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boscoe · Guest

I have been asked to consider a post in moscow - have done a lot of research on the net but have a couple of financial questions.

1. what sort of wage ratio should I be looking at compaired to the UK ( my employer is renting me an appartment) but I understand prices can be high for other things.

2 Am I right in thinking that the tax rate is 13% flat rate?

Guest · Guest

Boscoe,
Western goods (anything) tend to be about 5% higher, although this depends on where you are coming from. Anything Russian made is inexpensive. If you are an alcoholic chain smoker, you're in heaven. The Metro and buses are dirt cheap. As far as wages go, ask for what you are currently on (insist on being paid in pounds or filthy us greenbacks) plus maybe 15% extra to make up for dossing down elsewhere. With your accommodation paid for, you are missing out on the highest expense. See what colour the blokes turn when you ask......

Bear in mind two things. The average good wage is about 150-200 US a month, and Moscow does not represent what goes on in the rest of Russia.
Check out what apartments are going for at www.themoscowtimes.com......

If you go, make sure your Visa is right up to date and covers what you sign on for. Arranging for an extension will introduce you to the wheels of FSU beauracracy which is something to be avoided like leprosy.

I believe the tax rate is correct, but I'll get a definitive answer.

Enjoy!!

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2002 10:29 pm Post subject: Living expenses in Moscow

Hi, I'm Dmitri from WayToRussia.Net team.

I agree with the second person and also have some things to add.

Yes, the average salary in Moscow is somewhat around $300 US per month and most of the people already own an apartment.

If your company rents an apartment for you, I guess they'll spend at least $1000 US per month on a good quality one not too far from the centrum, or about $3000-$5000 US on a 'luxury' one in the centrum or in prestige locations).

Expect to spend at least $200 US per month on food (if you cook yourself), plus another $100 or $200 US per month if you like to dine in restaurants or club a lot, but to some extent Laughing

.

Also, I guess, for everyday expenses you'll need another $100 US per month (like taking a taxi, buying cigarettes, newspapers etc.).

So, the minimum if you already have an apartment is somewhere about $500 US per month, plus you'll need money for flying in and out of Russia and to buy some clothes, appliances etc. (tend to be slightly cheaper than in Europe).

I would say $1000 US per month with an apartment rented by your company already is something quite ok for Moscow, you'll feel comfortable enough.
With $2000 US per month, you'll feel rich.

The income tax for Russians is 13%, but is 30% for foreigners, unless your employer has a nice and clean way of evading so much taxes.

Good luck.

Dmitri / WayToRussia.Net

boscoe · Guest

thanks to all that replyed - they are flying me out for a look see Saturday - Wednesday (I hear its cold). All the info supplied will be a real help, Thanks again

Boscoe

TURKISH · Guest

HI ALL,

LIKE BOSCOE, I GOT AN OFFER FROM AN INTERNATINAL CO. DOING BUSINESS IN MOSCOW. THEY ADVISE ME TO RELOCATE BUT I'M NOT SURE TO BRING MY FAMILY AT FIRST SIGHT. (A WIFE AND A 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER)
ACTUALLY THE POST IS QUITE INTERESTING BUT I DO NEED SOME MONEY TO COVER MY HOUSE DEBT (IN ISTANBUL) AND MAKE SOME FORTUNE FOR MY DAUGHTER.
THEREFORE GUYS, AS YOU ASKED TO BOSCOE, I AM CURRENTLY EARNING AROUND USD 3,000 AND IT'S QUITE OK IN TURKISH STANDARDS. WHAT I CAN ASK FOR MORE FROM THE GUYS? WHAT ARE THE INTERNATIONALS GET IN AVERAGE? HOW's LIFE? WILL WE FACE TOO MUCH DIFFICULTIES? (DAILY LIFE, FOOD, OUTGOING, CINEMA, FRIENDSHIP,etc.)
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME VIA THIS PAGE OR MAIL ME AT redcloudfan69@hotmail.com

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

REGARDS,