Saint Petersburg Warning or Danger Tips by keeweechic

Water : the quality of tap water varies widely in Russia. When I was there the colour of the hot water especially was not quite as transparent as one would like, in fact it was quite brown and hard (as far as trying to get a lather to wash my hair). I was using bottled water to drink and brush my teeth but I am told that the quality of water there is now very good.
.

Leave a Comment

It won't take you too long to note that drivers will cruise on the wrong side of the road, reverse down major streets, and even use the sidewalk when they have to when avoiding the countless potholes. Don't take anything for granted - local drivers treat one-way streets, traffic lights, and the sanctity of crosswalks as suggestions rather than laws. Make sure you look carefully before you cross and then run.

Foreigners can legally drive on almost all of Russia's roads and highways.
.

Leave a Comment

Old travel guides will tell you to develop your film before leaving the country because Russian airports' “filmsafe” x-rays may damage film and I did loose a whole role of film which may or may not have been because of the machines, it was totally blank when I went to get it developed. But 'Lalique' tells me that the x-ray machines are all safe now for film. Look for the film safe stickers.
.

Leave a Comment

Do not use gypsy cabs or accept rides in cabs that already have a rider. In Russia, taxi fees are usually negotiated with the driver ahead of time.
.

In Russia there is a bit of a racket in taxis. Think twice before getting into a taxi that has more than one person sitting in it. Almost all taxi-related crimes happen after dark and usually with people they pick up on Nevsky or other areas frequented by the well-to-do, like bars. Just exercise caution.

Leave a Comment

With the end of the Soviet police state, crime rate has been on the rise throughout Russia, however, in relation to other major cities in the world, it is still quite safe. Take the usual precautions which include not flaunting valuables, or walking alone at night through city streets or parks.

Leave a Comment