What's the best time to visit St.Petersburg?
The tourist season in St.Petersburg opens in the beginning of May and lasts till November. I think June is the best time to come and March is by far the worst because of melting snow. Of course, you can visit the city any time you want.

Is it dangerous to come? What about crime situation?
I'm supposed to say no. I think chances you would be a victim of a street crime are equal for St.Petersburg and any other big city.

There are no particularly dangerous districts in St.Petersburg.

Please keep your passport in a safe place. You'll need it only if you decide to exchange money or if the police ask you to show it (which is very rare situation).

Tip: Do change money only in banks. There are lot of street currency dealers - avoid them.

All payments in Russia are made in roubles. You may be asked to pay in dollars somethere (e.g. souveniers seller in the street or private taxi driver). It's up to you to agree but officialy it's illegal.

Tip: Avoid groups of gypsies begging in the streets. There are lots of thieves among them.

Fun story: A friend of mine, Greek, comes in St.Petersburg. His first question when I meet him was 'How do they know I'm a foreigner? I was asked to buy souveniers three of four times this morning. I don't want to be a 'moving target '.

Tip: if you don't want to be a 'moving target' you should at least change your clothes. Russians tend to wear cheap clothes of dark colours. Typical is a black leather jacket and black jeans.

Read what Mike Shuey says about safety

I need to find an address or a phone number of a person. How can I do it?
It may seem strange to you but there are no public directories with such information. Person's address and phone number are considered privacy. You have to contact special authorized agencies to obtain this information.

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