Kalininskiy St-petersburg, Russia Travel Guide
Major mobile providers MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, and Tele2 have local SIM cards at official stores. You need your passport for registration. Data packages offer good coverage.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers. Free Wi-Fi is also available in St. Petersburg Metro stations.
Russian is the official language. English is spoken in key visitor areas. Outside these zones, Proficiency in english is less common.
Purchase a local SIM card or eSIM for mobile data. Download offline translation apps. Learning a few basic Russian phrases goes a long way. Free Wi-Fi is common in public places.
Knowledge of operating hours and holidays supports travel plans. Information on typical schedules and closures.
Shops typically open 10:00-21:00. Supermarkets often open 08:00 plus near 23:00, some 24/7.
Hours vary widely. Breakfast 08:00, lunch until 16:00, dinner 19:00-23:00 or later.
Banks operate weekdays 09:00/10:00 to 18:00/19:00. ATMs are widely available 24/7.
Russia observes several public holidays. They change business hours. Establishments operate on reduced hours or close.
Some attractions may have reduced hours or close for maintenance during low season.
Check public holiday schedules, as they change business hours. Outdoor attractions may have seasonal operations. ATMs are widely available.
Handshakes are common between men. Women may offer cheek kisses to close friends. For general interactions, 'Здравствуйте' or 'Добрый день' works.
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants if not included. Avoid excessive loudness in public dining spaces. Bring a small gift if invited to a home.
Avoid discussing politics, especially current international relations. Do not engage in public criticism of Russia. Be respectful of local customs.
Russia has laws restricting the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations" to minors. Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not advisable due to current social and legal norms.
Modest dress for religious sites. Ask permission for photos. Avoid sensitive topics like politics. Respect local norms regarding public displays of affection.
Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges evolves in St. Petersburg.
Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges can be inconsistent. Older buildings, historic sites, and some public transport systems may lack ramps or elevators.
Metro accessibility remains limited due to deep stations, long escalators, and older infrastructure. Not all stations have elevators.
Specialized services for visually or hearing-impaired people who travel are limited. Some larger museums may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits, but this is not universal.
Check official websites of specific attractions and public transport providers for detailed accessibility information.
Newer public buildings and shopping centers feature ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Some renovated attractions have improved accessibility for visitors with accessibility issues.
Newer models of buses and trams are increasingly low-floor and more accessible for entry and exit.
Accessibility infrastructure continues to evolve. Older sites and Metro stations could be challenging. Consult official websites for specific details. Newer transport and buildings show improvements.
