Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/26/16
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, not my first post. This is number 8.
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?
Nashville, TN. 2 stops. About a 15 hour trip.
3. How long have you lived here?
Over 1 year
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I live in an apartment 1.5 miles to the embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Not like the US but you can find most staple items here. Commissary has US goods at higher cost.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I can get the basics here
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Plenty of restaurants including McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and the like. There are plenty of Russian, Georgian and sushi places too.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I have seen.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No local post. No DPO. Incoming personal pouch averages about 10 days. Outgoing takes about 3 weeks because of bottleneck in Dulles.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Mainly Filipinos with some Russians mixed in. Not sure of the cost as I don't use them, but it is cheaper than DC.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy has a good gym. Not sure about outside.
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?
Yes they are accepted but I don't use them much. I cash check at embassy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic service at the embassy. Mormon and non-denominational close to the embassy.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Yes, you will need some Russian when shopping. But I have very low level and have few problems. Many food delivery sites are in English and there are English menus in many places.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Maybe a little but most metros and stairwells have elevators or ramps.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, they are safe and affordable. Very efficient. MUCH better than DC
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?
Any car is fine. They keep the snow off the roads in the winter. Outside of Moscow is another deal.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
You can have it installed once you get your dip credentials. But it is slow. You can get a 4G modem and it is faster but reliability will depend upon signal. It is cheap as well. Not more than US$50 monthly.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Embassy does provide a phone. Most people use those. No limitations on calls. Can call US for free. Few use local phones but the prepaid ones here are cheap.
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?
Yes, there are and they are cheaper than the US. Good service and even in-home service if needed.
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?
Plenty of jobs for EFM's in the embassy. None really outside that I know of.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Depends on your position. Mostly business attire.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None if you behave yourself. Being out late at night and being drunk can make you a target.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not really. We have a good MED unit at the embassy and more serious things get you medevaced to London or US.
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?
It is good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Nothing unless you are allergic to the cold.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD may be something to consider. Winter time can be dark for long periods of time but it is the opposite in the summer. There is plenty to do in and around Moscow so keep yourself busy. It is also cheap to travel to many parts of Europe and Asia.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely cold in the winter with snow and mild in the summer.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Plenty but I have no experience with them.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure, no kids here
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?
Embassy AECA has preschool.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Plenty
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
HUGE. I think morale is good. The CLO does a great job with plenty of activities. There is a good support structure at the embassy.
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?
Plenty in and out of the embassy.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is good for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not really. Russian are not known for their support of LGBT.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I have seen.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The history is amazing here. Moscow is a safe and organized city.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Russian art and festivals. Great concerts all the time.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Russian handicrafts are great. Plenty of historical and USSR items here.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Easy to get around. Not terribly expensive. COLA and differential is great.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I knew what I was coming to.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, you get great money here and there is plenty of support.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Beachwear.
4. But don't forget your:
Heavy coats and hats.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Too many to mention.
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a great post. For some reason it gets a bad rap and not as many bidders as there should be. But the money is good and the work is exciting.
