Banking and Communications
1. Currency
The currency of Russia is the rouble. One rouble consists of 100 kopeks. The rouble has stabilized of late, though it can be difficult to obtain outside of Russia. The new 10 rouble coin makes finding change much easier but beware using a large bill for a small purchase; you may end up with a pocketful of them.
2. Changing Money
Exchange booths are freely available all over the city these days. US dollars and euros are the easiest to change, while pounds sterling can be changed in banks and top hotels. Avoid anyone who offers to change money for you on the street – he is certainly a swindler.
3. Credit Cards
Major credit cards are readily accepted at all top restaurants and hotels, but not at most other places, such as small shops and cafés. The widely accepted credit cards are Eurocard, VISA and MasterCard; American Express is not as recognized. If your credit card is lost or stolen, immediately inform the credit card company.
4. Traveller’s Cheques
Traveller’s cheques have not really caught on in Russia and are only accepted in a handful of banks. Commission is generally 3 per cent. The American Express traveller’s cheques can be cashed at American Express offices for a commission of 2 per cent – you will need to provide your passport as proof of identity.
5. Post
Post out of Russia can be incredibly slow and unreliable – letters to the US or Europe can take months to arrive, or even longer. Westpost runs a reliable, fairly inexpensive service. The Corinthia Nevskij Palace Hotel operates a good postal service via Finland. This service is of European standards and letters to the UK take three to four days to arrive.
Nevskiy prospekt 86 • 275 0784 • Open 9:30am–8pm Mon–Fri, 12:30–8pm Sat • www.westpost.ru
6. Telephones
There are many public telephones in St Petersburg. While some accept coins, the majority only take telephone cards. These cards are sold at metro underpasses and at some of the metro ticket offices. Calls are relatively cheap.
7. Calling St Petersburg
In order to call Russia from abroad, dial 007. To reach a number within the city, dial 007 and then the city code – 812 – followed by the number you are trying to reach. To dial Moscow from St Petersburg, or vice versa, dial 8 and wait for the dial tone. Then dial the number, beginning with the respective city code.
8. Mobiles
Most of the mobile phones with the roaming facility will work here, but the service is very expensive. To be sure, check with your provider before leaving. If you are in Russia for some time, it makes sense to buy a SIM card from one of the local providers.
9. Internet Cafes
Internet cafés can be found all over the city, especially at the centre, on and around Nevskiy prospekt. They are identifiable by the word “Internet” in English. Speeds are fast and cheap.
10. ATMs
ATMs are easy to find throughout St Petersburg. They usually have an English language option. Cash can be obtained with a credit card through the larger banks. Commission is from 2 to 5 per cent. There are limits on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn in a single 24-hour period – these vary from bank to bank. Be careful when counting out your money in public.
