St Petersburg, Russia - What Expats Need to Know?

by Margarita Gokun Silver
(Miami, FL )

What is the spoken language, and how much local language do you to know for daily living?


Russian is the main language. I happen to speak it very well. :)

How is the weather?

The weather isn't the greatest -- especially in the winter when most of the times the sky is dark and it's either raining or snowing. But you make up for it in the summer with gorgeous while nights.

Is this a good city for families/singles/couples?

The city is good for all -- families, couples and singles. There is plenty to do for everyone.

How are the preschool and daycares?

There are only 2 or 3 international pre-schools so expats either send the kids there, hire a nanny or send their kids to local pre-schools.

Are their international schools/American Schools? Any after school activities?

There is an Anglo-American school in St Petersburg. They offer some after school programs but if you child can speak Russian, the city has lots of classes for children -- art, dance, music, you name it -- of very high quality.

Are there English speaking universities? Or any special programs in the English language at a local university?

There are some universities where you can find programs in English and I believe there are actually international MBA programs available in English in the city.

How is the accommodation?

You can find a good apartment if you are willing to pay $4,000 per month or more.

How is the health care?

Health care isn't the best for, as a foreigner you are better off going to two or three private clinics, and they often try to order more tests than necessary because they are in the business of making money. You have to be on the look out.


Is it a pet friendly city?

It's not very pet friendly mainly because your dog will be extremely dirty every time you take him for a walk.

Is household help easy to find?

Household help isn't very easy to find, especially the one that would speak other languages that Russian.

How is the traffic and the public transportation (buses, trains, taxis)?

Traffic is awful, but public transport is very good...although confusing since it's only in Russian.

How is the communication - Cell/land phone, T.V/Cable/Satelite, Internet connection, international calls?

Petersburg is pretty wired with cell phone service, internet, WiFi hot spots, etc.

What is the dress code to work and in public?

There is not really a dress code but people always dress formal.

How is shopping for groceries, household items and clothing?

There are several large supermarkets where you can buy practically everything.

Tell us about sport, entertainment, night life, restaurants.

Entertainment is abound -- you can go to a ballet, opera, classical music concert or something else every night if you want to.

How is the expats community?

Expat community isn't very large but well established. There is an International Women's Club of St Petersburg which is a good organization to start with when you first arrive.

Any other comments?

St Petersburg is a beautiful city and a pleasure to spend a few years in. Enjoy it!

More information about St Petersburg can be found in here.

And if you are relocating to Russia you might be interested in the cross-cultural training course on Russia that was created by Margarita "WELCOME TO RUSSIA"