dangerous for foreigners in russia?

In all cases - if you're close to Moskovskaia, each time you can, take marshrut taxis instead of the metro where all the hate and mud of Peter concentrate -

On Nevskii Prospekt don't think you're more sicure - be very vigilant around Gostinii Dvor where professional pickpockets working / 3 mates will rake you - if you have big bank notes don't exhibit them - prefer the credit card - and don't put all in the same pocket -

About violence there's a part of myth - if you're approached by skinheads say immediately that you're european or US, and they'll let you -

Be careful about what you picture-shoot - this also can trigger unexpected popular reactions - russians having an opinion on all -

If you take money on ATMs choose the ones INSIDE banks or hotels

@Prospekt Veteranov is a very wide avenue on an axis south-north, which leads you to Pulkovo Airport -

metros

anyway begins at Moskovskaia and I said MARSHRUT taxis - what is this ? Kind of small combi in which six or seven persons can ride - this costs in average 17 rubles which means 65 cents of $ - when you want to go somewhere ask the driver and to communicate figures ( 115 , 238 etc ) just have a pencil and paper - Russians always understand and write to you the right marshrut taxi -

The skinheads crap is mostly a Western media bulsh!t. Nobody is going to touch your friend because he has a dark skin. A lot of full blood Russian ppl have a dark skin and brown eyes, by the way. Yes there are some stupid little nazi bastards, but not more than in any European country, i.e. its not likely you will run into them in the streets. And if so, its not likely that would do smth to you - the like to bully the Caucasian guys (i mean not the "white" but who are really from the Caucasus.

Prospect Veteranov: Depends, where you're going to stay. If near the metro station - that's safe enough. There are policemen, enough lights and son. My friend live there, I've walked there forhundred times. A couple of times even late (about 11 p.m.)- I haven't got any problems. But if you are going to stay deeper in the area the crime level there is higher indeed ( more poor ppl, a lot of imigrants etc). But its more probably you would face a street robbery than a skinhead attack. Just use a common sence - don't walk there in night, don't carry the values along with yourself etc.

If you don't want to use the subway, tnere is a bus #189 - its route goes through the Nevskiy prospect, Vasilievskiy island and Petrogradskaya side.

By the way, Stephane M was talking not about the ordinary taxis, but the route taxis. That's minibus, it costs about 20 roubles.

If you have any questions - feel free to mail me.

If you take basic precautions same as anywhere in the world, don't make a spectacle of yourself or your money you will be fine. Saint Petersburg is a great place, I felt very safe there. Never saw any skinheads in the 2 weeks that we were there, explored much of the city, including away from tourist areas without anybody paying any attention to us.

howdy little omit, Russia is quite safer than united statesa.. "the subject is my mom and dad do no longer choose me to bypass because of the fact they think of that's risky, which i understand is genuine." In Russia babies at age as youthful as 5 walk to grocery shops on my own numerous circumstances an afternoon to %. up some products. In united statesa., i do no longer see this. And if there are babies who walk to shops on my own, there's a information alert that comparable night of a kidnapping. that's ridiculous to have self belief united statesa. is safer than Russia. i do no longer understand who you heard this from yet I guess that man or woman has by no ability visited Russia and believes each and every of the lies united statesa. feeds them.

I thought what to write. I live almost in neighbour of Russia. I think that appearance generally is not a problem. But don't show or tell about your money, don't use alcohol. Even taxis aren't trustworthy and don't walk alone. Sorry, perhaps I am warning too much, there are also lot of tourists without any problems. If your friend knows life in Norway then I thik that he knows enough about life in Russia too.

Russians love Serbians

I´ve been to St. Petersburg a few times working, in 2005. I didn´t feel safe at all and I live in Rio, which is dangerous as well.

I´m very fair skinned.

Nobody spoke English and they just seem to enjoy being rude.

It seems they do like Serbians though.

I think you're worrying too much.

Just blend in, nobody will even notice you. And if it makes you feel any better, everybody is covered from head to toe this time of the year.

Mate its everywhere u go... Russia can be a bit overboard... I say Enjoy ur trip... Dont mind the media crap... if ur that uncertain, Ask ur local embassy...