St. Petersburg Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in St. Petersburg.
Healthcare System
Russia has a two-tier healthcare system with free public healthcare for citizens and fee-based services for foreigners. Tourists must pay for all medical services unless they have insurance with Russian coverage. Private clinics offer higher standards and English-speaking staff but are significantly more expensive than public facilities.
Hospitals
Recommended private clinics for tourists include American Medical Clinic (Moika River Embankment, 78), Medem International Clinic, and Scandinavian Health Center. These facilities have English-speaking staff, Western standards, and experience with international patients. Public hospitals like Mariinsky Hospital provide emergency care but with language barriers.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka/аптека) are widely available throughout the city, marked with a green cross. Many common medications are available over-the-counter. Pharmacists may not speak English, so bring generic drug names or prescriptions. 24-hour pharmacies exist in central areas. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications with documentation.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as this can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many Russian facilities require upfront payment before treatment, which you claim back from insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names in both English and Russian
- Keep your insurance company's 24-hour emergency number readily accessible
- Private clinics may require deposit or proof of insurance before treatment
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication
- Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and routine vaccines are recommended
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur frequently in tourist areas, on crowded public transport (especially metro), and at major attractions. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Unlicensed taxis and official taxis may overcharge tourists, take longer routes, or use rigged meters. Some drivers claim card machines don't work to force cash payment at inflated rates.
Drinks may be spiked in nightclubs and bars, particularly targeting solo travelers. Some bars use attractive individuals to lure tourists and present inflated bills. Credit card skimming occurs at some establishments.
While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, muggings can occur, particularly late at night in poorly lit areas or parks. Intoxicated individuals may become aggressive.
Police may stop foreigners for document checks. While usually routine, some officers may attempt to solicit bribes for minor infractions or claim document issues.
Driving standards can be aggressive, and drivers don't always yield to pedestrians. Winter conditions make roads hazardous. Sidewalks may be icy and dangerous.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs. They ask to see your wallet or passport, then steal cash or claim fines are owed.
Restaurants add items you didn't order, charge exorbitant prices for bread or water that appeared complimentary, or present bills in different currency than menu prices. Some use attractive people to lure tourists to establishments with inflated prices.
Unofficial exchange offices or individuals offer great rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange you, swap bills during counting, or give counterfeit notes. Some legitimate-looking offices have hidden fees.
Unofficial sellers near major attractions offer tickets at inflated prices or sell fake tickets. Some claim official ticket offices are closed and offer to 'help' for a fee.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Bird droppings scam where substance is placed on you and 'helpful' person assists while stealing.
People offer to 'help' tourists use metro ticket machines, then keep change, add extra charges, or pickpocket while assisting.
Someone approaches offering a 'free' bracelet, flower, or souvenir, puts it on you or in your hand, then demands payment aggressively. Sometimes works in groups to intimidate.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Always carry your passport and migration card - police can request these at any time
- Keep photocopies of passport, visa, and migration card separate from originals
- Register your stay within 7 business days through your hotel or landlord - this is legally required
- Store digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage
- Have your hotel address written in Russian for showing to police or taxi drivers
- Keep your embassy contact information readily available
Money and Valuables
- Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry cash in multiple locations on your person
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Avoid using ATMs late at night or in isolated locations
- Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics unnecessarily
- Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash when not needed
- Keep small bills separate for daily expenses to avoid showing large amounts of cash
Transportation
- Download Yandex Metro app for navigation - works offline
- Purchase a rechargeable metro card (Podorozhnik) for convenience
- Avoid unlicensed taxis - use Yandex Taxi or Uber apps
- Be extra vigilant on crowded public transport during rush hours
- Keep bags in front of you on metro and buses
- Take photos of taxi license plates before entering vehicle
- Avoid driving yourself unless experienced with Russian traffic and winter conditions
Communication
- Download offline translation apps (Google Translate with Russian language pack)
- Learn basic Russian phrases for emergencies and common situations
- Purchase a local SIM card for data and calls - useful for navigation and emergencies
- Have your hotel's business card in Russian for showing to taxi drivers
- Save important numbers in your phone including embassy and tourist police
- Consider hiring a guide for first day to orient yourself
Accommodation
- Ensure your accommodation will register your migration card
- Book accommodation in central, well-reviewed areas
- Verify apartment rentals carefully - scams exist on booking platforms
- Keep hotel contact information with you at all times
- Don't share your room number with strangers
- Use hotel safes and ensure room locks properly
Food and Water Safety
- Never drink tap water - use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
- Eat at busy, well-reviewed restaurants
- Be cautious with street food, especially in warm weather
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Be careful with raw foods and ensure meat is well-cooked
- Avoid ice in drinks unless certain it's made from purified water
Cultural Awareness
- Respect photography restrictions in churches, museums, and metro stations
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites - cover shoulders and knees, women should cover heads in Orthodox churches
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public
- Don't smile excessively at strangers - it may seem insincere in Russian culture
- Be aware that public displays of LGBTQ+ identity can attract negative attention
- Stand to the right on metro escalators, walk on the left
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
St. Petersburg is generally safe for women travelers who take standard precautions. Solo female travelers are common, and the city has many women-owned businesses and female tour guides. However, women may experience catcalling, staring, and unwanted attention, particularly from intoxicated men. Traditional gender attitudes persist, and women should be assertive but polite when declining unwanted advances. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas or parks.
- Dress conservatively to blend in - Russian women tend to dress elegantly but modestly in public
- Avoid Dumskaya Street nightlife area unless in a trusted group
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking alone at night
- Be firm but polite when declining advances - saying 'nyet' clearly is acceptable
- Consider staying in hotels rather than isolated apartments if traveling solo
- Join group tours to meet other travelers and reduce solo time
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when alone
- Trust your instincts - leave situations that feel uncomfortable
- Be aware that Russian men may offer to pay for meals/drinks as cultural norm, but this doesn't obligate you
- Book accommodations in central, well-reviewed areas
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Consider women-only hostel dorms if using hostel accommodation
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers, especially in bars and nightclubs
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Russia (decriminalized in 1993), but there are significant legal restrictions. The 2013 'gay propaganda' law prohibits 'promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships' to minors, which has been broadly interpreted. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection - avoid holding hands or kissing in public
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly venues in advance through trusted sources and apps
- Be cautious about who you discuss your sexual orientation or gender identity with
- Avoid wearing rainbow or pride symbols in public spaces
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps with caution - some have been used to target community members
- Book accommodation at international chain hotels which may be more welcoming
- Be aware that dating apps may be monitored or used for entrapment
- Consider joining organized LGBTQ+ tours with experienced guides who know safe spaces
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about traveling companions
- Don't engage in debates about LGBTQ+ rights in public or with strangers
- Be especially cautious outside major cities if doing additional travel in Russia
- Know your embassy's contact information - some embassies have LGBTQ+ support resources
- Understand that police may not be supportive if you experience harassment
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ community through trusted international organizations before arrival
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting St. Petersburg and may be required for visa applications. Medical treatment for foreigners is expensive and must be paid upfront. Emergency medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000. The current geopolitical situation also increases risks of trip cancellation or interruption. Comprehensive insurance provides crucial financial protection and access to assistance services in a country where language barriers complicate emergencies.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for St. Petersburg Safety Guide before you go.