Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/13/13
Personal Experiences from Moscow, Russia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC. 13 hours with one connection
3. How long have you lived here?
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are four types, the compound, Rosinka (furthest out), Pokrovsky(by AAS), and city apartments (15-60 min from the Embassy). Families of school aged children do not get placed in city apartments due to the school bus routes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are very high. We buy whatever we can through Amazon. We have to get anything liquid or alcoholic locally due to the shipping rules. The Embassy has a commissary you can use with a membership. It has a pretty good variety considering its size but it is also expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Extra medicine, especially things like NyQuil, exta virgin olive oil, nail polish, kids' clothes in bigger sizes. You can get all of these things here but they are soooooo much more expensive or just inconvenient to get.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Every possible fast food place except for Arby's and Taco Bell. Old Arbat has 2 Cinnabon's for some reason. The cost is higher than in the US, but the price for everything is higher here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Mail comes through the pouch and there are a TON of restrictions. It is a total pain, but like anything else you make do and adapt. It also takes 3-4 weeks to get anything, so you have to be patient.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very plentiful Filipino and Russian domestic help, charging US$8-10 per hour. They range from fantastic to awful. You have to be thorough when you are hiring.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Embassy has a small, kind of run down gym. AAS has a nicer gym that Pokrovsky residents can use. There are others on the economy but they are super-expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We have become a cash family, using the ATMs at the embassy to replenish when needed. From the stories we have heard, cash is the safest way to go.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, not sure what denominations, but definitely Catholic and Jewish.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Moscow Times is in English. All embassy housing gets access to AFN.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I know the alphabet and a few dozen words. I get by just fine.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot of difficulties. The city is not made for the disabled in any way. It is hard to get around with strollers too.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are express trains to the airports and the metro is awesome. Both are very cheap and reliable. The metro is the best deal in the city, plus they are beautiful. I would not take a taxi or a bus, for safety reasons.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I was worried that we'd need a big SUV, but just about every car you can imagine is here. They really do an excellent job of clearing the roads, and I have seen all types of cars do just fine on the roads.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, for about US$30 a month. Usually pretty good. We stream a lot of videos. There are also free wifi hotspots throughout the city.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have an embassy-issued phone that works great.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No, but they do need the proper documentation from the States to avoid any issues at the airport.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Moscow appears to be a very pet-friendly city with lots of access to vets and large pet stores.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Nope.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress code is regular business attire: same as DC.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Um, yes....those are all things you get briefed on prior to coming and once you are here. Using the most basic common sense, I have always felt safe walking around the city, even on my own.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
We have a med unit at the Embassy and the staff is amazing. Fortunately we haven't needed to use it yet.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Awful. The air is usually a challenge year-round.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is beautiful six months out of the year (May-Oct), which was a pleasant surprise. We were expecting nine months of winter before we got here. Now that we have experienced a winter, I can say it is really cold but very manageable with the proper gear.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I have two kids in the elementary school, and they really love it. It is both challenging and fun for them and the school lunches are excellent!
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
From what I heard, they really don't have the resources to accommodate special needs.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There's daycare and preschool on the NEC, but there are families who have also used local Russian options and the Montessori school near AAS.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
AAS offers great after-school activities. Others have signed up for soccer and baseball on expat teams for kids.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is no shortage of things to do in the city. Just about anything you can imagine is here.
3. Morale among expats:
Unfortunately, it seems a lot of the community hates it, or at least dislikes it enough to be counting the days left. We have enjoyed our time here, but I think that is mostly because of how we managed our attitudes and expectations. If you don't give this place a chance and keep an open mind, you will be miserable.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families...rough for singles, especially men, who suddenly become 10 times better looking when they get off the plane.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I have heard that it is not a gay-friendly place.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Very much so. Still lots of xenophobia.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Cheap flights to Europe. We are able to get away every couple of months quite affordably and see various cities.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
All the typical touristy things like Red Square, gum, etc. There are lots of good places to eat and you can actually find some good deals.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nesting dolls, artwork, or a fur coat, if you'd like one.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Tons of culture and history. It is amazing to just walk around the city center.
11. Can you save money?
Yes. We save a ton of money by not eating out very often and shopping on Amazon for cheap staples. Even with the occasional trips, we can save money.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bad attitude. If you want to keep all of the conveniences you get in the States, you need to live in the States!
3. But don't forget your:
Sense of humor, common sense, and warm weather gear because the summers are beautiful and beaches are just a short flight away!
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Nicholas and Alexandra (Modern Library)
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a hardship post. It is a challenging, difficult place to live but there is also a lot of good here. The people at work have been great, the sights are beautiful, and it is unlike anywhere else. I feel very lucky I had the chance to live here for a short while.
