Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/28/13
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?
I have lived in Mexico before.
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?
From New York it's a direct 10-hour flight from Moscow.
3. How long have you lived here?
Currently at the end of a two-year tour.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Posted with the Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
On compound housing, city apartments (varies from 20 minute walk to 45 minute metro ride), and housing in the suburbs - Pokrovsky and Rosinka - the latter is a bit far from the center.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The Embassy commissary has a decent stock, though pricey. Most basic products (bread, milk, eggs, etc) are available in Russian grocery stores.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Protein bars/health supplements.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food is about 25% more expensive than the U.S. and more U.S. chains are becoming available. Sit down restaurants have good lunch deals, but become 50% more expensive than the U.S. for dinner. Customer service quality varies greatly, though it's getting better. This is a difficult city for vegetarians.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not a major issue.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch, it has some restrictions.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I pay about about US$30 for 4 hours of cleaning, from a Philippina.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy gym is sufficient and decently priced, with a basketball/volleyball court, racquetball court, weight room, cardio machines, pool.
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?
I usually use cash and get money at the Embassy cashier or Embassy ATM. Some vendors only accept Russian credit cards.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Moscow times, Moscow News, expat newsletters.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Russian significantly helps. In tourist areas or diplomatic functions, English is sufficient but knowing Russian makes everything much easier, especially in the regions outside Moscow.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The Metro isn't very disabled friendly, at least the older stations.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The Metro is reasonably safe and efficient. Trams also work well. Taxis are inconvenient - you have to call cab services and they tend to take a long time to arrive to pick you up. One can also pick up gypsy cabs on the street but this isn't recommended and you need to speak Russian.
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 barely used my car here - driving is a bit chaotic.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Beeline, about US$40 per month. Fast enough for streaming.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Embassy provides cell phone. With an unlocked smartphone you can transfer the embassy number to it.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Some kennels, there is one vet that most people in the embassy go through.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business dress most of the year.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
RSO will provide more information on security concerns unique to Russia. With the exception of skinheads, violent street crime is probably less common than in most urban areas in the U.S. I don't have a problem walking the streets.
2. 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?
Seems ok, I don't particularly notice any problems.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There is a constant snow cover from early November until April. December to February it's very cold, for weeks on end; it won't get warmer than -10C. Summers are pleasant but short. Days are very short in December with very little sunshine - beware of your psychological health at this time of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. 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?
Not sure. Lots of embassy folks have Philippina nannies.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large - there are large diplomatic, student, and professional communities from around the world, though you have to seek them out.
2. Morale among expats:
Varies significantly depending on one's expectations and reaction to the weather/local culture/work environment/etc.
3. 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's always tons going on, though the nightlife scene can be a hassle due to face control. Lots of diplomatic and cultural events during the week.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Decent for all - CLO makes an effort to create family-friendly events. Fine for couples - lots to do around the city. It can be tough for singles - Russians aren't the most sociable bunch, so it will take work to build a network of friends. Probably harder for single females, who tend to date within the embassy/expat community. Slightly easier for single males, though the foreigner cache is diminished from the 1990's. Speaking Russian helps, but Russians that don't speak English tend to be less interested in meeting foreigners.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Most Russians support recent legislation that makes it a crime to promote homosexuality. Moscow supposedly has a gay scene, though it's not in the open. Gays will not find a very welcoming atmosphere here.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes - lots of tensions between ethnic Russians and people from the Caucuses, so anyone with Middle Eastern/Indian/Latino ancestry will likely receive some hostility. Some black diplomats I know don't travel on the metro at night. Russians are less hostile to those with Oriental features, but still look down on them. Most bars and clubs have "face control," which is blatantly discriminatory. The Embassy is also not very diverse, so you won't find many people that will understand the difficulties of life in Moscow. ender attitudes tend to be pretty chauvinistic.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Sightseeing, museums, decent nightlife.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Sightseeing, museums, art events, going out.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Handicrafts, souvenirs, etc.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Metro makes it easy to get around the city. Moscow is a good base for traveling to Europe and Middle East. There are lots of art and cultural events and tons of sight seeing.
11. Can you save money?
With the high COLA, yes, but this would mean not traveling, which is necessary, especially during the dark winter. Going out is quite pricey.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No - the work is fascinating, but the people are simply too hostile, and the poor food and weather makes it worse.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Smile and ego.
3. But don't forget your:
Winter coat, boots and thick skin.
4. Do you have any other comments?
I know many people who love Moscow, others who are ambivalent, and others who dislike it. It is important to be honest with yourself about what you're looking for out of the expat experience here and whether your personality will jive with the local culture.
