Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 02/17/14
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?
No. I have also lived in Surabaya, Indonesia.
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?
Salt Lake City, Utah. Moscow-LAX-SCL or connecting in NYC - about 15-16 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
13 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of Government Employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Lots of options. Pokrovsky Hills is adjacent to the Anglo-American school and is a great place for families with school-aged kids.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can get almost anything here, but groceries and household supplies are expensive. Moscow is just an expensive city.
3. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Some mosquitoes in the summer.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Definitely available.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
At the U.S. Embassy there is a gym available. Also at the Anglo American school families can use the work-out facilities as well.
3. 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 use the ATM at the Embassy and the school.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The more, the better.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The Moscow metro system is amazing. Affordable and inexpensive.
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?
People bring all sorts of cars.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Around US$100 a month.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes.
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?
Moderate pollution.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Of course cold winters. Snow beginning in October and stays until April. Summer is absolutely beautiful here. Winter is long, cold and dark.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Everyone I know sends their kids to the Anglo-American School. In my opinion, a great school. We have been very pleased with it.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Plenty of options through the Anglo-American school.
Expat Life:
1. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Circus,museums, ballet, opera, parks.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
