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freechic1776 · Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Location: US: NM, TX, VA

Hi, I will shortly be moving to Russia for 10 months to teach and was wondering what the average luggage load is for most newcomers. How much does the usual expat bring to Russia in clothes, books, etc? What can I buy there and what should I not leave behind under any circumstances? Any information will be helpful.

Thanks!!

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

A lot of depends, I think, on where you're going in Russia. If you're heading to Moscow or St Pete, then most things will be available; if you're heading to, say, Magadan, then you might want to stock up on some items.

freechic1776 · Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Location: US: NM, TX, VA

What is an appropriate load for someone around Moscow? 3-4 large suitcases? More? Less?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 12, 2010 8:44 pm Post subject:

20 kgs on Aeroflot.

yorkshireterrier · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 11 Location: Budapest

daiquiri · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Clothes are expensive here especially the trendy ones, though, you will be wrap in your coat most of the time during winter. So I think, more than a couple of sweaters/coats & jackets are essential. Layering. These, you can also use in spring where it's windy and sometimes in summer when it rains.

Aside from the material, the most important thing that you have got to bring with you is a big deal of patience, sense of humour and good interpersonal relations skills (especially towards the people who are handling your schedule).

Good luck and enjoy Moscow, it's not all THAT bad! Wink

freechic1776 · Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 7 Location: US: NM, TX, VA

Thanks for all of the information! I think my main problem will be that I own more books than clothes and am having a hard time deciding which ones I should leave behind and which ones I should bring with me.

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

There's a great web site: abebooks.com where you can find most anything very cheaply; they ship to Russia rather cheaply. In other words, I don't know if packing books would be a priority for me, unless I had some of sentimental value.

buntingblue · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 13

Moving to Russia, huh? Wonderin' what tah bring, huh!

OK:

1. ECCO shoes. These have a thick sole and are absolutely water proof. A definite for wintery climates. I've been at 12,000 feet with these in a wintery climate, so if it's good enough for that, I'm sure they'll also pass the test for Moscow.

2. Plug adaptors. The trick here you see is to bring one or two such adaptors and an extension strip of sockets from your own country. You then plug in the extension strip using the adaptor and plug everything else you own (iPod charger, cell phone charger, digital camera battery charger, etc) into the strip.

3. Wool-silk mixtures are best for warmth. Pure wool tends to be itchy and cotton will get cold when wet. Unlike cotton, wool preserves heat even when damp or wet.

dav06012 · Joined: 16 Jun 2010 Posts: 9

yeah, what above said about shoes. I went with tennis shoes and regretted it, because in the winter plowing doesn't happen like it does in the US and the streets are a mess with water. And don't assume you can buy it there, because when you see the price and selection, you won't.

Dark clothing works best. for some reason, you'll just blend in better. also, make sure that you have a jacket that's waterproof. and a hat.
and take medicine. It was impossible to find anything resembling Tylenol (this was 2008) and my host family worshipped me for my stock of Dayquil/Nyquil.

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Ditto 2x. Any shoes with Gore-Tex should do the trick. I have some great La Sportivas which keep me toes dry.

JN · Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 214

Maybe I am mixing it up with another German medicine I found in Russia, but I thought I had found Paracetemol, which is like Tylenol. You could look for that.

gondwana66 · Joined: 03 Jul 2010 Posts: 29

Of course you can buy anything you need in Russia. I lived there nearly five years and all the general stuff is easily available, but yes go to the markets for the best deals.
It's July now so it's summer in Russia and can get up to 40C so I wouldn't worry about winter gear yet. Buy it when you get there. Russian men nearly all wear dark clothes ie black, but white in summer is also the go. Gayly coloured clothes are out. Meaning Russians are not tolerant of homosexuals so anything different to basic can be suspect!!
And don't walk the streets at night by yourself and get a taxi back home rather than walk.
I'm writing a blog of my time there at http://pangaea901.wordpress.com/