Tashkent, Uzbekistan Report of what it's like to live there - 06/11/07
Personal Experiences from Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Croatia, Germany, Thailand, Phillipines.
2. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Wife is posted here.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
5 hours to/from Frankfurt.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses, mansions. Commute time - you can get anywhere in town in 20 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Costs are going up but for a westerner, you can do OK here. But be very careful of counterfeits and imitations....
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Contact lenses solution, sun-creme.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Limited and most menus are in Russian.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very reasonable.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Very limited.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot, there is zero setup for physical disabilities. The streets are a mess as well as the sidewalks and most apartment buildings do not have operational elevators. There are some, but not a lot.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very affordable.
3. 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?
Hard question. If it is very new, you have to bring all of the repair parts. they run out of diesel 2 times a year and fuel is dirty. Better to buy a second hand car here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Tri-band.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Skpye.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Limited.
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?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Air pollution good, do not drink the water, wash all fruits, vegetables, eggs.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really, the 'state' mostly leaves diplomats alone.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
See my previous comment on the Tashkent International Medical Clinic (www.tashclinic.org).
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, very dry in spring, summer early fall. Bad winter and subzero weather. Roads are not cleared.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Tashkent International School is the only way to go.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Limited.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
A few thousand.
2. Morale among expats:
It depends on the country and the mood of the government.
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?
Everything revolves around the TIS.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, as long as the Tashkent International Medical Clinic remains here - you can make it. There is only one place where the international community and diplomats goes to !! And it is extremely reasonable: Tashkent International Medical Clinic (www.tashclinic.org). Trust me once you have watched them medically evac someone - you will be impressed.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I do not believe so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
well, you are in Central Asia.....
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?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
It depends on who you work for...
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
110 volt stuff.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen.
