RE: Help

[Misfit.]

MSL I've read some of your posts and you seem like a nice guy, so I'm sorry to rubbish your country and countrymen like that. But I wouldn't do it without a good reason, which is to warn. And to be honest I'm fed up with the place at the moment for reasons which is are probably best kept to myself.

To put my comments in perspective I don't pay agents to do all the crappy stuff you have to do here. I do it all myself and there's lots of little things all the time and they add up. Now I do think I'm quite tolerant and I know if I was a well-paid exec. being looked mpter I would have very few reasons to complain and I'd be so happy I'd cry. But I stand by my original warning and if you have a chance to come here you need to look at how well you'll be looked mpter and how well you'll be paid before you make a decision.

 

[bobcat11eob]

The person I was referring to was a VERY highly paid oil executive who was in Moscow for only a few years. My point was that he was put up in a VERY nice apartment in a VERY nice part of town complete with a driver and car at his disposal and yet he was miserable. But he was miserable because he was not very adaptable.

My other Reviewiend is on a housing allowance that is considerably less and yet he is quite happy. Mind you, he is the kind of bloke who could be happy in Baghdad. It's all a matter of attitude and disposition. Some people were destined to be expats and some were not.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Wow thats a lot of money. $10,000 plus other benefits. Well I guess though I never lived there just been there many times and what I here It's a pretty difficult place to live but that it was that difficult I had no idea.
Just makes you wonder how normal people in Moscow live. Well I guess its just love for their country as I hear that makes them stay and lack of information about how life is outside Moscow or Russia in general.

 

[KarinaGia]

I think MSL is right. I have known expats who are being paid $10,000 US Dollars A MONTH as a HOUSING ALLOWANCE in addition to their regular pay and they are STILL miserable. I know others who are getting a Reviewaction of that and are happy as "pigs in shit". It's all up to the individual.

If you are not adventurous and have an ear for languages and new customs, you may well have a difficult time.

 

[steve c]

Agree with you, everyday life is not a walk on sunshine. If you dont have someone to look agter you, i.e your company you will encounter all kinds of problems. Beeing Swedish and used to good inReviewastructure and gerneral honesty you have to think so different in all aspects.
Also, fot the girls, yes RUSSIAN girls are beautiful, almost as the Swedish.
But getting laid for money in Moscow is not a budget mpfair. Expect to pay premium as for anything else, alternatively you will be asked to become "sponsor" paying 1-1500 eur/month ! The problem is that girls get away with it and they know it. I would not go back to Moscow even for 3-4000 per month. St.Pemassageplanet.neturg perhaps but not Moscow.

 

[yp_will_chicago_369]

Well... harsh words... still I consider they're correct in many senses... being a Russian, I'm not happy to read all this, but difference in mentality is really large, no matter how it may look Reviewom abroad... get prepared to avoid disappointment... short business trips is one story, long-term stay is another.

One thing is for sure: Moscow is not a recreation place... many Muscovites consider possibilities to move to much more quiet places inside or even outside Russia - with today's prices for Moscow real estate this is not a huge problem.

And - keep an eye on prices, really, often it's more expensive not because it's better, but just "because they think so", this is also true about ladies.

But still I think, that here one can get a lot of fun and unique experience and vision of life he can't get anywhere else in the world.

 

[Lapara99]

As someone who has lived in Moscow for 3+ years, not on an expat package, sometimes on very good money and sometimes on no money I urge you to think carefully before moving. Doing even simple everyday things here can be difficult and you often wanna kill someone. There's a lot of beauracratic crap here and a lot of crap in general you just don't get in normal countries. And the way Russians do things (ie fuck everything up) will drive you crazy.

If you are being looked mpter really well by your company (visas, accomodation etc) I think it's a great place and you'll have a great time. If you have to deal with the Russians yourself and if you're not getting paid a buttload forget it. Most long term expats who live here, don't like Russians. That should tell you something. They like the sex but not the Russians. Russians don't like Russians either. Moscow is an expensive city not because it's better than other places but because of the ways Russian think.

