Useful Tips

Currency – changing money

Petersburg has large numbers of exchange centers, many of them operating 24-hours. This also means that rates are normally competitive. Commission is normally negligible. You're likely to get the best exchange rates on Nevsky Prospekt, but be sure to bring along your passport. Without a passport you can not change money.
This only applies to dollars and Euros, though, and other currencies are normally only changeable at larger banks or central exchange offices.
It is illegal to charge for goods or services in any currency other than rubles.

You can check Russian Ruble exchange rate here: www.xe.com

How to bring money to Russia? (read more)

Weather

Saint Petersburg experiences a humid continental climate of the cool summers, due to the influence of the Baltic Sea cyclones, with warm, humid and short summers and long, cold winters.
Summers vary from year to year, but generally temperatures are somewhere near 20–25°C. Whatever the season, it is wise to bring your umbrella and a windproof raincoat or jacket. You can view the current weather conditions at www.weather.com

Electricity

The Russia uses a 220 volt system, sockets have the European standard and plugs are two-prong grounded.

In case of emergency

Emergency medical care is available at hospitals around town. The private clinics listed below have facilities that meet international standards. In any case, it is worth checking with your health insurance provider to confirm that you are covered in Russia – and investing in travel insurance if you are not.

List of private clinics available here.

In case of emergency call that numbers:
Fire dial 01
Police dial 02
Medical dial 03

Sights & Attractions

A city of palaces and museums, broad avenues and winding canals, St. Petersburg's short history has endowed the city with a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures. Alongside world-famous attractions such as the Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theatre. (read more)

Restaurants – tipping

Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants but tips are welcome. If you consider the service good enough to warrant a tip, we suggest about ten percent.

List of recommended restaurants available here.

Shopping

Shopping along the city's festive main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospekt makes you feel more like a native Piterbyrzhets (Petersburger), and offers the best variety of stores in the city. Bolshoi Prospekt on Vasilyevsky Island also offers a comparatively good selection of stores. (read more)