Saint Petersburg Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Local SIM cards present more affordable call and data rates than international roaming. You require your passport and visa for purchase.

Providers & Acquisition

Major Providers: MTS, Beeline, Megafon, and Tele2.
Purchase Points: Official provider stores (e.g., Nevsky Prospekt, shopping malls).
For an eSIM option, consider Airalo for instant connectivity.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widespread in various venues. Mobile data offers robust coverage throughout the city.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi Access: Available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces, including underground stations.
Mobile Data: Saint Petersburg maintains good 4G coverage.
For a portable Wi-Fi device, explore Solis Wi-Fi.

Language Barriers & Translation

Russian functions as the official language. English finds use in major tourist zones, luxury hotels, and higher-end restaurants.

Translation Resources

Download Google Translate or Yandex Translate (with Russian offline packs).
A small Russian phrasebook provides a worthy companion for basic interactions. Consider Rosetta Stone for language preparation.
Be aware that English speakers are less prevalent in general public settings.

Important Russian Phrases

Essential Greetings & Questions

Hello: Zdravstvuyte (ZDRAS-tvooy-tyeh)
Please: Pozhaluysta (Pah-ZHA-looy-stah) / Thank you: Spasibo (Spah-SEE-boh)
Do you speak English?: Vy govorite po-angliyski? (Vy go-vo-REE-tye po an-GLEE-skee?)

Postal Services & Basic Phrases

Postal Service Overview

Pochta Rossii (Russian Post) operates post offices.
Services encompass sending postcards, letters, and parcels.
Mail to other countries delivery durations can be extended.
Check local post office operating hours.

More Phrases

Goodbye: Do svidaniya (Doh svee-DAH-nya)
Yes: Da (Dah) / No: Net (Nyett)
Pardon me: Izvinite (Eez-vee-NEE-tyeh)
How much?: Skol'ko? (SKOL-kuh?)

Connectivity Tip

For public Wi-Fi, expect registration often using a local phone number. Plan for this using securing a local SIM card.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops & Malls

Shops generally open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Shopping malls often extend hours until TEN:00 PM.

Restaurants & Cafes

Lunch service typically begins around 12:00 PM, with dinner service from 6:00 PM. Cafes often open early for breakfast.

Museums & Attractions

Typically open from 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Many observe one late evening per week and a weekly closure day.

Banking & ATMs

Bank hours are generally consistent during weekdays, but foreign-issued cards may not function.

Financial Access

Banks: Typically open from 9:00 AM/10:MIDNIGHT TO 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Foreign Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards issued abroad generally do not operate.
Cash Requirement: Carrying physical currency is a necessity.

Public Holidays

Several public holidays occur throughout the year, which may alter business hours.

Dates

New Year's Day (Jan 1-8), Orthodox Christmas (Jan 7).
Victory Day (May 9), Russia Day (Jun 12), National Unity Day (Nov 4).
Government offices and banks may close or reduce hours; tourist attractions typically stay open.

Seasonal Operating Schedules

Attraction Specifics

Peterhof fountains operate from late May to early October.
Hydrofoils to Peterhof function seasonally (May-October).
Some canal tours and outdoor activities may pause during winter.

Planning for Seasons

Always verify specific websites for precise schedules before your visit.
Museums often present one late evening per week for extended access.
Nearly all museums close one day per week, typically Mondays or Tuesdays.

Planning Reminder

Verify specific operating schedules for all attractions, especially during public holidays and off-peak seasons.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Handshakes find common use between men. Women may shake hands or offer a polite nod.

Social Interactions

Utilize the formal address "Vy" (you plural/formal) with strangers.
Removing shoes upon arrival into a private home is customary.
A formal yet polite demeanor is generally well-received.

Appropriate Attire

Dress codes differ based on the setting. Russians often dress smartly, especially for evening events.

Dressing for Occasions

Churches: Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered for both genders; women should cover their heads.
Theatre/Opera: Smart casual attire is fitting.
General: Western casual wear generally acceptable, yet smart dressing is valued.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Dining etiquette and tipping customs are important aspects of local culture.

Food & Service

See Section 7.1 for dining etiquette details.
Tipping practices are discussed in Section 2.3.
Leaving food on your plate finds a place as impolite in some settings.

Photography Guidelines

Photography is usually permitted in public spaces and most museums without flash.

Capture Safely

Some attractions may levy a separate fee for photography, especially in certain palace interiors.
Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or sensitive subjects, specifically due to current geopolitical circumstances.
Always look for "no photography" signs and honor them.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Political & Social Sensitivities

Politics and current conflicts: Exercise extreme caution; don't get into discussions with strangers.
Public expression of dissent is not tolerated and may result in severe penalties.
Criticizing Russia or its leadership is generally ill-advised in public settings.

Social Conduct & Norms

LGBTQ+ Issues: Laws against "gay propaganda" exist; avoid public displays of affection or discussions.
Public drunkenness meets with disapproval.
Privacy Concerns: Be respectful of people's privacy, especially when taking photos.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Dynamics

Traditional gender roles are prevalent.
Women generally navigate without specific issues as tourists.
Solo female travelers ought to practice standard caution, notably at night.

LGBTQ+ Travel Advice

Russia does not present a LGBTQ+-friendly travel environment.
Being discreet is advisable; avoid public displays of affection.
Refrain from discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in public.

Cultural Sensitivity Message

Approaching local customs and norms with respect and discretion greatly enriches your travel visit.

Accessibility Information

Navigating Saint Petersburg with mobility issues has distinct challenges.

Mobility Infrastructure

Saint Petersburg's historic architecture and metro system present substantial hurdles for mobility challenged individuals.

Challenges Present

Many old buildings lack ramps or lifts, presenting access difficulty.
Metro stations reside deep underground, with long escalators and often no lifts.
Pavements can be uneven, and cobblestones commonly occur.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Newer developments and some major sites extend improved accessibility options.

Facilitated Access

Newer shopping malls and some modern hotels are accessible.
Major museums, like the Hermitage, may feature accessible routes. Confirm in advance.
Specialized accessible taxis or transport services may exist via independent operators.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Support for travelers with visual or hearing impairments is still restricted, especially for non-Russian speakers.

Support Availability

Services for visual impairments are not extensive.
Support for hearing impairments needs specialized arrangement.
Guide dogs may not garner universal acceptance.

Accessibility Resources

Information concerning accessibility appears fragmented. Direct interaction with establishments is prudent.

Finding Information

It is judicious to communicate with specific attractions or hotels directly ahead of your visit.
Inquire about their accessibility provisions for current details.
Specialized private operators might extend tailored transport services.

Airport Services

Airport services include lounge access and compensation assistance for flight delays or cancellations.

Lounge Access

Consider Priority Pass for independent airport lounge access globally.

Explore Lounges

Flight Compensation

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with claims.

Claim Now

General Airport Info

Pulkovo Airport (LED) serves Saint Petersburg with various facilities.

Accessibility Advisory

Proactive research and direct communication having venues are prudent steps for travelers with accessibility requirements.

Saint Petersburg Travel Tips