Insect Repellent, Saint Petersburg

Miscellaneous: Take note if you are like me and don’t enjoy mosquitoes feeding on you whilst you sleep be aware that they are prevalent in St Petersburg, certainly in September and October when I visited. I would like to think that I was personally responsible for keeping the city mosquitoes population under control during my time here.

If you would like a peaceful sleep take along a net or some repellant.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Mosquitoes are the second most intelligent life form in Saint Petersburg, you cannot evade them! Do not assume that walls will afford you any protection. Insect repellent is vital in the summertime, even while you sleep. If not Deet, take Vitamin B pills to make you stinky to bugs.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In summer, definitely bring mosquito repellent! When in Russia, you might want to buy a small plug-in device (called a "fumigator") and the accompanying tablets (tabletki) that also help to keep these pests at bay.

Luggage and bags: Take zipped bags for use in the city.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Comfortable walking shoes in spring/early summer

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Mosquito repellent - in May and June the mozzies eat you alive! Pharmacists are very helpful when it comes to items such as eye drops for conjunctivitis. Many Russians prefer to visit the pharmacist rather than a doctor so pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge.

Photo Equipment: It is cheaper to have photographs developed in Russia (try the kiosks at metro stations - they work out even cheaper than the shop on Nevsky Prospekt.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: The temperature was about 20-25 C.

Photo Equipment: Photo films are cheaper than in Poland. It is good to make also photos there (good quality and cheap).

Miscellaneous: I heard that there are a lot of mosquitos there so take somthing to kill them (although when I was there I noticed maybe only 2 or 3 mosquitos :-)).