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Atyrau

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PLANNER0012003
  2/26/2008 01:29 EST

Hi,
I have been offered a position in Aytrau. Has anyone any information on the city, cost of living, things to do with a young family etc.

Your help and assistance would be greatly appriecated.

Expatka
  9/16/2008 02:16 EST

Myself I was in Kazakhstan but lived 5 years in London and been in some other countrys as well. So I can understand the difference in type of living. I heard that in Aktau and Atyrau plenty of well paid jobs and at one point my husband been offered there job too, but because there are no good places of interest we decided not to go....BUT..... if you are offered a well paid job and you are in need and interested in money than I am advising to go, because if you have the goal, you will sacrifice and you can be uncomfortable in some ways but eventually you will benefit, so make your choice depending on what do you want. All the best and I hope you will be happy with any of your decisions. :-)

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anitajazjosh
  8/11/2008 23:14 EST

Hi
did you end up moving to Atyrau? We have a 3 year old and a 5 year old and are moving over in the next month or two.

would love to catch up and if you have any useful info before I arrive would be useful.

thanks

mazoun
  5/23/2008 12:35 EST

Hello, I lived in KAZ for nearly 2 years. It has a school which is run by TCO (Tengiz Chevron) .

Rents are high, even by western standard. A typical 2 bedroom apartment will run into 2000 to $ 2500. Cooking Gas is cheap (subsidized by the govt) A decent house (villa) will cost you $ 5000-$8000

In winters the temp is -25 Derees (Centigrade). No salt is put on the road, so you see many people falling when the ice hardens.
Many expats, so you can have a good lifestyle in terms of entertainment. The locals drink a lot of vodka, which is cheaper than water. Do not drink water from the taps.

Entertainment in the terms of nightlife is there in plenty, but chances are, you will be mugged at some point. Use a taxi, it is cheap. Do not drive, as the cops stop you, and you end up paying them.

There are no museums, parks, or places where families can go in Atyrau. However skiing is great, but I would suggest, take your spouse with you
Lamb and Mutton (goat meat ) is rare plenty of horse meat and pork, so you need to be carefull what you buy. People do not speak english in the market place, so that could be a problem.

Off late, muggings have increased. Sometimes, it is the fault of the expats, who throw their money around.

English channels do not exist there , except for CNN, BBC, Nat Geo, science, animal planet. If you need more, you need to install the SA satellite dish, which will cost $ 2500. Unless your company pays, it is expensive, as you may not be able to ship it back.

On the whole, it is safe,if you are going there only for the money, and follow the general rule, like in any other country.

Once the snow melts (Feb-March), the ground is mushy with mud and water. The mud (like clay) sticks to your clothes, and thats the only thing I hated most

PLANNER0012003
  5/14/2008 03:08 EST

Thanks for the info it sounds as if I can rule it out for a young family. Thanks for being so honest and replying to my question.

Regards

PLANNER0012003
  5/14/2008 03:06 EST

Thank you for your honest reply, I found it most helpful. I think as you say I will require a visit to see for myself what it is like.

Best regards

William RussellWilliam Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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philam
  4/18/2008 20:58 EST

hi,my husband is an american and right now he's staying at the hotel in almaty,KZT. and later I'll be moving soon to join him there.but He told me living in almaty is a terrible expenssive,more than living here in USA.so, I decided to take a 2 weeks vacation and Lets see...nxt

litababe
  3/31/2008 21:31 EST

HI there, I read that you came from in kazakhstan. Iam a filipina, married to an american. my husband wants to work in kasakhstan. he is now living in the philippines with me. he applied already in many jobs websites but until for 3 mos. we dont have reply . thank you if you can give me some idea where he can apply thanks.

grahamgrash
  3/23/2008 00:00 EST

I have just returned to the UK after 19 months in Kz.
Atyrau is a fast moving city that has become so very expensive. In the winter it is wet cold and horrible (-25*c) and the Summer is hot dry and horrible (+35*c). The majority of the people are pleasent and warm. A minority of the people are not. Out of several tens of Western ex pat friends - most have a story about a friend or colleague being mugged or robbed.
There are no parks, museums and limited shopping area to pass the time. No public swimming etc.
Not a good place to take children as there is nothing for them. There are a few bars and fewer restaurants for the adults.

Annelove
  2/26/2008 10:16 EST

From my understanding from friends Atyrau is a very difficult town. Really check out the facts before you consider going. One thing I do know is the accomodation is really expensive and scarce. Cheveron are building a big self contained camp but its not complete yet and people are living in hotels. So far there is no international school and generally not yet considered a family posting. Best of all go and look for yourself.

William Russell
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