Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 06/30/15
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; Madrid, Budapest, Tirana, and Bangkok.
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?
Washington, DC - about 14 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
4 months into a 2-year assignment
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
government; posted at the U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Throughout the city, housing on compound, outside of the city, closer to the school
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
This is a consumables post, however, you can find pretty much everything you need on the local economy. However, sanctions have been placed against Russia by the EU, U.S., and Canada, so availability of some items can be difficult to find. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available but they do not last long and you really have to look them over because some stores sell rotten fruits and veggies.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More liquids - laundry detergent, shampoos, cleaners and supplies (the ones that I prefer).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Shake Shack, Starbucks, KFC, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme.
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 the Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It is available, however, you have to be responsible for health insurance and paid vacations if they are employed full-time.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Embassy has a gym and indoor pool. Fitness classes are also available.
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?
The Embassy has two ATMs. Foreign credit cards can be difficult to use here as not all places can process them.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to have basic Russian at the least and learn the alphabet. Post does offer language classes.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes - the sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. Also, there are no elevators in the metros and no ramps into buildings or for the buses and trams.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and 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?
Most people bring a car but you can live without it. Public transportation is really great and easy.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes - it depends on the company but anywhere from US$8-50 a month.
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 quarantine needed but do use a pet freight forwarding company to get your pet into the country. It is difficult to bring them here because of the flights meaning the airline might have restrictions. Getting your pet out is much easier. Valeria and Yuri are the vets used by the expat community. They speak English, come to your home, and will help with delivery of your pet and getting your pet into/out of the country.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business; women wear heels with everything.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes; your agency will inform you and RSO will brief you upon your arrival.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Embassy has a med unit with nurses and doctors.
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?
Moderate
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Pollen count can be high, especially in June when the trees pollinate so bring your Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra. Vegetarians will have a hard time but it can be done.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's pretty mild and comparable to northeast U.S.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. 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?
Embassy has a daycare facility and nannies are available for hire
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes; tennis, water polo, swim lessons, soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large community and morale is moderate. Like any post, it is what you make of it. I would recommend living off-compound because it is too easy to stay on compound your entire tour - everything is offered there.
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?
Movies, museums, parks, ballet, opera, concerts.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It isn't the greatest assignment for a single person - male or female. However, there are a lot of activities at the Embassy and within the community.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No - Russia is homophobic
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
African-Americans are viewed as thugs, rappers, and drug dealers but are often stopped by young people and asked to have their photos taken with them. Most Central Asian people have menial jobs, and Filipinos are often seen housekeeping or in the service industry.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Eating out is a bit of an adventure - sometimes what you want and see on the menu will be gone for the day. Moscow has a bit of everything, especially in terms of Central Asian food. Ride the metro and check out the stations. Each is designed differently and be sure to do the "prairie dog pop up." Depending on which exit you take, you can find yourself in a completely different area than you originally intended to be. Best time to really explore the metro is on the weekends. It won't be as crowded.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Matroyshka dolls, icons.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is easy to get around on the metro or by bus. CLO does a lot of trips within the city and outside the city. Cost of living is still a bit high but the ruble is fluctuating and it's not nearly as bad as it had been. So with that said, you can save money if you shop wisely in the city and not spend your money at the commissary. It is expensive to eat out, but that can also be done pretty cheap, it just depends where you go. Summer is mild; it snows into April, then switches to rain in May.
9. Can you save money?
Yes and no - travel can be cheap, local cost of living is a bit high.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Russian! You really do need the basics.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes I would.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Sunscreen!
4. But don't forget your:
Your patience, sense of humor, and sense of adventure. Snow shoes, winter wardrobe.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Moscow Times is online and in English.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Check out the documentaries from NatGeo.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Don't be afraid of Russia. It's an incredible experience and there are a lot of opportunities to experience Russia while you are posted here.
