Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 01/13/25
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 also had previous diplomatic assignments in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
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?
Washington, DC area. No direct flights to Europe due to sanctions. Most flights to the United States transit through Doha or Istanbul.
3. How long have you lived here?
Several months into a 2-3 year assignment.
4. What years did you live here?
Arrived in Summer 2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Part of the U.S. Embassy. Very few expats from the United States or Europe in Moscow at present. I wouldn't recommend any expat come here without being part of a diplomatic mission at the moment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The U.S. Embassy primarily has housing on the Embassy compound. A mix of modern apartments and older townhouses/ multi-unit apartments within townhouse-style buildings. There is also somewhat nicer housing about 30-40 minutes away from the Embassy (PH), although commutes can stretch up to an hour due to traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is readily available and costs are comparable to the DC area. Several nice grocery stores within a 10-15 minute walk of the Embassy. Many people use grocery and food delivery services.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We ship diapers and a few other bulky baby supplies in the mail for convenience. They are also available locally.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Restaurants are lovely and there is a wide variety of cuisine options. A night out at a nice restaurant for two people, including wine, totals around $100-$150. For delivery services, you need to have a Russian debit card from SberBank or another Russian bank. This is now mandatory for Embassy staff.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
It takes 3-6 weeks for DPO, depending on the time of year. We ordered additional cold weather gear from Lands End and LL Bean after the first snowfall.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is very common. Housekeepers and nannies are from Russia or former USSR countries. Many speak limited amounts of English. $10-15 an hour. New MFA regulations have made hiring staff more complicated. Payments must be in local currency and formal contracts are required.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a gym and indoor pool that are quite popular.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Lots of nearby hiking trails and expansive parks. Bike riding is popular in the summer.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You must use a Russian debit card as no Western cards work due to sanctions. All new arrivals must receive Sberbank or similar debit cards. The Embassy facilitates the transfer of funds from U.S. accounts. Many expats choose to primarily use cash.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are Catholic and Protestant churches with English-language services.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
This is a challenge. Most people in Moscow do not speak English. Local language classes/ tutors are available. Some spouses have enrolled in formal language programs on the local economy.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, many difficulties. Most stores and restaurants are accessed via stairs. The metro stops often do not have elevators. Walking routes often require crossing under the street using stairs. Even using a stroller can be tricky.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The metro is cheap, clean, and quite beautiful. Trains show up every two minutes. It takes you all over the city. Yandex is a popular taxi app.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Many expats choose not to own vehicles due to the ease of public transportation in Moscow.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is available through the Embassy. Bring a router.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local phone plans are easy to set up upon arrival. Bring an unlocked phone.
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?
There is a vet that makes house calls. Many people have dogs and cats. The compound has several dog runs. Import and export of pets is pretty straightforward. Qatar Air via Doha is the most popular route for folks with pets coming from DC.
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?
Tons of positions at the Embassy for spouses and teens. Check out the FAMER for the latest.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Some charity work is possible via churches.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Standard Embassy (business casual for most, suits for some) dress code. Formal dress for the Marine Ball (and possibly the King's Ball).
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Police state = no petty crime. We feel very safe walking around the city, even late at night.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The Embassy’s health unit is great. Good dental care and basic medical services locally. MEDEVAC point is London for major surgeries.
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?
A long winter means less seasonal allergies for most.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
If you do not speak Russian and have food allergies, learn the necessary phrases to order safely. Translation apps are getting better and better.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD is a challenge for many due to the long, dark winters. Some find it difficult to “turn off” from work due to the nature and pace of engagement.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is certainly a cold weather post. Russians embrace the long winter and there is an abundance of winter sports and activities to keep busy. The malls often have indoor play centers for families.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are two primary international schools used by the Embassy: Brookes and the International School of Moscow (ISM). Parents are happy with both. ISM tends to be the preferred school for younger children while older children are attracted by Brookes’ IB program.
Buses take the children to and from school. The days can be a bit long due to the commute times (30 mins for ISM, 45 mins for Brookes). Neither the Embassy compound or PH is very close to the schools. AAS has been closed for several years (a very sad and dramatic event for those that were impacted by its sudden closure). There are a couple of other schools some individual families use: German, French, etc.
2. 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?
The preschool cooperative on the compound that families used for many, many years is no longer operational. There are a few English-speaking preschools within a 15-25 minutes walk from the compound. A Russian-speaking preschool is even closer. Most require children to be 1-year-old and walking prior to attending.
No before-care or after-care at the international schools.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The Embassy has a few sports classes for adults and children. A few sports are available through the schools. Most (all?) sports classes on the local economy are taught in Russian.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The overall expat community in Moscow shrunk dramatically several years ago in response to the war in Ukraine and international sanctions on Russia. It is quite small and primarily diplomatic. Some people really enjoy living in Moscow (a large, vibrant, international city). Others are more impacted the long winters, the stress of world events, and the limited/ expensive travel options.
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?
There is an International Women’s Club. Many people make friends through work or school.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families seem to be happy here: there are good schools, qualified nannies, pretty parks and playgrounds. Singles/ couples may find it difficult due to the smaller expat community.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It may not be advisable to make close local friends in the current environment.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. The Russian government has made increasingly hostile remarks regarding the LGBT community.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The art, music, and dance scene is vibrant.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Moscow is an incredible city with a deep history. It would be impossible to see everything/ explore all of the museums and neighborhoods in just a few years.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is easy to save money here if you choose not to travel outside the country regularly. High differential for a very safe, modern, cosmopolitan city.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The embassy community is restricted in terms of travel within Russia/ outside of Moscow. I would love to be able to travel around Russia, but likely will not have the opportunity to do so. I was also surprised by the challenges related to the language. Signs are mostly exclusively in Cyrillic. Very few people in the service industry speak English.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes! Many people choose to extend.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Sense of privacy.
4. But don't forget your:
cold weather gear is a must + good snow boots and warm socks. Lots of walking to get to the grocery store or nearest restaurants to the compound.