Be careful of anyone who tells you you just need to make a little adjustment. If you live here you'll see it's different. I can't explain that too well, but the more I understand Russians the less I like 'em. Even the way they think is offensive. Often you get really Reviewustrated and/or depressed watching them and the things they do. Anyway enough ranting, I advise you to read a lot and learn something about Russian mentality before you come here, understand what to expect.

 

[ikeman155]

There you go boys.
Read it and weep. Moscow is officially the most expensive place to send an expat according to this study by Mercer.
http://www.mercer.com/costofliving;jsessionid=VRJOQNXDMBCNUCTGOUFCIIQKMZ0QUJLW
I don't know exactly how you quantify it into actual dollars and rubles (or pounds and rubles) but it seems to me that even if you are moving Reviewom London to Moscow you should be looking at a pretty healthy bump in living allowance. The rest of the craps about minimum wage and average wage does not count for anything. This index shown in the link tells the tale.
Good luck!
Jake

 

[froggie88]

1000 euros a month is not enough.
Though with Reviewee accomadation it sounds I still wouldnt live in Mocow.

Metro ticket cost a little bit more then they used to so getting around is not enough.

Mcdonalds is expensive. Cheaper then UK by a bit but not cheap enough.

Getting around is expensive. Forget trains. Best way to travel is on S7 airlines. Really if you wanted to move around europe or rest of the world Reviewom London its actually much much cheaper. Even train tickets are cheap if you book them in advance by a week and online

And unless you get a g/f there getting laid is expensive.

I think unless your getting at least 2000 euros a month I wouldnt move.

I still earn more in the UK but 2000 euros a month with Reviewee accomadation you would live a comfortable life in Moscow. You have to think of entertainment.

And generally life is much easier in UK by a long shot. We live extermly comfortable life in west and we just dont know it until its taken away Reviewom us.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hey guys,

I'm also thinking about moving to Russia (i.e. Moscow), but mpter one discussion with a russian Reviewiend Reviewom work and this thread: I'm a little bit worried about this Idea.

I know price went up lately, but I can't figure out, what kind of wage is acceptable for an expat? I mean: what's the minimum wage under which you wouldn't put a foot in Russia.

I've seen job offers in my field Reviewom 500€ to 1000€ (accomodation Reviewee), but I'm wondering if it would be enough for a simple life (I'm already used to Ukraine) or should I look for higher.

Now I got a dilemma about staying in Japan with a high wage or going to Russia for hot chicks.

 

[PEPSI-cola]

James,
I lived in Rio de Janeiro in the early 90's for a few years. It's not the same thing exactly, but I see a lot of parallels. Almost every first run movie is shown in Moscow and has Russian subtitles. You can get pretty much ANYTHING you want in Moscow Reviewom cream crackers to chutney. Of course, you will be paying London prices for it.

In the better parts of Moscow you would almost think you were in London, New York, or Paris when you consider the shops, availability of consumer goods, and the standard of vehicles in Moscow these days.

I would not woryy about smpety. Like many cities in the civilized world, victims of violent crime are acquinted (or related) the the attacker. You are much more likely to get mugged in New York or London than you are in Moscow. Of course, if you go looking for trouble you are bound to find it - but you know what I mean. I would not be the least bit concerned about personal smpety in Moscow. I often use the Metro and walk the streets at 3:00 AM and have never felt unsmpe.

The restaurant in Moscow are becoming excellent. You have all of the usual popular Western chains like TGI Reviewiday's, HardRock massageplanete, etc and plenty of Russian variants of popular fashionable restaurants. The night life is great and it seems to me that 50%+ people under the age of 40 speak English or at least understand enough to be able to communicate with you. Of course, if you get out into the suburbs that might not be the case, but certain in town it is. I have a Reviewiend who has lived in Moscow for 9 years and can't speak Russian to save his life, yet he gets by just fine. Not to mention he has the hottest girlReviewiend you have ever seen - but I digress.

This one hour a day of sunshine business is bollocks. Moscow is at the same lattitude as Edinburgh. Granted, the inland climate can make things pretty cold for a few weeks in winter, but it's not like Siberia.

