A. Your deposit guarantees your place on the tour of your choice. Each tour is limited to a maximum of 30 clients to ensure personal attention for each member. We will establish for you a 3 month Platinum membership at not extra cost. This membership is a  $125.00 value. You will also receive an “ EZ DO IT” Fiancée Visa package written by immigration attorney William Livingston.  This package includes all necessary INS forms needed for the visa process, to the initiation of the naturalization process.  Your guide covers all of the potential nuances no matter where you are married and helps ensure a fast, smooth process without  spending hundreds, even thousands on legal fees. This brochure retails for $89.50 but is absolute FREE with the trip deposit. 

Q. What about credit cards?

A. Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard and American Express are all widely accepted. Travelers' Cheques are probably the best way to carry your cash since they are refundable. You can use them to pay direct for many goods and services in the city. Once you get outside of the city the Travelers' Cheques can be more difficult to cash. American Express is the most widely recognized brand in Russia. If you carry cash we would recommend any traveler to wear a money belt as an added precaution. All in all it is a good idea to bring a combination of cash, Travelers' Cheques, and credit cards.

Q. What about the electricity?

A. The electricity is 220 volts, 50 Hz AC, and is very reliable throughout St. Petersburg. The sockets do require a Continental or European plug adapter with two round pins. American appliances need a 220V to 110V/100V converter. However the Pribaltiyskaya does have built in converters in your private bath. AFA staff also have a large portable converter for any emergency electrical needs.

Q. How much are calls to the US from the hotel?

A. The Pulkovskaya Hotel has recently subcontracted the hotel phone service to a company which charges very high rates.  The rates per minute from the hotel to the  US are $5.99 per minute.  The rates from the hotel to outlying suburbs of St. Petersburg are $ 2.99.  The hotel to inter city St. Petersburg rates are .10 cents per minute.

The hotel has currently blocked the use of AT&T calling cards from the rooms.  We are unsure about the LCI or other long distance calling cards.  We are of the impression that your long distance calling cards will work from the pay phones in the lobby.

The hotel does have Direct Dialing to the rooms and with kall back card you can avoid expensive hotel long distance charges. This is the difference between .00 a minute and .60 cents a minute on long distance calls.

Q. What is the dress code for the Socials?

A. The socials are held in the nightclub of the Pribaltiyskaya Hotel.  One tour member may wear a tux, another a suit, another blue jeans however we recommend dress pants and shirt as a minimum.  We do however wish you to be comfortable and yourself, so we will leave the final decision to you.

Q. What type of clothing will I need in St. Petersburg.

A. Be yourself and dress comfortably during most of your trip.  Summer attire may be jeans, shorts, and trousers.  St. Petersburg does have ballet and opera, which can be a little more formal, but they also are now quite accustomed to foreign visitors and wave any formal dress codes.

Q. What is the weather like in St. Petersburg.

A. The climate in St. Petersburg is characterized by an intermediate (from nautical to continental) climate. It is quite mild and humid with frequent fogs and rains. There can be quite dry and hot periods in summer time, when the temperature goes up to +25oC - +30oC, but they last for a week maximum.  Precipitation is not too plentiful, being 550 - 600 mm per annum. August is the rainiest month.  High humidity is the result of the lack of sunny days. The average July temperature is + 17.8oC.

Q. How may pieces of luggage may I take and what size.

A. You may take 3 pieces of luggage. We recommend that your carryon bag contain one full change of dress clothing, you’re necessary toiletries and your computer or valuable camera items.

• 62” total dimensions ( L x W x H ) with a total weight of 70 lbs.
• 55” total dimensions ( L x W x H ) with a total weight of 70 lbs.
• 45” total dimensions ( L x W x H ) with a total weight of 45 lbs.

Luggage Restriction for Dual Tour Clients:

If you are a Dual Tour Member your connecting air flights between Kiev and St. Petersburg will be via a regional carrier. These Regional carriers have different luggage restrictions than Finnair your primary carrier. If your baggage will exceed the following guidelines you will be subject to a cash penalty, generally not exceeding $50.00. Our advice, pack less clothing and have your laundry cleaned by hotel services.

Number of bags = 2
Pounds per bag = 50lb.

Q. Do I need additional health insurance?

A. You should check with you health care insurer and ask if your current policy will cover you outside the US. If not, you may want to purchase a rider policy to cover any emergency medical situations, which may occur.

Q. What small gifts should I bring for the ladies in Russia?

A. Today in Russia you may purchase almost anything that you could purchase in any other major city. Most Russian women do not have the money to purchase the extras. My advice might be to take advantage of any personal connections or good deals available to you. This keeps the cost down for you and makes a nice gift. For example: One client had a woman friend who was a model. This model gave him clothing outfits, which she received from modeling but never really wore her self. Another client had access to very nice costume jewelry, this was a big hit. I do not know a woman in the world who does not like good perfume. Most Russian women seem to like European dark chocolate. We might also suggest you look for something produced or manufactured in your particular area of the United States, which you are proud of or may make a nice gift.

Q. Should I bring photos?

A. It may be a good idea to bring along personal and regional photographs. Photographs of yourself, friends, family, pets, home, cars and your recreational activities will certainly allow any viewer to have a much fuller understanding of who you are and what your particular geographic location affords for those residents living in the area.

Q. May I bring a video tape.

A. United States and European video tape formats are not compatible.

Meet your hearts desire today!