Moscow is home to the largest number of billionaires in the world. It is the largest city in Europe and has the world’s busiest Metro system. It is the economic, cultural and political centre of Russia and has embraced Capitalism with a passionate intensity.
No wonder people who live here say it is an exciting city to live in.
Moscow is generally popular with the global workforce because of its large expatriate community, wide availability of goods and services, good recreation facilities and high number of international schools.
Besides local doctors, who provide a very high standard of care but often work in poor facilities, there are several Western-run medical centres in the major Russian cities. There is also an American Dental clinic in Moscow.
These all have different policies for payment; some take credit cards, some require cash up front, so make sure you know what you are paying for before you agree to any services. Typically, a single consultation costs around US$120 All foreign citizens who are living and working in Russia are required to have private medical insurance - this is a prerequisite of being issued a visa.
Expatriates requiring specialist medical treatment often fly to Helsinki or return to their home countries.
Although the Banking sector is now experiencing strong growth, it still remains relatively small, disjointed and poorly regulated. A large number of banks have only negligible assets; it’s not unheard of for people to have their salaries paid in cash in order to avoid using them.
There are some foreign banks with branches in Moscow and St Petersburg and these are used by foreign employees use these for their local banking needs. Expats who wish to open an account should bring a copy of their employment contract.
It is highly recommended that you go to a good real-estate agency and ask them to find you accommodation. Phone them, tell them what you need, leave your phone number and they will call you back two days later with a list of suitable options.
It takes about one month to find an apartment in Moscow so don't be afraid to explore your options. It may be a good idea to rent a short-term apartment for a few days or weeks to have a look around - accommodation in Russia is not as cheap as most people think; a decent western-style apartment in a good area of Moscow will cost about $1000 per month.
If you settle for something less central and less luxurious and you bargain hard, you may be able to find an apartment for $500 per month. The real-estate agent’s fee is usually 70%-100% of one month’s rent.
Traffic congestion in Moscow is bad, driving standards are poor, traffic laws are not well enforced, accidents are common, parking is difficult to find and road signs are often in Cyrillic only. As a result most expats opt not to buy a car, though some choose to employ their own drivers.
The public transport is cheap and reliable, although very crowded in rush hour. In Moscow the main forms of public transport are the metro, tramway and trolleybus. The Metro stations are renowned for their elegant and grand decor and the service is frequent and efficient. Entrances are marked by a large 'M'.
The buses and trolleys tend to be much slower and are usually overcrowded. There are many official taxis and it is also common practice for people in Moscow to hail private drivers and negotiate a price for a lift.
According to numerous surveys, Moscow is world’s most expensive city. Yet somehow Muscovites, whose average monthly income is roughly $300, manage to survive.
Accommodation can be extremely expensive. A renovated, three-room apartment in central Moscow can cost as much as $3,000 per month.
Luxury cars sell in hundreds to the once called 'newly rich' and cost a good deal more than anywhere in Europe.
Dining out can be costly. A three-course meal with wine in a fancy restaurant is likely to cost you up to $100 per person.
Moscow is expensive, but no matter where you are in Russia, you’ll get value for money on: domestic goods, food and drink, fast food, public transport and taxis, sightseeing tours, travel, entrance fees to museums, books, newspapers and petrol.
