries). It's easy though since Finland is really close, you can comfortably drive there, stay for a while and come back all in one day. There are rules about bringing goods across but usually they apply to those trying to take too much - in which case they need to declare them. It's mostly to prevent unlicensed reselling.

Driving across the EU is bliss. Flying is even better according to my brother - no passport controls or anything (especially when you don't have much luggage). My best moment would be crossing the mountains between Poland and Czech Republic - during a thunderstorm.

And, well, Russia is pretty damn corrupted as well, and we don't have many people who travel often (again, St. Petersburg is somewhat special in being close to Europe, both in location and culture). I can't say that my family is rich - we are simply huge travel enthusiasts who specifically save money for that purpose. Otherwise our lives are pretty ascetic. In order to be actually rich and successful, you have to have connections, which we don't.