For those of us of a certain age, Moscow conjures up images of the forbidden fruit, an exotic, beautiful destination whose very nature allures, while preventing any discovery of its mystery, like a Bond girl spy. And though that idea lingers for many an American, Moscow is very much a part of modern travel and opportunity, and very much a destination for both the incidental and the permanent American expatriate.

Moscow, the capital of Russia and its principal city, is the main location for expats stationed in the country. It is an intimidatingly large and fascinating world capital, and it offers a wide variety of experiences to expats.

Before one relocates to Moscow, it is advisable to read as much as one can about the city to prepare yourself, and believe me, there is much to read throughout the ages. Russian history begins with Viking conquest (the Viking word “Rus” meant “the people who row”) and starts anew with the overthrow of the Communist government which dominated the region for about 70 years, and shaped Western ideas about Moscow and its surrounding area.

This history is helpful, but fails to tell the whole story. Moscow is an ever-growing city, changing constantly. While it is regularly listed amongst the top ten most expensive cities in the world, Moscow would still be considered underdeveloped by an urban American. Those with the means can afford comfort and style, but these benefits do cost..

Tips

For US expats working in Moscow, Russia who are looking for help filing their taxes, there are many rules to take advantage of.

Such a rule is Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For other information about expat tax laws, consult one of the professionals at taxplannercpa.com. Tax Planner CPA specializes in filing taxes for US expats, and can be contacted at any time of the day by email. Quotes can also be requested here:

Or Speak to us live through the chat button on the bottom of your screen or by calling us at 1-855-TAX-2555.

******************************************

The regular means of transportation in the city is the metro, known as the Moscow underground. It is safe, efficient, and inexpensive, and it runs from 6am to 1am. The trains can be crowded, but do not approach the level of a Tokyo or a Caracas. Buses are not the most reliable source of transport, so another good option is to take a marshrutka (a minibus taxi), which follows a fixed route that often mimics the bus route. Marshrutka will take travelers anywhere along the route.

Taxis cost a lot in Moscow, especially from the airport; therefore it is a good idea to agree on a price before you get in. There are many private cars that cater to expats, but will cost a pretty penny.. Trams seem to be more reliable than buses, and have the added advantage of not being affected by traffic, as many Muscovites own cars and this contributes to the heavy traffic found in the city.