EugeneKex-Pilot
Dec 26, 10, 1:06 am
1. Stayed in St. Petersburg in Rossi Boutique Hotel. Best price via online w breakfast package. You can ask the staff there to add 1 phone number you call most to your selection and all calls to that number are free. i.e. if you have secretary or company phone operator just add the number and have them transfer you to wherever you like. This can save you a bundle.
2. If you have PDA phone unlocked, or IPAD MTC (s) offers a sim card for 250RUB unlimited internet will cost you 112RUB per month. Which is extremely cheap compared to ours (its 3G and speed will vary). This will work only in the city/region you are at. I.E. if you go from St. Pets to Moscow plan on buying another SIM which will be much cheaper than data roaming.
3. Bonus: with Skype on your PDA you can call any US number via unlimited internet in number 2 above. I was able to call and receive calls with no issues.
4. If you are planning to visit Hermitage current pricing is 400RUB for non RU citizens. Plan on additional 200RUB if you take photos. If traveling with few friends or family I highly suggest getting a private tour guide there are two options simple and creative. Simple: for 5000RUB you can get an official english speaking guide. for about 1/2 that much you can score one in the lobby. They are very obvious and do just as good job. If you go with a simple plan ask for Museum Historian not just guide. They will gladly provide one and you will have great experience. Wear comfortable shoes you will be walking for 2-3 hours. Good time to arrive is around 11am which will give you best lighting in all exhibits.
5. DO NOT fall for a cab rides this time of year. It is much faster to walk or take metro instead of sitting in traffic due to ice e.t.c.
Sorry for the long post... I am new here, and if interested can post about moscow experience as well.
2. If you have PDA phone unlocked, or IPAD MTC (s) offers a sim card for 250RUB unlimited internet will cost you 112RUB per month. Which is extremely cheap compared to ours (its 3G and speed will vary). This will work only in the city/region you are at. I.E. if you go from St. Pets to Moscow plan on buying another SIM which will be much cheaper than data roaming.
3. Bonus: with Skype on your PDA you can call any US number via unlimited internet in number 2 above. I was able to call and receive calls with no issues.
4. If you are planning to visit Hermitage current pricing is 400RUB for non RU citizens. Plan on additional 200RUB if you take photos. If traveling with few friends or family I highly suggest getting a private tour guide there are two options simple and creative. Simple: for 5000RUB you can get an official english speaking guide. for about 1/2 that much you can score one in the lobby. They are very obvious and do just as good job. If you go with a simple plan ask for Museum Historian not just guide. They will gladly provide one and you will have great experience. Wear comfortable shoes you will be walking for 2-3 hours. Good time to arrive is around 11am which will give you best lighting in all exhibits.
5. DO NOT fall for a cab rides this time of year. It is much faster to walk or take metro instead of sitting in traffic due to ice e.t.c.
Sorry for the long post... I am new here, and if interested can post about moscow experience as well.