Best in Saint Petersburg
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SAFETY File Created: 28-Jan-03
See also: RAILROAD INFORMATION - INTERCITY AND INTERNATIONAL
Contains:
Compared to most world-class cities, St. Petersburg is relatively safe and most people are honest, helpful, and eager to be friends.
The image about a crime wave in St. Petersburg arises largely from the Russian media itself, which now is free to report any sensational event, especially a few well-publicized Mafia rubouts of Russian bankers, businessmen and competition. Russian citizens were long accustomed to the belief (if not the reality) that their streets were completely safe at night, and that crime was a "disease of capitalism". Now, the lurid TV and press reports of crime combined with a small increase in actual street crime has created in the mind of the Russian citizen this image that they themselves are now suffering from one of the worst crime waves in the world. In fact, statistically the streets in the popular parts of the city still remain as safe of safer than in London, Paris and New York.
In sum, the common myth about personal crime, and especially against foreign visitors, is simply not supported by the facts. The actual frequency of crime is relating low, and much- publicized Russian Mafia rarely are involved directly with travelers. Corruption and protection-money, however, are real problems for foreign and Russian businesses alike, but some progress is being made on this front too. But as in any large city, there are crime and safety problems here, too. Russians, despite the image of safe streets, have long taken a number of precautions against crime (double locks on doors, never inviting a stranger into the house, not giving out their address, etc.) and you should too. Most foreigners tend to stick out in crowds and are often perceived as wealthy, thus making them potential targets for theft, robbery, and fraud. Be on guard, act defensively. Here are some reminders and recommendations for St. Petersburg and travel in general.
CRIME PREVENTION HERE AND EVERYWHEREspaceTopspaceS indexspaceA-Z Index
Money and documents must be put away, best inside of your clothing and your bag zipped and over your shoulder.

Carry a bright pocket flashlight. Many entrance halls and stairways have no lights. And in the winter the nights are long and dark.

Carry a small can of "Mace", "Pepper Shield", or similar product and know how to use it. If you feel threatened, take it out and let it be seen. This can be an effective deterrent.

Never get into a taxi carrying anyone other than the driver. Look at the driver and condition of the car. When in doubt, wave the taxi on. Taxis ordered by phone or through organized services at hotels are often a best bet. Many "official state taxis", once the benchmark of safety have been privatized & are no longer subject to official supervision on rates or safety.

Never give your home address to a stranger. The Russians never do; they often don't even let the taxi driver know exacty where they live. Foreigners are even better targets for thieves. Exchange business phone numbers & addresses.

Don't show large amounts of money, especially hard currency. For small purchases, carry some rubles in one pocket and some dollars in another. Carry your documents and large sums of money separately inside your clothing in a money belt or pouch hung around your neck.

Changing Money. Safest at currency exchange offices. Stay away from Gostinyy Dvor and Apraksin Dvor. Never change money alone on the street. See CURRENCY EXCHANGE.

Beware. Be especially alert around railroad, metro, and bus stations, markets, and Apraksin Dvor. On overnight trains take a few simple precautions. See RAIL INFORMATION - TRAIN TRAVEL.

CRIME PROBLEMSspaceTopspaceS indexspaceA-Z Index
Thieves, pickpockets and muggers. They come in all sizes and ages. Be especially careful of thieves and pickpockets from elderly well-dressed gentlemen and pretty prostitutes to scruffy drunks, pushy money changers, and swarms of young children.

Street urchins are High Risk. Like in many European cities, roving gangs of children are perhaps the most visible and the most aggressive thieves. Much to the dismay of the gypsy community, many are gypsy children. So, beware of gangs of dirty, ill dressed, poor-looking children (under 14 because they can not be arrested). Don't be sympathetic about their condition. You may actually be in imminent danger of being robbed.
These gangs work by swarming around you like bees, begging, even grabbing your legs or arms and distracting you. Before you realize it, they have accomplished their task and gotten away. There is often a disheveled woman beggar with a small infant in her arms not far away.

What to do. Stay with or go over to other people, go into a shop. Don't look at them, move away quickly. Don't be distracted by begging. If you have a mace or pepper shield canister, take it out and let them see it. Use it if necessary. If they come near you, threaten to hit them and loudly shout "von" or "militia". And if a child (or even woman beggar) actually comes close to you, act aggressively at once. From our own experience, we know that they will not hesitate to rob you in broad daylight.

Mafia. Despite widespread publicity about the "Russian Mafia", it is highly unlikely that the clean-living visitor will ever directly encounter any problems in this area (except for universally common high airport, taxi, and baggage handling fees).
The term Mafia is applied losely to all sorts of quasi-criminals, corrupt officials, and as well as the real structured organized mafia. Many areas of economic activity such as taxis and markets have historically been controled by one or another group. Businessmen, especially Russian but also foreigners, face the risk of extortions not only from organized mafia providing "security services" but also corrupt tax, health, and customs inspectors.

PERSONAL SAFETY AND HEALTHspaceTopspaceS indexspaceA-Z Index
Unmarked and unprotected street hazards. Be careful when walking on side-walks and streets for open stairwells, deep holes, iron bars sticking out from walls and other hazards.

Don't jaywalk. Cross busy streets only at the light or use the underpass (perekhod) denoted by a blue and white sign with a picture of a person walking down a stairway. Russians observe these rules and with good cause.

Poor enforcement of sanitary standards. Food handling and sanitation standards are not enforced. While refrigeration, food handling and food preservation is improving, it is still primitive in many shops and eating establishments which may or may not have hot water. Water is a problem in St. Petersburg. Most Russians don't drink the water. You probably shouldn't either. See WATER QUALITY & WATER PURIFIERS.

Medical problems. Traveler's requiring periodic injections should bring their own syringes, needles and prescriptions. Check that your immunizations are current especially DPT. Only go to medical care facilities using disposable products.