INFORMATION

Saint-Petersburg was founded on May 27, 1703.
In our days it is the world's largest megapolice situated this far to the North.
Saint-Petersburg is situated on 42 islands at the delta of the Neva river where it flows into the Gulf of Finland. The geographical coordinates are latitudes 59*57' North and longitude 30*19' East. Saint-Petersburg is about 650 km away from Moscow, 320 km - from Helsinki, 1000 km - from Warsaw, and 1300 km - from Berlin.
The local time difference with Greenwich (Dublin, London, Lisbon) is 3 hours, with Western and Central Europe (Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Stockholm, Warsaw) - 2 hours, and with the Baltic states and Finland - 1 hour. Saint-Petersburg is the closest to the North Pole among the cities of over one million people. It is located at about the same latitude as the northern part of Kamchatka and southern part of Alaska.
The longest daytime span is 18 hours and 58 minutes on 22nd June, and the shortest - 5 hours and 51 minutes on 22nd December. The higt-latitude location of Saint-Petersburg is a source of "white nights" that come 25 May when the sun does not set below the horizon by more than 9*. This about the time when dusk would be merging with dawn. "White nights" will be gone by 16 July having lasted for over 50 days.
Saint-Petersburg itself covers an area of 606 sq.km, with its suburbs included - 1439 sq.km. The city length is 44 km from North to South and 25 km from West to East.
Saint-Petersburg's interior water area takes up about 10 per cent of the city territory. That is over 40 rivers, river branches and channels as well as about 20 canals in all more than 217,5 km.
Saint-Petersburg's biggest rivers are:

The Neva River and its branches - the Bolshaya and Malaya Neva;

The Bolshaya, Srednaya and Malaya Nevka;

The Fontanka and Moyka rivers

The Neva tributaries - Okhta, Chernaya Rechka; the canals - Obvodny, Griboyedova, Kryukov.
The Neva river is about 340 to 650 meters wide and 14 to 23 meters long within the city borders and it is about 74 km long extending from, the Lake of Ladoga to the Gulf of Finland.
The shoreline is about 35 km within the city borders.
The climate is maritime with mild winters, relatively cool summers, higt humidity. Saint-Petersburg is one of warmest points at latitude 60 of the Northern hemisphere as the temperature here is 8*C in summer above the latitudinal average with the weather extremes going up to +34*C and down to -36*C. The city border temperature is normally by 1-2* higher than of the suburbs. The warmest area of the city is Nevsky prospect.
Saint-Petersburg's population in 2003 was about 4 565 000 people.

MONEY

The national Russian currency is Rouble (RUR). One Rouble is equal to 100 kopecks. In Russia, payment for all goods and services is to be made by national currency, or by credit cards.

BANKS

45 banks currently operate in Saint-Petersburg, including two foreign ones, providing the wide range of banking services. Most of the banks are open to clients from 9.00 to 13.00. Currency exchange offices are usually open from 10.00 to 20.00. There are currency exchange centers where many currency nominations are accepted. Currency exchange transactions with private persons are out of low. Large hotels provides 24-hours banking services. Money is exchanged only upon presentation of a passport.

THE CUSTOMS

For non-residents of Russia, the export of non-Russian currency is limited to the imported amount. Therefore, non-residents of Russia are recommended to fill in the customs declaration mentioning the imported sums of foreign currencies, and use Red Channel whenever it's available. When the amount to be imported exceeds the equivalent to USD 10,000 filling in the customs declaration is mandatory and using the Green Channel is not allowed. The entry customs declaration has also to contain the list of antique, works of art, and musical instruments imported. The declaration is to be kept until leaving Russia.

THE UNDERGROUND TRANSPORTATION

Operates from 6.00 to 24.00. Fare is collected through the sale of special tickets. One ticket (for a single one-way trip) costs RUR 10.00, it can be obtained right in the vehicle from conductors.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The city enjoys the ground public transport: bus, trolleybus, and tramway. The single fare is 10 RUR regardless of the distance. It can be purchased from a ticket collector. There is also a universal card for all means of public transport.

RENT-A-CAR

Taxies can be recognized by the checkered stripes and the letter "T" on the car door, or the highlighted sing "Taxi" on the roof. You may decide to travel to Petersburg by your own car. To secure your car against hijacking, do not leave the keys in the ignition, your papers and personal belongings in the car salon, and do not give a lift to casual people. If you have become a victim of aggression, hijacking, or found yourself in a road accident, do not hesitate to call the police by dialing "02".

MEDICAL TREATMENT

If you urgently need a medical assistance, you are to dial the "03" phone number (24 hours a day). Any medical institution must help you or call for the ambulance with a medical team fit in your case. When delivered to a hospital, you have to show your medical insurance policy.

HOTELS

There are about 142 hotel and health-resort centers both in the city itself and its suburbs. You may rent an apartment if you have come to stay here for a long time.
City administration keeps the policy to form the Saint-Petersburg image as a world-recognized center for tourism and culture, and favor the tourist activity. Celebration of the tercentenary to the city assisted improving the business and investment climate. Gala events and big cultural events make the city especially attractive for Russian and foreign tourists.
Our tour bureau offers participants and guests of the Conference a wide range of tours in and around Saint Petersburg, including group tours and individual tours. Our guided tours of the Northern capital of Russia are a unique opportunity to discover Saint Petersburg the way you like. All our staff is qualified professionals who will make your visit truly memorable.
Sightseeing tours we offer allow you to get acquainted with one of the most beautiful cities in the world and see its invaluable treasures. During these tours you will visit the Hermitage, Russian Museum, Winter Square, cathedrals, churches and out of town attractions.
We will be happy to arrange tours specifically tailored for all your needs. And if you have any special requirements, we will carefully consider them.