Although Russia is no longer considered a hardship posting, your expats can still be daunted by the prospect of the move. We offer some advice to help your employees prepare for the trip and pave the way for a successful outcome for all parties concerned.

• Voyage to Russia
• Before the move
• Tips for your expatriates
• Real Estate
• Security
• Business prospects

When you get off the aircraft and enter Moscow’s Shermetova airport you will find yourself in a dark, dingy interior with something like cake tins stuck to the ceiling. Should this trigger any doubts as to whether relocating to Russia is really the best thing for you to be doing, remember, Russia isn’t considered a hardship posting today. And not only single expatriates but increasingly entire families are moving in.

Vikas Misri, marketing manager of Corstjens Worldwide Movers Group, a pioneer among international moving companies in Russia, observes, "The size of our shipments have reduced considerably as supply of consumer goods have greatly improved and life is getting smoother. Expatriates are even relocating to different cities and not concentrating on Moscow and St Petersburg. Often people are even extending their stay."

The biggest hurdle in the movement of shipments in and out of Russia according to Misri remains the "exhausting customs procedures and ever-changing regulations."

A lot of tact, patience, and experience are required to handle Russian customs therefore it is advisable to request help from the market experts and to get know the rules yourself.

HR would do well to arrange for their staff to visit Russia at least once before relocating so they can assess for themselves the experience ahead.

Networking and reliable references will make relocation to Russian a truly memorable experience.

• Moscow's metro is punctual.

  Cities like Moscow and St Petersburg are densely populated. The public transport system is neither reliable nor comfortable. However, in Moscow the metro is remarkably punctual, cheap and extremely well connected.

• Avoid using public transport late in the evenings. Remember always to offer seats to pregnant ladies, the infirm and the elderly. Private cars often ply as taxis, use them at your own risk and never flag one with passengers. Fares are negotiated with the driver. When travelling to the city suburbs or the airport hire an official cab.

• When moving around the city, always carry a photocopy of your visa and proof of registration. Often the authorities stop and check your papers. Avoid any argument with them.

• Shopping malls and hypermarkets are quickly catching up. In Moscow international supermarket chains have opened alongside local ones. There is a big range of specialty food shops and restaurants. In spite of all the choice it is good to stock up on your favourites and must haves, supplies to stores are not always regular.

• Cities are not very child friendly. There aren’t too many good neighbourhood playgrounds or play areas. Children's sport centres are almost non-existent. Organize your own playgroups. Get information from the international schools as to how you can keep the little ones engaged. Baby-sitting and Au-pair services are available and affordable. It is best to rely on networking and references.

• Moscow has many international schools and kindergartens. There are also affiliates of International institutes and universities providing education in English, which can be very helpful for accompanying spouses.

• Russian hospital and ambulance services are not reliable. But you can find remarkable medical specialists. There are international medical centres of very high standards. Decide on your medical clinic/doctor as soon as possible don’t leave it till an emergency.

• When attending concerts and theatres dress formally and check your coat and packages in at the 'garde-robe'. The public often take flowers for the performers.

• In Moscow and St Petersburg there are many International women’s clubs, expat support groups and other international organizations that can provide excellent networking and support for accompanying spouses.
• Remember there aren’t many people in the streets who know a foreign language; it is good to know a few Russian words and phrases.

• Men are expected to be attentive towards ladies. Gestures such as offering a chair, opening the door, helping with a coat, carrying heavy packages or giving a hand when alighting from a car/ bus are commonplace. Ladies aren't expected to pay in a restaurant when accompanied by men.

Mercer Human Resource consultants currently rate Moscow as the third most expensive city in the world after London and Tokyo. This is a result of the invasion of corporate life and the need for all major corporations to be near the Kremlin, the nerve point of decision-making.

When looking for housing, security should be a prime concern. Work with reputed realtors, double check all related paperwork, check the neighbourhood, and also the building, especially if not renting in housing complexes for expatriates.

There are many housing complexes in and around Moscow, (Pokrovsky Hills, Serebrenyi Bor) specially made for expatriates. They are on a par with western standards; secure and well suited for families with children. Housing can be expensive and it is difficult to get quality apartments unless the budget is flexible. Choose a good neighbourhood with close proximity to the metro and other conveniences.

Stay away from railway stations as they have a high concentration of petty criminals.

Be aware that poverty is on the rise in capital cities. More and more people are converging on the large cities in search of work only to be disillusioned. As a result of the influx, associated problems such as alcoholism, drug abuse and crime are also rising.

Remember, you have come to the largest country in the world with a fast developing economy.

As an expatriate banker living in Russia points out, "The opportunities are huge in all sectors of the economy. The returns are high. But most of the wealth is concentrated in big cities. This wealth needs to filter out to the regions, for the country and people to truly flourish and prosper."

April 2004

Netherlands-based Expatriate Shayonti Chatterji is a regular contributor to Expatica HR..