Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 07/12/09
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?
Second.
2. How long have you lived here?
Currently in Moscow; arrived summer 2008.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy employee.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
10 hours from the U.S.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
City apartments: 20-minute commute; Pokrovsky Hills: 1 hour door-to-door; Rosinka: an extremely painful commute.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can buy everything, but good fruit in the winter is very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pricey.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
$8-10 per hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
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?
Fine.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by with numbers and basics, but it is a challenge.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, and they are excellent.
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 wont drive much, as traffic is a nightmare. Bring extra window-washer fluid. No need for special tires.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
$40 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
Seem to be.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Everyone looks nice all the time. Leave the sweats behind.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate in the city; fine in the burbs.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty theft. I feel safe walking at night and running early in the morning.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Long & cold winters; brillant but short summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I only know about the Anglo-American School where most of the expats go. The elementary schools seems to have more complaints about the lack of rigor and out-of-control children. I have never heard such nastiness on a playground. The middle school and high school seem much better. The facilities are great and staff are professional.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They are beginning a program, but your child's needs should be discussed before coming, so you have realistic expectations.
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, several choices.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Soccer is the strongest program. They also have baseball and basketball.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large.
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?
Very active.
3. Morale among expats:
It varies depending on job satisfaction. Most non-working spouses are a bit bored, as winter can be long and getting around is a challenge.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families and single guys.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
You wouldn't think so, but those we know who could answer this say they have no complaints.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
No.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It wouldn't be my first choice, but not the last. Two years is perfect here.
