Moscow, Russia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/22/10
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?
Second. Asuncion, Paraguay.
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?
DC - about 11 hours direct flight with UA.
3. How long have you lived here?
22 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U S Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
On compound: city apartments, near the school, then Rosinka. Rosinka is a minimum of 1-hour commute time each way!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Again, everything is very expensive here. There is a small commissary at the embassy.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Anything you can't live without and don't want to pay 10 times the price for.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts just opened; KFC. Everything is EXPENSIVE here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No real insect problems except tiny ants that don't bite, they are just bothersome.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
The numbers are here, but the quality is not. About $40 for 1/2 day.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym at the embassy.
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?
We have not used them here. You can cash checks at the embassy branch of a local bank.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Limited AFN channels are available in some housing areas. Cosmos has a cable offering that is okay.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The more you can get the better. Cyrillic is difficult to learn, and the words are very long.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots. Nothing is set up for physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The metro is great. Have not used taxis or buses here.
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 felt safe with our large SUV. Any kind would be appropriate, though, as they keep the streets well cleaned.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Cost is about $40 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I had a cell phone issued by the embassy.
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)?
Vets will come to your home, but you pay premium for this service.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business suits at work.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Beware of Turkey Drops, and the driving will try the patience of a saint.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is a good Med Unit at the embassy. A local German dental clinic is great.
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; too many vehicles and lots of exhaust. Allergy sufferers have a hard time.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
You get all the seasons: spring (about a month), summer (about a month), fall (another month), then you have winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
On compound.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
HUGE!
2. Morale among expats:
At Rosinka, very low.
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?
Better if you live in town.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I know some of each type that have enjoyed it.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Have not heard.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Local people here are very racist.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
St. Basil's and Red Square.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Museums, ballet, opera.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nesting dolls, laquer items, Fabrege eggs, birch artwork.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cultural events, museums.
11. Can you save money?
Only if you stay home and don't eat out.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, never again.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
summer items.
3. But don't forget your:
patience.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
I don't want to influence anyone away from Moscow. We had a very tough time there, but a great deal of it was associated to living at Rosinka. It increases the difficulty of living here when transportation is so difficult.
