Where to Go and
What to Bring
Climate
Time Zone
Electricity
Things to bring
Rubles, dollars, credit cards
St.Petersburg lies on the same latitude as the Shetland Islands and Anchorage, Alaska,
but its climate is much less harsh than you’d imagine,
moderated by warm air blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean.
The climate in St.Petersburg is intermediate - from nautical to continental.
It is quite mild and humid with frequent rains and fogs
and is not much different from what you can see in the most North European cities.
There can be quite dry and hot periods in summer time,
when the temperatures go up to +25C(+81F)…+30C(+90F) but they last for a month maximum.
Winters rarely compare with the ferocious cold of winter in Moscow, let alone Siberia!
The most popular time to go is summer, lasting from the end of May to early September,
when the city celebrates the famous “White Nights” (from the end of May to mid-July)
with a special festival and weeks of partying.
In May - July when the White Nights are there, the city shows its special charm.
This is the time when numerous tourists are fascinated with
magnificent architectonic ensembles palaces, cathedrals, the streets and squares,
granite embankments and raising bridges across the Neva River and its tributaries.
You are able to take a “water-taxi” - a boat, to go for an exciting ride
along rivers and canals.
You will never get tired of admiring the unique architecture of the regular
and landscape gardens and parks, out-of-town palaces of Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Petrodvorets,
Gatchina and Lomonosov.
To feel the special spirit of St.Petersburg you should come to our city during the
Golden Autumn.
You will take the unforgettable memories visiting Petersburg at this period.
The theatre season begins.
More than 100 theatres and concert halls, among them
the famous Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Ballet and Opera House,
will extend their hospitality to the guests of St.Petersburg.
Brilliant suburbs such as Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Petrodvorets, Gatchina acquire
the special charm in the autumn and become very attractive for walks.
Sub-zero temperatures and snow can set in weeks before winter officially begins in
December.
The canals and rivers soon freeze over and a blanket of snow creates enchanting vistas
that almost make you forget the cold.
The secular Christmas and New Year festivities are occasions for shopping and merrymaking,
much as in the West.
Like winter, spring arrives somewhat unpredictably,
especially in March - the fabulous sight of the Neva River ice - floes breaking up
and flowing through the heart of the city may not occur until April, or even early May.
St.Petersburg lies in the Moscow time zone (GMT + 3).
Electric current: 220 Volts, European 2-pin plugs (pins should be thin).
It is wise to give some thoughts as to what to bring -
and worth packing that bit more to save off problems later.
It is useful to know that the choice of consumer goods and food products in the shops
has dramatically improved and everything from Cheddar to Guinness can be found.
Here are some suggestions of goods and other things you may want to bring with you:
Summer - expect occasional rains throughout the summer and bring a waterproof jacket
and a compact umbrella.
Mosquitoes can also be a pest so some form of barrier/treatment cream is advisable,
plus an anti-mosquito plug if you want to get some sleep at night!
Winter - take as many layers as you can pack.
Gloves, a hat and scarf that covers your face, and thick socks are required items;
thermal underwear saves you from cold legs; and a pair of boots with non-slip soles
is recommended for the snow and ice.
The traditional Russian fur hat (shapka) can be bought here.
Avoid buying clothes here since good quality items are about 50% more expensive in Russia
than in Western Europe and America.
Please don’t forget to take slippers with you.
Russians always take shoes off at their flats and use slippers instead.
Photographic supplies: Everything is readily available here.
Express film processing is somewhat better value for money.
Tapes for digital camcorders are best bought from home.
Small gifts: Souvenirs such as chocolate, pen-knives, digital watches, etc.
are always in great demand.
International Student Card: Students in Russia are getting enormous discounts just
about anywhere - if you are a student, bring along your student card, it will help a lot!
Personal and Medical Items: Medicine, feminine products, condoms, etc.
are widely and inexpensively available at local pharmacies and kiosks throughout the city.
Your best bet is to bring along enough of these items, and some basic medicine
(aspirin, Imodium, decongestant) to last for a few days or a week.
Roubles, Dollars and Credit cards
US dollars can be exchanged everywhere.
Please note that you will not be able to change any money without passport!
Cash Advance transactions are getting cheaper.
Generally, commissions range from 1-4%.
For changing traveler checks into dollars, the commission is again between 1-5%.
Hotels, good restaurants and the occasional supermarket accept plastic.
The most accepted credit card is Visa, but MasterCard/Eurocard and American Express
are getting more and more popular.
In case of loss or theft of your credit card,
immediately advise your bank to cancel it.
Always keep your wallet in a safe place especially in shops and when using public transport.
Please keep in particular the following in mind:
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers: You should be particularly careful on Nevsky Prospekt
and in the Metro. A big camera will make you a target for pickpockets.
Never carry large sums of money with you.
Our experience shows that many assaults involve street children in the above mentioned places.
Your credit/EC-card (with PIN-code) allows you to get cash at numerous bank machines.
Since the ruble is partially convertible, there is no black market anymore.
If anybody should ask you on the street anyway, do not enter into business,
as the difference in rate is slight, it is illegal and you may be cheated.
Please note that despite inflationary tendencies the only accepted form of payment in shops
and restaurants is the ruble.
Warning! Torn, well worn, heavily written on,
or faded currency always gets turned down here.
Make sure, your dollar bills are crisp and freshly-minted!
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