Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Metro Scams
Be wary of friendly strangers offering help with tickets or directions; they may overcharge or distract you while a pickpocket works. Always validate your ticket.
- Overcharging: Strangers offering help with tickets may charge more than the actual price.
- Distraction Theft: Pickpockets may take advantage of any distractions, such as giving directions or helping with tickets.
- Under-validated Tickets: Unvalidated tickets can lead to fines by Metro staff.
2. Taxi Scams
Some taxis may not use the meter, overcharge, or take a longer route. Only use licensed taxis and agree on the price before starting the journey.
- No Meter Usage: Taxis without meters may refuse to turn it on or overcharge.
- Long Routes: Drivers might take a longer route to increase the fare.
- Price Agreement: Agreeing on the price before starting the journey can prevent overcharging.
3. Shore Excursions Scams
Unlicensed tour operators may offer cheap tours that turn out to be disappointing or even dangerous. Always book tours through reputable agencies.
- Unlicensed Operators: Tour operators without a license might not adhere to safety standards.
- Disappointing Tours: Cheap tours may offer poor quality or miss key attractions.
- Reputable Agencies: Booking through reputable agencies ensures a reliable and safe tour experience.
4. Street Performers Scams
Some street performers may demand payment for unsolicited performances or distract you while pickpockets operate. Watch your belongings and only tip for enjoyable performances.
- Unsolicited Performances: Street performers may demand payment for performances you didn't ask for.
- Distraction Theft: Pickpockets may take advantage of any distractions caused by street performances.
- Tipping for Enjoyable Performances: Only tip performers whose acts you find enjoyable and don't feel pressured to pay.
5. Counterfeit Goods Scams
Be cautious when buying souvenirs; counterfeit goods are common. Buy from reputable shops or markets to avoid purchasing fakes.
- Counterfeit Goods: Many souvenirs sold in Saint Petersburg may be fake or low-quality.
- Reputable Shops: Buying from reputable shops ensures you receive authentic souvenirs.
- Markets: Flea markets and arts and crafts fairs often sell authentic local goods.
6. ATM Scams
Some ATMs may be skimmers that steal your card information. Only use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments.
- Skimmer ATMs: ATMs with card readers and cameras hidden in them can steal your card information.
- ATMs Inside Banks: ATMs located inside banks are more secure and less likely to be skimmers.
- Reputable Establishments: ATMs in reputable establishments, like hotels or large stores, are also generally safe.
7. Pickpocketing at Busy Attractions
Crowded attractions provide opportunities for pickpockets. Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
- Crowded Attractions: Pickpockets take advantage of the crowds at popular attractions.
- Keeping Belongings Close: Holding onto your belongings tightly can prevent pickpocketing.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Remaining aware of your surroundings helps you notice any suspicious activity.
8. Bar Scams
Some bars may serve less alcohol than requested or add expensive extras to the bill. Always check the drinks and settle the bill before leaving.
- Under-serving Alcohol: Bars may not fill your drink all the way to avoid wasting alcohol.
- Added Expenses: Extras like mixers or snacks may be added to the bill without your knowledge.
- Settling the Bill Before Leaving: Settling the bill before leaving helps ensure you're only charged for what you consumed.
9. Overpriced Accommodation Scams
Some accommodations may overstate their quality or services. Research your options thoroughly and read reviews before booking.
- Overstated Quality: Accommodations may claim to offer more than they actually do.
- Read Reviews: Reading reviews from previous guests can provide insight into the accommodation's true quality.
- Thorough Research: Researching multiple options and comparing prices can help you find a good deal.
10. Fraudulent Currency Exchange Scams
Some currency exchange offices may give you less money than agreed or exchange lower-quality bills. Only use reputable exchange offices.
- Giving Less Money: Currency exchanges may not give the full amount agreed upon.
- Exchanging Lower-quality Bills: Currency exchanges may exchange damaged or counterfeit bills without your knowledge.
- Reputable Exchange Offices: Using reputable exchange offices can help prevent these scams.
11. Fraudulent Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be set up to steal your personal information. Only use Wi-Fi provided by reputable establishments or use a VPN.
- Stealing Personal Information: Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be set up to collect your personal information.
- Reputable Establishments: Using Wi-Fi provided by reputable establishments reduces the risk of scams.
- Using a VPN: Using a VPN encrypts your online activity and protects you from hackers.
12. Fraudulent Guide Services
Some guides may offer low prices but provide poor service or take you to uninteresting locations. Research and compare guide services before booking.
- Low Prices: Guides offering extremely low prices may not provide a good experience.
- Poor Service: Guides may rush through tours or provide inaccurate information.
- Research and Comparison: Researching multiple guide services and comparing prices can help you find a reliable guide.
13. Counterfeit Ticket Scams
Beware of fake tickets sold for popular events. Only buy tickets from authorized vendors or at the box office.
- Fake Tickets: Tickets bought from unauthorized sources may not grant entry to the event.
- Authorized Vendors: Buying tickets from authorized vendors ensures you have a valid ticket.
- Box Office: Purchasing tickets at the box office also guarantees their authenticity.
14. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or serve less than the full portion. Stick to well-known vendors and be cautious when eating.
- Low-quality Ingredients: Street food vendors may use lower-quality ingredients to save costs.
- Serving Less Than the Full Portion: Vendors may shortchange you on the amount of food served.
- Well-known Vendors: Choosing well-known vendors can help ensure you receive a fair deal and good food.
15. Car Rental Scams
Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or rent out vehicles in poor condition. Read contracts carefully and inspect the vehicle before driving.
- Hidden Fees: Car rental companies may add unexpected charges to your bill.
- Vehicles in Poor Condition: Rented vehicles may have pre-existing damage or mechanical issues.
- Reading Contracts Carefully: Thoroughly reading the contract can help you avoid hidden fees and charges.