Way to Russia Talk Lounge

nayrb36 · Just Starting Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Hi,

I've always wanted to visit St. Petersburg and Moscow, so I finally bought a ticket for 2 weeks to stay in a St. Petersburg apartment on October 1. Hurray! But... this will be my first International travel experience whatsoever (!!) and after buying the ticket, I must confess I had an "Oh my god, what have I gotten myself into?" small panic. I'm a confident person and sure everything will be fine. I've arranged an airport transfer and will be staying in the Nevsky Prospect area with lots to do. But I have two questions that maybe somebody can help ease my mind about:

1. When I arrive in the Pulkovo airport, will I be totally bewildered? Or are there any English signs to tell me where to go, where baggage pickup is, etc? I know next to no Russian, although I understand the alphabet and some basics such as hello, thank you, i want some soup, my numbers 1-10, etc. Wink

But no conversation skills.

2. I have a question about the "don't drink the water" issue. If I'm staying in an apartment and cooking, I probably need to use the tap water to wash vegetables, etc, etc. Is the water in these apartments around Nevsky Prospect safe? Can anyone comment?

3. Any other gotcha's, or "make sure to watch out for" stuff for a first time traveler would be MUCH appreciated. I have read a lot of the posts on this forum, and my Travel to Russia book, so I understand all the basics about money, clothing, visas, etc.

Thanks,
Bryan

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

nayrb36 · Just Starting Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Thank you! This is really great information and helps ease my concerns. I appreciate your thorough response.

Bryan

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

I made my first visit to St Pete last April, the airport is very small and you will have no problem getting around it and locating your luggage. Although they are building a new terminal-it could be done but I doubt it. So don't worry on the airport. Water-I too drank the water and didn't have any problems. My apartment did have a filter though. But yes boil the water if you don't feel safe and bottled water is always good too. Make several copies of all your info-passports, credit card info, emergency numers and contacts. I carried my passport with me at all times and a copy of everything. I also leave copies in my luggage. Watch out for the metro durring rush hour-always keep your passport and wallet in your front pocket with one hand on them. And just be alert to your surroundings. Also be very cautious when you cross the roads-pedesrians have no rights and hit and runs are very common-they don't care! It's a beautiful city. I suggest earth googling it and study it from above-you'll get a good perspective on where everything is.

Rick · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:36 am Post subject:

You can not get lost in Pulkovo airport. How are you going to the city? Hope not by taxi. It's quite easy to take on of the bus lines into the city and a metro from there..

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

I think you're pretty much prepared for your first trip, judging from your post!

Try hooking up with a few locals who can show you around and hang out with. Pack some fashionable clothes.

You can buy one of those jug-filters from Brita. Any kind of water run through them at least tastes better! Much of the bottled water here is essential tap or filtered, carbonated water with added salt!--but tap water isn't dangerous on a short-term trip anyway. But personally I would try to reduce the intake of straight-from-the-tap water as much as possible.

Oh, and have fun!