USEFUL INFORMATION

Time:

St.Petersburg is on Moscow time, that is, three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3) or eight hours ahead of East Standard Time (EST+8). (On the dates of the Championships and up to October 25, 2009 Russia will be on Summer time).

Weather:

As the weather in October is unpredictable (can be from -3C to +10C (26 to 50F) it is advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip. It is never excessive to take a couple of warm items of clothing with you at this time of year.

Money:

The standard unit of money in Russia is Rouble (RUB) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of RUB 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 10. Coins are in denominations of RUB10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks.

Foreign currency should be exchanged at the banks, numerous Bureaux de Change, hotels or large shops. It is wise to keep all exchange receipts until your departure.The current exchange rate is approximately 40 Roubles to the Dollar and 50 Roubles to the Euro.

Credit cards are widely accepted at the large shops and restaurants, though cash in Roubles is preferred. ATMs are widely available.

N.B. The Organising Committee will accept cash only.

Water:

Tap water is considered safe for washing. Bottled or boiled water is recommended for drinking though.

Electricity:

Electricity in Russia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Most electrical sockets are of standard European size to fit two-round-pin plugs.

City transport:

The city transport system comprises buses, express mini busses, trolleybuses, trams and Metro. To get a ticket pay fare of 18 Roubles (in case fares do not rise by the World Championships) to a conductor present on all the trolleybusses, trams and busses except for the express busses where money is given to a driver and cost of the trip is a bit higher (posted on the door or window).

Metro: Metro stations are indicated by a large “M”. To go by metro you should use tokens which can be purchased from the small windows or booths inside the metro stations. It is not a bad idea to purchase a few tokens at once if you plan to have several trips. You use one token for one trip, changes from one line to another (in case you do not get out the Metro), date of purchasing, length of you trip do not matter.

Taxi: To take a taxi use taxi ranks or just flag down a taxi or any other car (make certain there is no one but the driver in the car) standing at the kerb and holding your right arm out at approximately 45 degree angle, fingers outstretched. Show you destination on the map and negotiate the price before your trip.

Almost all the signs are in Russian, so we would recommend that you study the route and have a map with you not to get lost when taking a walk around the city.

Religion:

Russia is a multinational country, where all religious beliefs are respected equally. Russian Orthodox Church prevails. Visiting a church women are expected to wear headscarves or hats.

Russian Orthodox Church (just one of them): Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Alexandre Nevsky Monastery, 1 Monastirka river emb. (opposite “Alexandre Nevsky Square” metro station and the Moscow Hotel)

Some other religions present in the city:

Roman Catholic: Church of St. Catherine, 32-34 Nevsky prospect (“Nevsky prospect” metro station, exit to Griboyedov channel, follow house number increase).

Muslem Mosque: 7 Kronverksky av. (“Petrogradskaya” metro station, then 20 min. walk)

Buddhist temple: 91 Primorsky av. (“Staraya Derevnya” metro station, exit to Lipovaya alley, follow house number decrease up to the T-junction with Primorsky av.).

Jewish Synagogue: 2 Lermontovsky av. (“Nevsky prospect” metro station, take buses Nr. 3, 27, 22 up to the crossroads of Lermontovsky av. and Dekabristov str.)

Language:

Russian is the official language of the Russian Federation. Besides, there are over 100 minorities speaking their own languages. An increasing number of people speak English. The Cyrillic letters of the Russian language can be a bit confusing for travellers and therefore we have prepared a list of some basic Russian words and expressions to make your stay even more comfortable. We hope you will find it helpful.

Download list of some basic Russian words and expressions >>

This site might be of use: www.inyourpocket.com