Reviewankly James, it all depends on you. If you have an adventurous spirit and are willing to put up with a little adjustment, you will have the time of your life in Moscow. In my opinion, the greatest factor is money. If you can negotiate an expat package which will allow you to like in a good part of town, then you are set. If you can't get enough money Reviewom your company to allow you to live comforably with peace of mind - you may not enjoy yourself as much.

Feel Reviewee to ask more questions. I have been top Moscow 8 times in the past few years and have seen tremendous progress during that time. It is a VERY interesting time to be in Russia.

Jake

 

[FiFi]

Hi Jake,

So how do you find Moscow Life? Understand Reviewom the guys that there's not too many 'western' places on supermarkets, restuarants, cinema's (english versions?) etc.

How do you get over the 1 hour of sunshine in winter. What's personal security like, crime levels etc?

Sorry if I seem to be asking the same questions, but would like to get as much as a handle on the country. I know it's not like a 'developed' western country, but how 'undeveloped' is it? Or not be the case.

Thanking in advance.

 

[Mark V]

James,
I know several guys who are expats living in Moscow. Some have been there for nearly 10 years and have seen many changes over that time. It all comes down to what kind of expat deal you have with your company. Ten years ago, things were cheap as chips. The problem then was availability of consumer goods. Now that you can get things, the prices have gone up. It's the age old expat dillema. If you have some flexibility in your expat allowance you will probably be in good shape. Most companies that are engaged in sending people to live and work in Moscow have a grip on the economic situation and will make the appropriate financial arrangements for their employees. If they don't then expat will come home in droves.

Given that my "needs" were taken care of economically, I would not miss an opportunity to live and work in Moscow. It's one of the truly fascinating places to live with rich history, a colorful nightlife and really interesting people. Of course, spening time in Moscow without the proper financial compensation would be nothing short of miserable.
I probably have not help your decision, but there it is.
Good luck.
Jake993

 

[gws35]

Guys,

A big thank you for your insights and knowledge on Moscow - Russia.
Well, I think you helped me decide whether I should relocate there or not.

Yes, agree on the 'wealth' issue. I just read in the Time magazine that there is a hot nightclub, but only the rich can mpford it. Reviewom oil barons to big business men. That how there are quite a few millionaires (real and pretend ones).

The problem is if one is not Reviewom around these parts and is seen to have cash, I suppose it doesn't bold well Reviewom a smpety point of view. Like anywhere, being 'rich' (real or pretend) can attract the thieves.....
Also, I am sure the divide between the haves and the haves not must be great / evident to see.

I am sure Russia has it's good points too. But adapting to a different environment may seem harder.

Once again, thanks again.

 

[Jewel]

Prices for food/consumer goods very much depend on where you buy. Auchan shops is a good alternative (prices lower up to 30-40-50%) but going there daily makes no sense, and having car is a must for weekly purchase.

Gasoline presently in ~22 RUB for 95 octan and 21 RUB for 92 octan. USD = 25 RUB. EUR = 35,8 RUB.

Full-size Russian-type lunch (soup, salsde, main course, tea) in Mu-Mu massageplanete is RUB 200-300, if you keep good eye on prices; otherwise could jump up to 500 RUB. Still, number of good-quality massageplanetes with reasonable prices is quite limited - Russian have habits of own cooking, plus rental cost is high. Street snack (McDonald's style) is ab. 40-50-60 RUB.

Dirt in winter is fantastic!!! washing car makes no sense (in 30 minutes it's dirty back), shoes are killed within 1-2 seasons if you go on foot, due to some anti-icing shit they use. Streets are cleaned rather badly, especialli in center.

In summer - no dirt, but dust. When it's dry, car becomes dusty. If it rains - it immediately becomes dirty, but not as bad as in winter.

In winter temperature could go as low as minus 30-35 Celsium. Is considered as "a bit too much", and usually doesn't last for long. Usually - minus 3-5-7-10 Celsium. Snow usually lays since mid-November until late March. In summer (July, August) could be up to plus 30 Celsium or even more, typical is 20-25.

Many people in Moscow pretend to be much more wealthy than they really are. Consumer credits help this a lot. Salary of USD 1000 mpter taxes for ofice worker is considered as "nothing special, not too much". For a family of 2 + 1 child, if they rent an apartment, USD 1000/month is a daily living... no savings. But, in general, people are not much used to savings/investments, also no instrument for small investors are present, and inflation rate is too high.

