Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/11/15
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
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?
Brazil. A long 15-hour haul from there to Moscow, connecting in any major European airport.
3. How long have you lived here?
Spent 6 months there in 2007-2008
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Grad student when I lived in Moscow
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Everything is available - this is Europe's largest metropolis. Most expats live in modern and renovated apartments in downtown, but I, as a grad student at the time, stayed in a student dorm (obschezhitie) in Yugozapadnie district, a calm if isolated area.
2. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Yes, available and ubiquitous, including all major Western chains as well as Russian alternatives such as Teremok. Slightly pricier than in the US.
3. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Only occasional mosquitoes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Regular mail is usually fine, but not if you must be absolutely sure your package will arrive on time - use DHL or similar services.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I went to the gym at my university (MGIMO) and costs were really low - only a few thousand rubles per semester.
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?
Credit cards can be used in most places, except for local grocery stores and small markets. ATMs are almost ubiquitous and usually safe.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Yes, it's possible to survive in Moscow with only basic Russian skills - I did it - but you'll enjoy the city far more if you have a stronger grasp of the language. Warning: understanding the cyrillic alphabet is absolutely essential, or you won't even be able to read street signs and find your way home.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, definitely. The metro is entirely suitable for people with disabilities, and very few buildings and public areas are adapted to their needs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Moscow has probably the world's best metro system, with fast, safe and frequent trains, a very modern comprehensive network of lines and (cherry on top!) some gorgeous and highly photogenic stations. Taxis are safe, but a bit expensive - it's cheaper to stop any random car (gypsy cab), but this will require a reasonable command of Russian. Buses are good and cheap, but mind the heavy traffic.
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?
You can easily survive without a car in Moscow, where the metro system is second to none in efficiency, but I would recommend an SUV if you want to be respected by rowdy Russian drivers and navigate countryside roads with ease.
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?
Few. Excellent Russian skills are required, and red tape is a considerable issue in Russia.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal. Russians tend to dress up, especially women.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In spite of its reputation as an aggressive city, Moscow is actually quite safe, provided you take some elementary security precaution.
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 - not ideal, but still far better than Beijing or Delhi, for instance.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Long, harsh and dark winters add up to half the year (October to April), but spring, summer and fall are very mild and pleasant.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Quite large, with over a hundred embassies plus many journalists and tens of thousands of foreign businessmen and students, but it's not a very cohesive community, since this is a huge city. Morale tends to be good, albeit less so in winter. Major exception: those who moved to Russia with strong prejudices against the country aren't usually in a good mood!
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?
Enjoying music concerts, house parties, clubs, university classes, fine restaurants... Moscow is not cheap but offers something for everyone, literally. Again, speaking Russian with confidence helps but is not indispensable.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is an excellent posting for single men and women. Also great for couples, as long as both have the right spirit, and works very well for families with young kids too, provided they are ready to meet the considerable expenses involved in raising a child in Moscow. If you have a grown-up child, bear in mind the need for him or her to have basic Russian skills to enjoy Moscow.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes and no. There is a lively LGBT scene, as would be expected of a city this large and varied, but many Russians are homophobic these days.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Few religious or gender prejudices, but racism is a real issue in Moscow, sadly. Anyone who does not look white/caucasian will often be treated differently - varying from mild derision to downright hostile attitudes.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Taking the Transsiberian from Moscow all the way to Beijing, visiting about 12 cities and the Baikal on the way.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
This is one of the world's great cities, with a cultural, social and entertainment scene to match. From ballets at the Bolshoi to glitzy nightclubs, from jazz clubs and classical concerts to picnics at Gorky park, you can do pretty much anything you want in Moscow.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Experiencing Russia's uniquely rich and complex culture, traveling across the country all the way to Siberia), enjoying Moscow's musical scene and meeting Russian friends.
9. Can you save money?
It's possible, but you need some discipline, as there are many ways to live extravagantly in Moscow!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I had a stronger command of Russian before moving there!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, definitely!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Prejudices about Russia. At first you may be bothered by the fact that almost nobody smiles in public in Moscow, but learn to break the ice and you'll find out than Russians can be extremely warm, friendly and loyal friends.
4. But don't forget your:
Warm clothes! Obviously they can be bought in Moscow, but prices are considerably higher than in most Western capitals.
