Vladivostok, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/10/09
Personal Experiences from Vladivostok, Russia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Moscow, Tunisia, other
2. How long have you lived here?
2 years
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government, Foreign Service
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
from west coast, via Seoul, then Los Angeles. From east coast, through Seoul or via Moscow.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Abundant, but expensive and not safe in terms of overall security or xenophobia.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Available, but 2-3 times more than U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Myself, home: would not come here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Yes, but substandard quality and bad food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Tick borne encephalisis (potentially fatal).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Rip off. Not professional.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
Be careful. Rip offs everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. Various.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
NO WAY, JOSE.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A lot
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many. Repeat: Many.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe, relatively. Affordable? Yes.
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?
4 WD ONLY
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Expensive. Filtered.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Yes: Get one.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
No way, Jack.
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?
no.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal. Decent.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Unhealthy
2. What immunizations are required each year?
ticks.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Active TB, HIV/AIDS rampant.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Sunny in winter, cold, some sudden storms, extreme weather, pleasant in winter when sunny only, but cold
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
None.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None.
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?
None.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small.
2. Morale among expats:
SUBSISTENCE.
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?
If you love strip bars and go go girls, a veritable paradise.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, if you don't mind pollution, crime, expensive, remote location
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
yes, if discreet. General intolerance, but liveable.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, non standard religions are persecuted or intolerated.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
10 things, over and over. Nothing more.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing that isn't kitsch.
9. Can you save money?
Yes/No.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
NO, unless you come short term. It wil burn both ends of the fuse, quickly.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Peace of mind. Morals. Standards.
3. But don't forget your:
Stamina, sense of purpose, countdown chain.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Siberia key word.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Siberia key word.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
People are great. If you are young,more tolerable.
