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Water
Water quality varies widely in Russia. It would be best if you
drink and brush your teeth only with boiled or bottled water.
Be careful to avoid ice and raw foods and vegetables.
Transport
St.Petersburg is a large metropolitan agglomeration spread over
a vast territory, that is why the city has a well-developed
transportation system, which includes buses, trolleybuses, trams,
taxis, automobiles, a subway, and a railway system connecting
the city with its suburbs.All forms of public transportation
can take our city's guests to any point of interest at any destination
in St.Petersburg. If you want to catch a taxi, raise your hand
at the curb of the road and then negotiate with the driver about
the cost.
Tipping
Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants. Tip 10-15%
depending on service.
Electricity
Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 hz. The plug is
the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own
converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.
Currency
The national monetary unit is the Russian rouble. One rouble
is made up of 100 kopecks. At the present time, coins denominating
1, 5, 10, and 50 kopecks, as well as 1, 2, and 5 roubles are
in circulation, in addition to paper notes denominating 5, 10,
50, 100, 500, and 1000 roubles. In St.Petersburg, as in all
of Russia, payment for all goods and services is to be made
in Russian roubles or by credit card. It is possible to exchange
money at any bank, at exchange booths, and at the majority of
hotels and large department stores.
We can do money exchange for you here in the office of "RST".
Credit and Debit Cards
In Russia the following credit and debit cards are acceptable:
VISA, Master Card/Euro card, American Express, Diners Club,
Maestro
Clothes. What should I take with me to be prepared for any
weather?
Whatever the season, it is wise to bring your umbrella and a
windproof raincoat or jacket. You will do a lot of walking in
St.Petersburg, so think carefully about footwear. Depending
on the time of the year, you will need warm boots with a non-slip
sole, waterproof boots/shoes, comfortable sandals. In winter
it can get very cold outside, but hotels and homes are reasonably
well heated. In spring it might be chilly at times, but in mid-May
it gets warmer. You can wear shorts in summer, though these
might prevent you from entering churches. Bring a sweater or
light jacket for those chilly evenings. It is in autumn that
you are most likely to use your umbrella and waterproof boots,
though a Russian version of an Indian Summer (around mid-September)
can be mild and fairly dry.
Shopping
In general, stores are open from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm from
Monday to Saturday. Large department stores and supermarkets
are open from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm, without lunch breaks, seven
days a week. A number of supermarkets are open around the clock,
seven days a week.
Telephones
Despite the recent rapid improvements in the telecommunications
infrastructure, telephoning in Russia can be difficult and expensive.
Best bet is to use the phone at your hotel or use our BCL phone
cards (can be purchased in the office of "RST") if
calling from a regular phone. Tokens are required for street
pay phones, which can be purchased at newsstands, in some stores,
and many kiosks.
Time
Time is GMT +3 for both Moscow & St.Petersburg.
Medical Care
Remember to bring any medications you may need. Check with your
health insurer before you depart to ascertain your coverage
in the event of emergency. Many insurance providers offer specialized
riders which can cover emergency evacuation
Remember!
Safety guide
- Plan your trip in advance, ask the "RST" staff for
help or talk with friends who have already been to Russia before.
- If you are from one of those countries where they drive on
the left (Britain, Australia, etc), be aware when crossing the
road. We drive on the right here.
- In Russia narcotic drugs are strictly controlled by law. Do
not carry any non-medicinal drugs with you.
- Do not carry all of your money and valuables with you all
together, especially in outer pockets, leave some in a safe
place. We suggest you have the identifying documents with you
always.
- Think before you pay. One and the same thing may be costly
in one place and much cheaper in the other.
- It is a good idea to keep the address (22 Sinopskaya emb.)
and emergency telephone number of "RST" (974-0373)
always with you at all times.
- Russian people are generally very friendly. Although do not
forget about your personal safety - do not walk alone at night,
do not talk to strange-looking individuals.
- Here are the important phone numbers for foreigners in
St. Petersburg:
Information: 009 (commercial), 09 (free of charge)
Special police service: 278-30-14
Emergency Medical Help: 320-38-70
Taxi: 380-13-13
- You do not have to drink vodka if you do not want to, even
when your Russian friends try to convince you must. It's not
a matter of politeness it is a matter of personal desire.
- Russians are not always effusive and may not constantly ask
after your health or chat all the time. Please do not be offended
they are just in the process of getting to know you.
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Reg. No. MBT #001743