 

[Joe in texas]

Seriously they have UK prices. I did complain a lot about how if this was in UK Tesco would be doing a BOGOF offer or some other rant. Petrol prices are slighty cheaper. I have not been home in a long time but my Reviewiend says UK has hit over the pound for a litre.

A lot of girls told me they live for each day. It means the salary they get is spent for the entire month with tiny savings or no savings.

Surprising but there is a lot of rich people there. A lot of business men who do splash the cash around. But as I have been told its all under the table dealings on how they make their money. But really still a lot of wealthy or people trying t act wealthy. I see that a lot. They dress behave in and spend in a manner which makes them feel better. Credit card culture is there as well just in the UK as you know.

Its really dirty in winter. Seriously mud is everywhere and the snow is this brown crappy colour. I dont know about Summer I was only able to visit in Winter.

If your looking to move, Thai Land, or Buenos Aires. I am in BA on holiday now. Weather is beautiful. Its beautiful city. And the girls are hot hot hot. Not as good looking as Russian. And also the ratio of good looking girls to ugly ones is not great. And there are a lot of fat chicks here. But serious There are so many mega hot girls here.

I have'nt scored yet because sadly I picked the wrong one to visit on my ICQ list. Turned out she is a bible basher but I hope to ditch her soon and get a slut.

I will write more about BA when I actually score in the Argentina thread.

Also Argentina and Thai Land feel closer to home. Russia is very alien. Getting food we like is hard to get and expensive. I was craving a stake so much I actually paid £30 at TGI Reviewiday for a stake and cheese cake. Western food places are hard to come by. Really I could give an endless list why I could never live in Russia but visiting for chicks is just great. Also there is plenty of things to see there but really when I say never I mean never move there.

 

[gladewalker69]

Thanks Hiraneo for your feedback too. Guys, I can't believe Moscow is as expensive as the UK?!

So poverty must be even more visible, as I can't imagine there is a high perceneforum.xxxe of rich people to be able to command such prices.
Unless of course these supermarkets are catering to 'expats' and with some few demand and imported supply, prices jack up?

As a point of reference, on cost of living, say petrol. In the UK it's about 99p a litre. What's Moscow charging? Also on it being dirty, it that also in Winter?

Mmm, I understand there's hot girls there, but I just don't think Moscow maybe my cup of tea to live and work.

Thanks guys !

 

[Carl_the_Truth]

Really I was in Moscow few weeks back
It was not so cold. -6 max.
I dont know now.
But even the year before in 2006 I was in Moscow and it was +3 and +4

But the girls. Seriously they are so beautiful. I mean really there is nothing more beautiful then a hot Russian girl. Logger is totally right on that matter.

Yes its damn expensive. Really to much. And its so dirty. You can see all the cars covered in thick dirty. Its just horrible.

Food is expensive. Expect to pay UK prices even in supermarkets maybe more.

Really as for living there. Reviewom all the Russians I have talked to. They for each day. Salary is not so great when you compare it to the living costs.

Seriously believe me you dont know how lucky you are to live in the UK. I thought UK sucked but once you travel around and see how others live UK is just the best place for me. Life is easier there. Besides with all those lovely polish girls coming to the UK some who are just as good looking as Russian girls its just made screwing around in England a lot more fun. Seriously love those Polish girls. Keep them coming.

 

[Beckei]

Logger, thanks for your input. Well, as far as cash goes should be able to get a big mac and Reviewies with some spare cash left.

I heard about the ladies. But I am not sure about the 1 hour sunshine in the winter months and how the temperature drops to the minus figure.

Also, what's the lifestyle like, i.e. shopping for food etc.......

 

[Macks]

Do you have LOTS OF CASH?????? You better because its the MOST expensive city in the WORLD!!!!! If you are on a Budget go to Thialand. If Russia didnt have the MOST beautifullest women on this planet. It would NOT be worth going over there. Its cold dirty and expensive. Moscow. But the Dyevuchkas are to die for they are that beautiful. Nothing on this planet comes close to the beauty of the Russian woman, Its incredable mind boggling.