Washington, DC, United States of America Report of what it's like to live there - 05/02/16
Personal Experiences from Washington, DC, United States of America
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes
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?
Sao Paulo - 9 hours. Several direct flights or you can choose to have a connection anywhere in the US to be able to fly to the Reagan National Airport which is the closest to DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
5 Months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
EFM - Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We live in Arlington, 3-minute walking distance from a metro station. It's a corporate apartment and is ok for a couple.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
We go to Giant once a week... they have pretty much everything (meats, vegetables, household supplies, groceries...). We spend around US$100 a week for a couple.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing at all.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Cafe Asia - Asian Food
Chadwicks - Brunch in Alexandria
Fire Works - Pizza Place
Astor - Mediterranean
The Grill from Ipanema - Brazilian
Fuego -Mexican
Carlyle - Brunch in Stirlington
Mi Cuba Cafe - Cuban
Hard Times Cafe - Chilli sandwches
Julia's Empanadas - Argentinian Style Empanadas
Rosa Mexicano - Mexican
Cava Meze - Mediterranean
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Haven't noticed any...
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I sent a package to Brazil using the Post Office. US$10 for an envelope the size of a magazine.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Everywhere. We also have one in our building but I believe exercising at a gym is way nicer. There's a gym at Balston Mall (third floor) and it costs US$50 dollars a month (I checked 2 weeks ago).
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?
Cards are accepted EVERYWHERE.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Everything you can think of. This is a free country.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need English. Period. People here do not know Spanish like in Miami.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not at all. I think this is a very good place for people with disabilities. They really get out and about pretty much everywhere by themselves. Incredible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and 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?
Bring anything you want, America is the best place in the world to drive.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, and it is so fast that I am already concerned about how my life in other posts will be miserable. No idea of the cost...
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get and iPhone and be happy. Wifi is everywhere. But I do have a TMobile plan for US$60 a month no contract (pay as you go). Unlimited texting and calling.
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?
For sure. You have a really big chance of employment while in DC doing anything you want.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business atire for work and casual in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is the US... at first I was really scared of all the sirens or problems on the metro.. but now I just live.
2. 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?
I think it is good... The only problem I noticed is that during the peak bloom of the cherry trees my nose was running... I don't have any problems at all when it comes to sinuses... maybe that is the main reason.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Been here for 5 months since December and the weather is nasty, gray, rainy, cold, icy, windy, snowy. Will it never be summer here?
Expat Life:
1. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Bars, Restaurants, Movie Theaters, Museums, Malls, Theaters, Get Togethers on National Mall, anything you can think of.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think this is an incredible city for pretty much everyone.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I haven't noticed neither faced any problem at all.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Cultural Experiences. Many museums are free so if you are a nerd girl like me, you will be amazed by how much you can learn here. Every day is a new adventure.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
We like to go out for trails so we recommend Rock Creek Park. Also riding a motorcycle can be very fun here. Lots of beautiful places to see.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
OMG I dont' even know where to start from. First living here is great for people like me who love to take public transportation and not have to worry about parking. Metro, Uber and taxi are so easy around here that I just use the car on the weekends to get out of the city. When it comes to culture, DC has it all. I got the Lonely Planet guide and am doing exactly everything it is there and sometimes I feel like I won't have enough time to do and see everything I want to.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That it would take me a while to make friends here. Americans in DC are not as open as Latinos... so don't come thinking it will be that easy... but once you make them, things get easier :)
Be positive
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
All old electronics you have... get yourself brand new ones here before going somewhere else.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
House of Cards :D
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Lonely Planet Guide on Washington DC. A must have.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Since you are in the Capital that runs the country... use this in your favor and learn as much as you can about American History. It is fascinating.
