ATMs and Cards
ATMs linked to international networks such as Visa, Maestro, MasterCard can be found everywhere. Using a credit/debit card you can always obtain rubles, just look for a sign Банкомат (Bankomat). Most of the credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. It is a good idea to inform your bank about traveling to Russia, otherwise they can put a hold on your card. Bathrooms Public bathrooms is one of the modern problems of Russia. They do exist, but they are mostly poorly marked and difficult to find and of course they are not up to Western standards of hygiene and not free to use, usually you will have to pay about 30-40 rub to use the facility. Blue chemical toilets on the streets have no wash basin and toilets in train stations are mainly the squat type. This is why I advise you to visit bathrooms in restaurants, shops and museums. Every time your guide (if you bought a tour) will make a bathroom stop, please, do not hesitate to use it! Changing Money St. Petersburg is one of the most famous Russian cities and there are millions of tourists coming every year, that is why in some restaurants and shops they will allow you to pay with dollars and euros. Dollars ans Euros are really easy to change in all Russian banks. Whatever currency you bring should be in a good condition, as banks do not accept old and spoiled banknotes. Remember, that cashier will not change currency without your passport. The best bank to exchange money is Sberbank (Сбербанк/ biggest bank of the country with the best rates), it's green banners can be found almost at every corner. Electricity Electricity in Russia is supplied at 220v/50hz (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts), travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Electrical outlets in Russia are one of the two European standard electrical outlets types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types. Money-Saving Tips in Museums If you are a student, take your ISIC card with you, as most of the places won't accept any other evidence of your status. Senior citizens and children also get discounts sometimes, so bring your passport to prove your age. What is more, if you are interested in visiting a lot of museums, it is well worth booking your tickets online. The Hermitage museum offers a free entry on the first Thursday of each month. At museums try to get the Russian price wherever possible, if you have a local friend,ask him to buy you a ticket and stay aside and keep quiet ;p If you have plans for visit a lot of museums, then it would be wise to but a City Tour Pass (350 rub/ 6,5 USD) in one of the city Tourist Centres. City Tour Pass is a cheque booklet that contains tear-off coupons for free admission to the main attractions of Saint Petersburg. Also it includes discounts on museums routes, and discounts in popular restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure time enterprises in St. Petersburg. What is more, it will allow you to buy tickets without waiting in lines. Check all details about City Tour Pass here http://citytourpass.ru Russian Currency National currency is Ruble (rub). Nowadays ruble is quite unstable, since the oil is getting less and less expensive, ruble is getting cheaper if to compare with any other currency. Before 2014 one dollar costed about 32 rub, these days it continues jumping from 55 up to 70 rubles for one dollar. That is the reason why it is very profitable to travel to Russia today. Tap Water The city water supplier insists that the water is safe. Nonetheless most of the pipes are really old and water may contain different pollutants. Do not drink water from the tap. To be safe only drink filtered water or water that has been boiled. Bathing, showering and brushing your teeth is safe. Water conditions is the reason why you will not be given any tap water in any restaurant, so do not wait for a free glass of water. Telephone Russia's international code is [ 7 ]. The international access code from landline phones in Russia is [ 8 ], followed by 10 after the second tone, then the country code, area code and number that you need. St. Petersburg code is [ 812 ], Moscow code is [ 495 ]. From mobile phones all you need is to dial [ +7 ] and number. If you want to make local calls, consider buying a sim-card. To get around the problem of unlocking a U.S. cell phone, you could buy a cheap cell phone in Russia, you may find one for 20 USD. Most famous mobile providers are: MTS, Megafon, TELE2 and Beeline. You can buy a sim-card that will include internet and sms package for as much as 300 rub (5 USD).
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AuthorHi there! My name is Mila, I have been working as a local guide for six years and I've decided to share with you essential information about St. Petersburg, life in Russia and Russian culture. I hope you will enjoy! Archives
January 2018
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