Security

There are two essential things to consider when in a foreign country. The first is that it any country, in any large city there will be dishonest people, an encounter with whom could get you into all sorts of trouble. Don't forget that no one is totally immune from theft, terrorist activity or approaches by people suffering from a mental illness. In an airport even a seemingly innocuous employee can steal personal belongings from a handbag, even from that of a world famous rock star. Moreover this can happen in any airport, be it London Heathrow or St. Petersburg Pulkhovo.

The second thing to consider is that being ignorant of any given government laws does not free you of the responsibility to abide by them. There are of course laws common to all developed countries, for example the prohibition of drug distribution or explicit pornography, and laws against the manufacture of forged currency and fraud. Any sensible citizen of any country knows that if he kills someone, the likelihood is that he will end up in prison. But there are laws specific to individual countries, which derive from the cultural and historical events of a country. A foreigner can be completely unaware of them. Something that is perfectly legal in one country can be met with condemnation in another. For example in Holland the sale of soft drugs is permitted, whereas in Russia you would be called to account for such an action. There's no need to learn the laws before a trip overseas, just keep your eyes open and use a bit of common sense. Here are a few tips to help ensure that your stay in St. Petersburg is a safe one.

How can you avoid these problems?

• Insurance. We recommend that before your trip you insure yourself in your own country.
• Money. Don't carry a lot of cash with you if you're not intending to spend it. If you have money, which you're not intending to spend immediately, you are welcome to leave it in our office.
• Currency Exchange. Remember that the only legal places to change money are in banks and currency exchange centres. Don't buy rubles or dollars on the street even if the rate seems profitable.
• Documents. We strongly recommend that you carry with you your documents (passport) and another form of identification, preferably a certificate confirming your place of study at our school. Both this certificate and registration can be organised through our office.
• Gypsies. The best way to deal with these people is simply to walk straight past them. Don't stop, don't give them money, don't listen to them, ignore them.
• Traffic. In Russia, as is the case in most European countries, cars drive on the right.
• Bridges. At night the bridges over the River Neva in St. Petersburg are raised. For several hours part of the city can become inaccessible. For a schedule of bridge opening times, click here.
• Food. We strongly recommend that you don't buy pies (pirozhki), bread rolls and other hot food from street salesmen. If you get hungry go to a decent cafe or a Fast Food restaurant. For more detailed information about eating out, click here.
• Water. Don't drink unboiled water. If you want drinking water it is better to buy cheap, clean, bottled water that you can find in just about any food goods shop.
• Alcohol. If you buy spirits (strong alcohol, e.g. vodka), do so only in shops. In a state of alcoholic intoxication we recommend that you do not take to the streets, especially at night. The police (militsia) do not take kindly to drunks.
• Prostitutes. We recommend that you stay away from all services offered by prostitutes and that if you enter into relations with anyone use protection.