Useful information
ABOUT ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is in the UTC+3 time zone.
St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city and a hotbed of culture. Located on the Baltic Sea coast of the Gulf of Finland, it was founded in 1703 by Russian tsar Peter I the Great and is one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in the country.
The city is known for its architectural marvels and outstanding museums, theatres, parks, and historical and cultural monuments. St. Petersburg is often called the ‘Northern Capital’ and the ‘Venice of the North’ because of its canals, rivers, and bridges.
Unique atmosphere combines historical heritage, modern trends, and the spirit of romance. Visiting St. Petersburg will be a bright and unforgettable event.
Weather in St. Petersburg
The weather in the city can vary in September, so we recommend always carrying an umbrella or raincoat with you. The average temperature in September in St. Petersburg is +12–15 degrees Celsius.
Power supply (outlet types)
The electrical network voltage in the Russian Federation is 220 V (50–60 Hz). The most common types of sockets are C and F.
If you plan to take electrical appliances with you that require higher voltage, or you need a different type of outlet, we recommend taking an adapter with you on your trip.
Mobile communications
Operators in St. Petersburg provide a wide range of mobile services based on GSM, UMTS, and LTE standards. Guests can purchase SIM cards from local mobile operators at mobile phone stores. All mobile operators provide mobile Internet services.
Taxi service
- Yandex Taxi
+7 (812) 366 6666
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- Taxi 068
8 (800) 550 0068
+7 (812) 324 7777 - Taxi 6000000
+7 (812) 600 0000
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Major mobile operators in St. Petersburg:
MegaFon: spb.megafon.ru
MTS: spb.mts.ru
Beeline: spb.beeline.ru
Tele2: spb.tele2.ru
Yota: yota.ru
Russian law requires a person to be physically present with either a Russian or foreign passport in order to purchase a SIM card and conclude an agreement for the provision of mobile communication services.
Exchanging currency
The official currency in Russia is the Russian rouble with banknotes in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 roubles. Current information on exchange rates can be obtained on the website of the Central Bank of Russia: cbr.ru
Please note the following restrictions when exchanging currency:
- You must present your passport for transactions involving more than RUB 40,000.
- Non-cash currency CANNOT be exchanged for cash in roubles if the currency is on the bank cards of the Mastercard or Visa payment systems issued outside of Russia. Roubles cannot be withdrawn in cash using these cards either.
Bank cards
Given the current restrictions on the use of foreign bank cards in Russia, we recommend that you carry cash with you for the entire duration of your stay in Russia.
In Russia, the cards of the Mir and UnionPay payment systems work using any currency without any restrictions. Participants are advised to apply for a card or bring an existing card of any of these payment systems with them, if possible.
Please note that the UnionPay payment system just recently began working in Russia, so there may occasionally be issues or rejected transactions when using cards of this payment system.
WHAT IS NEAR THE EAWF VENUE?
The Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum will take place at several major convention and cultural venues in the historical centre of St. Petersburg: Tavricheskiy Palace, the Universe of Water museum complex.
There are bank offices, public institutions, and pharmacies nearby.
HISTORICAL SITES NEAR THE EVENT VENUE
Tavrichesky Garden
A park where numerous writers and composers have drawn inspiration.
A great place to sit and read a book, feed the ducks, or breathe in the fresh air.
4A, Potyomkinskaya Street Hours: 05:30–00:00
Tavrichesky Garden Orangery
The orangery is rightfully considered one of the oldest orangeries in
St. Petersburg. It is home to rare flowers and plants and is also a popular place for photo shoots.
2, Potyomkinskaya Street
Hours may vary; for details, check the
website tavr-orangery.ru
Garden of Friendship
The Garden of Friendship was a gift from Shanghai to commemorate the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. The garden is a smaller replica of the Yu Garden, which translates as ‘Garden of Joy’.
15–17, Liteyny Avenue
24 hours
Smolny Cathedral
A functioning Orthodox church located near the left bank of the Neva River.
The architectural monument was built in the Baroque style. The cathedral is an example of the combination of ancient Russian and Western European architectural traditions.
1, Rastrelli Square
Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00
Sun 07:00–20:00
ATTRACTIONS AND TOURISM IN ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is home to such attractions as: the Hermitage, Winter Palace, Russian Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, the St. Isaac’s and Kazan Cathedrals, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Alexander Park, Park of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg, and much more.
The city is also famous for its rich cultural life, including world festivals, opera and ballet performances, classical music concerts, exhibitions etc.
You can buy St. Petersburg gifts and souvenirs at such shopping centres as:
| Galereya | Piter Raduga | Leto |
|---|---|---|
| It offers more than 300 shops, a cinema, and a huge food court with cafes and restaurants. | This colourful shopping mall has more than 250 shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment areas. | The shopping centre is on the way to the airport. In addition to shops, it has a variety of food outlets with menus to suit every taste. |
| 30A, Ligovsky Avenue 10:00–23:00 | 14, Kosmonavtov Avenue 10:00–22:00 | 25, Pulkovskoye Highway, Building 1A 10:00–22:00 |