Reference
Reference
This section briefly explains words you come across in ads, messages and contracts. The definitions are in plain language and describe Russian law; for exact wording, see the official texts of the codes, and if you live elsewhere, check your local rules.
Knowing how an oral deal differs from a written one is useful not only for lawyers. It helps you see in advance where a handshake is enough and where it is better to take a pen and a sheet of paper.
Deals
- Oral form of a deal
- A verbal agreement, with no documents. Under the Russian Civil Code, a deal can be made orally if it is completed at the moment it is made: the item is handed over, the money is received.
- Simple written form
- A document setting out the terms of the deal and signed by both sides. Under Russian law, deals between individuals over 10,000 roubles that are not completed at once must be made in simple written form.
- Receipt
- A short document confirming that money or an item has been handed over. It usually states who is handing what to whom, on what terms and when, and is signed.
- Advance payment
- Paying before you receive the item. In deals with strangers it puts all the risk on the buyer, so without meeting in person and checking the item it is better to refuse.
- Completeness
- Everything that should come with the item: parts, accessories, the charger, documents, the manual. It is worth listing these in the ad and checking them at the meeting.
Work
- Employment contract
- An agreement between employee and employer on the terms of work. Under the Russian Labour Code it is concluded in writing; if the employee has actually been allowed to start work, it must be put in writing within three working days.
- Probation period
- A period at the start of a job when employee and employer check whether they suit each other. The probation clause is written into the employment contract, and during this time the employee enjoys all rights under the contract.
- Civil-law contract
- A contract to do a specific piece of work or provide a service. It is not an employment contract: the person is responsible for the result rather than following the employer's schedule, and employment law protections generally do not apply.
Safety
- Phishing link
- A link to a fake page that looks like a payment, delivery or bank page and asks you to enter card details or codes. Do not trust links sent by strangers in messages.
- SMS code
- A one-time code used to confirm a login or a transaction. It is meant for the owner only. The Bank of Russia reminds people that bank staff never ask for SMS codes, passwords or full card details.
Where these terms appear
- Guides
How to buy second-hand without regrets: steps, mistakes, a checklist. Plus the article catalogue.
- Questions
Short answers on selling and buying, job ads, money and safety.
- Selling (archive) (in Russian)
A note on the old "For sale" section address and a memo on selling something second-hand.
- Jobs (archive) (in Russian)
A note on the old "Jobs" section address and a memo on how to read job ads.
Read next
- Questions
Short answers on selling and buying, job ads, money and safety.
- Collections
Reading paths: your first sale, looking for side work, giving things away or swapping them.
- Updates
A feed of new materials in the guide, with dates and topics.
Sources
- Civil Code of the Russian Federation (arts. 159, 161)
- Labour Code of the Russian Federation (art. 67)
- Bank of Russia: financial literacy materials
Information is correct as of the date the material was prepared. Laws and official guidance change: check current wording of the Russian Civil and Labour Codes in official publications, ask your own bank about its rules, and if you live outside Russia, check the rules that apply in your country.