St. Petersburg, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 02/05/16
Personal Experiences from St. Petersburg, Russia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, several others, mostly in former Soviet Union.
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?
Florida. Connections and travel time took about 22 hours door to door.
3. How long have you lived here?
2014-2015
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Govt.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Co-workers and I were all housed in apartments around town. Some are older apartments with lovely old world details, and some were modern. Most with a 20 - 30 minute walking distance to work. I know that sounds like a lot, but metro, other public transport, or driving could sometimes take as long, or longer than walking. Plus the city is so walkable, it's a pleasant 30 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Good range. There are small shops on corners for quick supply runs (milk, butter, eggs), and there are big, even enormous places at the hyper-mega markets that sell in bulk. Costs are comparable to the States.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We shipped a bunch of personal preference items. But if you forget something, you'll probably be able to find it locally.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
US fast food--KFC, BK, McDonald's, Subway, Pizza Hut. Tons of decent restaurants ranging from fast to fancy. Cost range from dollars to hundreds of dollars.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that bothered me. Some flies in the summer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch. It takes about 2 weeks.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Somewhat available for about US$10 an hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I guess so.
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?
You'll want the credit card with the chip. Most places/ATMs wont accept one without it. Mostly we paid in cash.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Several, as at work.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most tourist friendly places will speak some English, but the basics will come in handy everywhere else. Once you get outside of the center bubble, there's little patience for bad grammar.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Might have some difficulty getting around on metro. There are no elevators to go down to the train platforms, only escalators. Some apartment building elevators are so small, they are barely big enough for two standing adults to fit.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public buses and vans are plentiful and regular. Mind super crowded buses as this is how much pick pocketing takes place. Don't stand on a street corner and expect a taxi to come by. It's easier to order them online. You can select the type of car needed and know how much the fare will be depending on your destination.
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?
We parked our car the day it was delivered to us, and drove it all of one time in 8 months--to go to the airport. City center parking is a pain, and again, public transport is very good and reliable.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet speed was good. A bit pricier than other places.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We bought a local sim card for our phone from the States.
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. Just have vaccinations and good bill of health record from your US vet when you come in.
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?
None.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many--especially through IWC.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work-Business, public--varied.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Pick pocketing and petty theft. I know folks who had wallets stolen while waiting to board the bus, or while pinned in a tight crowd on a bus.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
We were fortunate to never need emergency medical care. Co-workers left town to have babies.
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?
It's not terrible. Traffic can be congested/as expected which contributes to some pollution.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
It can be done. We found a few spots that were allergy friendly. Again, I think this comes from experience dealing with tourists for most of the year. We brought our own epi pens though, and had to get new ones from Finland when they expired.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
I found it to be pleasant from April - November. The winter wasn't terrible, but I think it was considered a mild winter that year. Things do calm down during the off season, and it's nice to not have the chains of tourist buses rolling around.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The international school -Anglo American School of St. Petersburg--is new and small. Our children enjoyed going there and we were happy with staff and curriculum (young elementary grades).
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 are various options for preschools, some very close to work. I want to say that the average cost was in the US$600/month range, which includes meals.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are a few after school activities at the school, but not as readily available as other posts we've been to.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
At work--small. In town-medium, bigger if you're part of the school. Good International Women's Club. Morale varied.
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?
GO outside and walk, you'll run into something to do without trying.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good city for all. There are many parks and open areas for kids to play. Lots of night life. Walking a dog can be a challenge as a good grassy area might be a block away, and people don't usually clean up after their pets, but other than that, it was ok.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I can't say I saw a lot of open sexual expression. Definitely no public display of affection--but that's true for everybody.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
If you're in any way different, you will be stared at, but I think this being the tourist destination that it is, helps.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The Hermitage, canal boat rides, concerts, etc. Also the city center is very walkable.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The whole city is a hidden gem. But private party canal boat rides can be fun (our group of 10 split a ride so that everyone ended up paying about US$5 for an hour tour). If you're going to live here for 2, even 3 years, you won't run out of things to do.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are some nice artisans out there, you just have to find them.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
St. Petersburg is a lovely, lively city. A popular tourist destination during the warmer spring and summer months, it's easy to get swept away in its many sights, sounds, and activities--and going back to your own place, rather than a hotel room makes it that much better.
10. Can you save money?
Maybe. If you're a smart shopper.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
No matter how much time you're scheduled to live here, it's not going to be long enough to feel like you got to do and see everything.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yup.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Notion of how standing in line works--cutting in line is just no big whoop here.
4. But don't forget your:
Camera, warm hat.
