Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/25/08
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?
Madrid, Frankfurt.
2. How long have you lived here?
One year.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of a government employee.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Flights from many major U.S. cities such as Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, etc. Flight time from the East Coast is approximately 10 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Government employees live at the Embassy, in city apartments, at Pokrovsky Hills or at Rosinka. The embassy and most apartments are located near the city center, Pokrovsky is only about 12 miles North but it can take over an hour to get there with traffic and Rosinka is even further out. The expat community is spread across the city from Rosinka to apartments in the center.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There is a small commissary on the embassy with American products. Selection is good but prices are high. There are grocery stores within walking distance of most homes... Ramstore, Perekristock, Achan, etc.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Liquids!! Can't be sent through the mail and they are expensive here (spray and wash, liquid hand soap, etc.).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Subway, TGI Fridays, Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks (limited menu), lots of cafes, coffee shops and more expensive local restaurants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have access to APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many Russians and Filipinos have been working for embassy families for years. Nannies average US$1,000/month and domestic help ranges depending on hours and services.
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 Citibank ATM machines at the Embassy and have never had a problem.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Protestant, Church of Latter Day Saints, and probably more that I'm not aware of.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Embassy families get AFN at no cost. The Moscow Times is a local daily newspaper in English and can be found for free at many stores or restaurants.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You'll at least need a survival course to get by since many Muscovites don't know English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The city is not handicap accessible.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right hand side.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There is an extensive metro system that is cheap and run frequently. Taxis are not considered to be safe or regulated. Buses are also plentiful.
3. 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?
The roads are horrible, constantly under construction and very crowded. Driving can be dangerous and accidents are frequent. You should not bring a brand new vehicle and an AWD or 4X4 is best in the winter months.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, we use a company called Corbina that costs US$40/month at the Embassy. Service does go down with some frequency.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
You can buy local cell phones with SMS cards. Service is reliable.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Vonage or Skype.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, the embassy CLO has a list of available services for animals.
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?
There are jobs in teaching, the financial field and miscellaneous jobs that are listed in The Moscow Times.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Professional at work... casual in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There have been some concerns for people out late at night, minorities, and there are the common big city issues such as pickpocketing..
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The Embassy has its own clinic. More serious cases are referred to the European Medical Clinic which has a decent reputation and there are various dental clinics as well.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Warm and often rainy in the summer, cold in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We currently have our children at AAS but will be moving our elementary school aged child because we are EXTREMELY dissatisfied with the administration (Tony Simone, principal). Our child has had to put up with foul language in the classroom, a yelling teacher, a lack of communication between the teachers and the home and an unsupportive administration that does not respect embassy parents. The curriculum is far behind VA public schools in Fairfax County. The middle school experience has been much better. The principal is responsive and respectful, the teachers communicate with parents and the curriculum is closer to what you would find back home. There is a British School at Rosinka along with two others that have been established just recently and have gained respect: English International School and International School of Moscow. The other alternative is the Christian Missionary School called Hinkson.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
AAS will make no accommodations for special needs or children functioning above grade level.
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?
The Embassy has a very well run daycare and preschool with an American curriculum. There are also Russian pre-schools as well as a Montessori school nearby.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
It seems to be okay... families with kids get them involved in English league sports, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, etc. There are book clubs, an American Club and an International Women's Club that is large.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
You can make it what you want it to be.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
As long as you know some Russian, don't mind some physical aggression, a high cost of living and traffic, it can be a fine city for singles, couples and families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are monthly reports of racial prejudices.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visiting the Kremlin and Red Square, nearby cities to see/buy Matroyshka dolls and porcelain, museums and parks, ice skating in the parks during the winter, taking a train trip to St. Petersburg.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wooden lacquer boxes, wooden dolls, paintings, etc.
9. Can you save money?
NO!!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, but I would investigate the school choice better before coming.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bikini.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience when it comes to pushing and shoving in lines.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Tolstoy and other famous Russian authors.
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Tolstoy and other famous Russian authors.
