St Petersburg Health and Safety

St Petersburg's streets are as safe or dangerous as any European city - most say safer. However, caution must be excercised.

Pickpockets are an especially common problem, particularly on crowded buses and trolleys that run along Nevsky pr and metros during rush hour. Karmaniki (pickpockets) work in small gangs, usually three: one to divert your attention, a second to steal your wallet, and a third to whom it is passed.

Don't use a bum bag; they're easily cut with a razor and announce that you have something to steal. Keep your valuables, such as a camera, in your bag (not over your shoulder). And be alert in crowds. Assume any displays of anger or altercations to be diversionary tactics and act accordingly.

Some debonair male tourists at upscale bars have been picked up by young enterprising ladies who have later drugged and robbed them. Be suspicious of excessive interest in you, or of money and job-related questions. (The average Russian is rarely interested in the details of your job.)

One problem is the growth throughout Russia of the skinhead and neo-Nazi movement. You are unlikely to encounter any of these, but any violence tends to be focused on Hitler's birthday on the 20th of April - this is a good day for non-white visitors to the city to be very careful, avoid more obscure areas of the city and stick together with friends. That racially motivated attacks have gone uncondemned by the local authorities is a cause for worry. Non-white travelers should not go to the suburbs and preferably go out with friends in the evening rather than walk alone all year round.