Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/29/09
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?
No, 3rd expat experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
Came one year ago.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service Officer halfway through a 2-year tour.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Direct routes from DC, NYC, Chicago (seasonal), Atlanta (seasonal), taking ~10 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Rosinka provides nice townhouses way outside the city (long commute). Pokrovsky Hills is by the school, so most families are there (moderate commute). There are also city apartments in the center, as well as the NEC (compound).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are almost all imported, and are generally more expensive than in the states. Lots of European brands, but you pay for the quality.
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?
McDonald's, TGI Fridays, Sabarro's etc. They're all here. There is also an American-style diner.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None really.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO at post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available, around $10 per hour for a housekeeper
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There's a gym on the compound that many use, as well as more expensive gyms around the city.
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?
VISA is taken everywhere. There's a Citibank office on the compound.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy has a nice service Sunday afternoons. There are also Anglican and other Protestant services.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There is the M-F Moscow Times which is mostly business and political news.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The city is not designed for people with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains, buses, Moscow Metro, all fine. A little expensive to take a cabbie, but the Metro is great.
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?
It's nice to have a 4x4 in the winter, but we manage with our compact car in the winter just by driving carefully.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We get internet for $60 a 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?
No. You'll spend 5 hours at the airport, though, jumping through bureaucratic hoops if your pet flew as cargo.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is a good vet who works with lots of expats, and I believe you can find temporary housing for pets if you are going out of town.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate; the air is cleaner in summer; in winter constant clouds hang over the city. The winter morning snow can be coagulated vapor from nearby factories.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Drivers are very aggressive. Being out late at night is not safe, but nothing too much worse than any big U.S. city.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good health care at the embassy. I have also heard good things about the American and European Medical Centers here. I received adequate dental care at one of the dental clinics marketed to expats.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Short, moderate summer, long winter. Last winter didn't get too cold, but the one before saw many much colder days.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No school-aged kids, but have heard the school is great.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
There's a daycare/preschool on the compound.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. The embassy must have at least 1000 people, including all spouses and Members of household. Lots of business people, too.
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?
3. Morale among expats:
Ok. It's a long winter, and the host country government and people can be unnecessarily mean.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There is something for everyone here, but it is easier for single men than women.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There's a growing community here, but it is not quite at U.S. comfort level yet.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Russians do not like people with darker skin. People from the Caucuses have a rough time here, and people of even darker complexions get stared at and sometimes hassled by the police.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Moscow is a huge city with lots going on; in summer there is an expat softball league, and in winter a broomball league. There are parks, concerts, museums, etc.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Martyoshka nesting dolls, nice linens (not expensive when buying at Izmailova market), painted wooden santas and angels for Christmas
9. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't go to restaurants or shop locally for clothes or anything else but food... most everything is more expensive here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I didn't have the choice, but no I would not choose it. Russians are reflexively cold, and it's difficult to meet them except at work. They instinctively distrust us and blame us for many of the ills affecting their country. The younger generation is a little more pro-American, but it's hard to meet the locals.
