So you are heading to St. Petersburg? Fantastic. We don’t doubt that you will have a wonderful time. As with every popular tourist city though, there are some locals who like to to try their luck ripping off naive tourists. Here are the traps to look out for and how to avoid them.
Airport Taxis
The first trap usually presents itself the moment you leave the airport. Drivers will offer you taxi services and while they are mostly harmless, they will charge you double. Go to the official airport taxi stand and agree on a fixed price for your vehicle.
Black Cabs
Black cabs are also likely to overcharge you. It’s best to agree on a cost before you step in the vehicle to avoid the price being haggled up.
Starbucks
Starbucks is notoriously expensive anywhere but Russia’s Starbucks are the most expensive in the world. Try the cheaper local coffee instead, it won’t disappoint!
Tour Guides
Many locals will claim to be licensed tour guides when they are in fact not employed by a company which ensures quality. This happens most often in tourist attraction queues and the best thing to do is politely say no thank you.
Street Markets
If you love to haggle, be wary of the street markets in St Petersberg. The stall owners can sometimes become aggressive and it may even be that you can buy the same item for much cheaper in an actual store.
