Moving to Moscow, Russia

"Do not come here if you don't speak Russian. Expect to robbed and ripped off, so don't complain when it happens. You must make a lot of contacts with locals to avoid this. This is not like America. There are no "bad neighborhoods"," remarked one expat in Moscow, Russia.

"Traffic is usually terrible in Moscow so you should choose an area that's convenient for work, school and anything else you do regularly. We preferred living in the centre as we like going out and being close to the theatres, music and concert halls etc. Some people prefer living out of town in the compounds, mainly for the children. There are some lovely family friendly areas in town too. It's basically about reaching a convenient compromise for your whole family," said one expat in Moscow.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Moscow is to use online rental platforms such as Avito, Cian, and Yandex.Realty. These websites offer a wide range of rental options, from apartments to houses, and can be filtered by location, price, and amenities. Additionally, you can also search for rental properties on social media platforms such as VKontakte and Facebook. It is also possible to find a place to live in Moscow through real estate agencies, which can provide more personalized assistance in finding a suitable property," replied a member in Moscow.

"We chose a family friendly area - Chisty Prudi - and used Evans estate agent for our first two apartments and Penny Lane for our last one. We used others too but Evans worked out to be the most reasonable overall and their agent actually listened to what we wanted, rather than showing us a whole load of rubbish. Penny Lane did a great job helping us find our last apartment," commented one expat who made the move to Moscow.

"Apartment. Yes, in town it's almost always an apartment. Some expats prefer to live in the compounds out of town, which are usually town houses," commented one expat who made the move to Moscow.

"Expat homes and apartments in Moscow tend to be modern and well-equipped, with many featuring high-end appliances and furnishings. Many expats choose to live in the city center, where they can enjoy easy access to the city's many attractions and amenities. Expat apartments often come with a range of amenities, such as a gym, swimming pool, and sauna, as well as a concierge service. Expats can also expect to find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area, making it easy to socialize and explore the city," remarked one expat in Moscow, Russia.

"Much higher. I could rent a house on the beach in South Carolina for the price of a 2 room flat here. Expect to pay $1200-1800 a month if you live alone," remarked one expat who made the move to Moscow.

"The cost of housing in Moscow is generally quite high. Prices for apartments in the city center can range from around $1,000 to $2,500 per month, while apartments in the suburbs can be slightly cheaper. Prices for luxury apartments can be significantly higher," explained one expat living in Moscow, Russia.

"Buying a home in Moscow can be a great investment, as the city is a major economic and cultural center. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Moscow, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Renting a home in Moscow can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to enjoy the city without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility if you are unsure of how long you will be living in Moscow. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Moscow depends on your individual needs and budget," said one expat who made the move to Moscow.

"When moving to Moscow, it is important to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop to below freezing in the winter months. It is also important to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as Moscow is a very walkable city. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to make your new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and other important paperwork," commented one expat who made the move to Moscow.

"You can pretty much get everything in Moscow now (although some basic things are still ridiculously expensive!), but I would take Marmite and Pimm's. We left most things at home due to customs as we didn't want any hassle when leaving the country in terms of additional paperwork," remarked one expat in Moscow, Russia.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Moscow. It is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to dining, as it is considered rude to start eating before the host does. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public, as it is considered impolite. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to gift-giving, as it is considered rude to give an expensive gift to someone you do not know well," replied a member in Moscow.

"Moscow is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique cultural experience for expats. It is a major financial and business hub, with a wide range of job opportunities and a high standard of living. The city is also home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Kremlin and Red Square, and offers a wide range of cultural activities and attractions. Additionally, Moscow is a safe and secure city, with a low crime rate and excellent public transportation. All of these factors make Moscow an attractive destination for expats looking to experience a new culture and lifestyle," wrote one expat living in Moscow.

"Healthcare services in Moscow, are a mix of public and private facilities, offering a wide range of medical services to residents and visitors. The public healthcare system, which is funded by the government, provides free basic medical care to Russian citizens, including general practitioners, specialists, and emergency services. However, public hospitals and clinics in Moscow may face issues such as long waiting times, outdated equipment, and a lack of English-speaking staff. On the other hand, private healthcare facilities in Moscow offer a higher standard of care, with modern equipment, shorter waiting times, and English-speaking staff. These facilities cater to both locals and expatriates, providing a wide range of services, including dental care, maternity services, and specialized treatments. However, private healthcare can be expensive, and it is recommended to have comprehensive health insurance to cover the costs. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Moscow, with many open 24 hours a day. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally easy to obtain, although some specific medications may not be available or may require a prescription from a local doctor. In case of emergencies, Moscow has a well-developed ambulance service, which can be reached by dialing 112. However, response times may vary, and language barriers can be an issue. It is advisable for foreigners to have a basic understanding of Russian or have a translation app handy to communicate with emergency responders. Overall, healthcare services in Moscow are accessible and offer a range of options for both public and private care. However, it is essential to have adequate health insurance and be prepared for potential language barriers when seeking medical assistance," wrote one expat living in Moscow.

"Medical services in Moscow, are quite advanced and well-developed, with a mix of public and private healthcare facilities available. The city is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers, offering a wide range of services, from primary care to advanced treatments and surgeries. Public healthcare is funded by the government and is accessible to all Russian citizens, while private healthcare facilities cater to those who prefer faster service and more personalized care, often at a higher cost. Moscow also boasts several renowned research institutions and medical universities, contributing to the city's reputation for medical excellence. However, it is important to note that while the quality of care in Moscow is generally high, there may be language barriers for non-Russian speakers, and some facilities may not be up to Western standards," commented one expat who moved to Moscow.