Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 11/03/18
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 served at nine overseas posts.
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?
My home country is the USA, and I live on the East Coast. The trip is roughly 16 hours; it's eight or so hours from the East Coast to Europe, then another three plus to post (plus in-between time).
3. How long have you lived here?
About 15 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic posting.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is good and well-maintained. There are two primary areas of housing. One is on the embassy compound and/or city apartments relatively close to the embassy (anywhere from 15-45 minute walk or 20 or fewer via the wonderful metro) and the other is near the Anglo-American School (AAS) in the Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo District in the north-west of Moscow (without traffic 20 minutes or less up to 45-60 minutes during high traffic). Note due to the great bus, taxi, Uber/Gett/Yandex, metro system getting around Moscow is easy, even for those without Russian.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Almost everything is available generally at lower than US prices, except (for me) good cheese, though some is available. The US commissary does a good job in filling in any gaps.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not a thing, except maybe cheese (:-)
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are many many many good bars, restaurants, and food take out/delivery services available. Great!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Most embassy employees use the embassy mailroom via unclassified pouch. Great service and transit times of fewer than two weeks to a bit more than during peak (Christmas holiday) periods.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I do not have any personal insight but I do know many folks here use both Russian and expat (Filipino, etc) help. I understand the prices are reasonable. The embassy can also assist with work visas and contracts as needed.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
US Embassy gym/pool is fine and easy to use. I also see several other facilities around town but don't really know much about hem.
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?
Credit card use at the large/main shops and restaurants is fine. I would not use them at the small mom-and-pop stores. Many use local ATMs but the standard recommendation is only use the two ATMs on the embassy compound. I don't use ATMs but cash a check at the embassy cashier.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
On compound has a small Catholic service. I know the CLO knows of more but must admit I'm not sure what other English-language services are available, though suspect they are minimal.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The more the better as always, but here in Moscow I am Russian-illiterate and if I can make it around here; if I can, anyone can. Between Google translate, a few words of directions and numbers, and learning how to read the Cyrillic alphabet you can and will do fine here. Trust me, if I can do it anyone can.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Getting around on the streets could be a challenge. For example the tremendous metro system relies upon stairs that for those with physical disabilities can be a challenge.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, yes, yes! Best metro in the world.
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?
One doesn't really need a car just for Moscow, though it can be helpful when shopping at one of the larger bulk stores (Metro, Ashan). In general, normal around-town cars are appropriate. Theft is not an issue, but because I don't have one here I cannot comment on services/parts. I should add that I haven't heard of this being an issue here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. The worst case is typically two-three weeks to get Internet access. Speeds are generally good.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
For employees using the embassy's provided local cell phones you can call anywhere around the world; it's a great service! I understand for those that provide their own cell service prices are reasonable for local and International calling.
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 and great service; even as needed on call and visiting you!
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?
On embassy jobs are plentiful. The CLO will know more about outside expat jobs and I have heard of several working for one of the schools, in particular AAS.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many, they are only limited by your outgoingness and energy.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Standard business dress, but nothing overbearing or too informal.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In my opinion, not much other than feeling the occasional security presence, as well as some of the concerns found in any big city if you are not smart. Moscow is in my opinion safer than most large US cities.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No particular health concerns of which I am aware. There are several good European medical facilities available.
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?
Decent. No particular concerns.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
You can increasingly find gluten-free products at the embassy commissary as well as locally.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Nothing of which I am aware, though the winter can be long cloudy and damp.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
This last summer (2018) was spectacular: warm, long, dry, and wonderful though that was, I understand, a bit unusual. It is generally cool here and not unusual to have a fair bit of rain with of course cold and snowy winters.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The Anglo-American School (AAS) has an outstanding reputation, and everyone I spoke with loved it.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I do not know but have heard about some accommodations managed.
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?
Yes.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Expat community is relatively large and form what I know (limited) morale is generally good. People like it here.
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?
The embassy has plenty of ways to socialize as well as the natural communities near AAS.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for both. For those with kids the school is a natural draw. It's a good school, and a good community.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not great, but seems to be some progress.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are issues here but again the situation seems to be gradually improving.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The embassy community is great and supportive. Just walking around and enjoying the shops and restaurants and bars of Moscow has been a pleasure.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are great city and regional trips which only limited by your energy, time, and willingness to get out and try things There are amazingly interesting monasteries and cities and buildings and sites in Moscow and in the region.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Ismailovo (Izmaylovo) market is amazing. You'll love it (plus great shashlik = kabobs).
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Great metro to get anywhere; reasonable pricing and everything is available.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing in particular but be sure to bring warm gear.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Lots of hot weather gear/wear.
4. But don't forget your:
Cold weather gear.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Though outdated "Bears in the Caviar." It's a great and hilarious book.
6. Do you have any other comments?
The work at the embassy in incredibly meaningful and impactful and living and working in Moscow is simply GREAT! I wasn't sure what to expect before I came here, but my Moscow experience has been much much much better than I could have or did expect. Enjoy it!
