Is it safe to book a private apt instead of a hotel room? Which agencies are most reliable? Also, do you have any recommendations on the best overnight train from St. Petersburg to Moscow? And what to do about currency? Can we just use our ATM cards?

I'm planning a trip to both cities in October and found all of your questions (repeatedly) answered in great detail by clicking on "Russia" and search. LOADS of good info has been posted on these subjects.

We are planning on being in Russia also in Octoger. St. Petersburg and Moscoe. How about a Russian GTG?<BR>

I`ve rented apartments in St. Petersburg for the last three years, staying a month at a time. If you contact me directly I would be more than happy to pass on the agency I have used. Apartment prices range from $35 to $100 to $150 a night and they have a full range to choose from. Most are located very close to Nevsky Prospeckt and the Railway station.<BR><BR>Elizabeth<BR>[email protected]

Safety depends on the landlord you find or estate agency finds for you. I am one of those landlords who keep their word about reservations and none of my past clients ever regretted their stay in my apartments.<BR><BR>I have two flats on Moika River Embankment in St. Petersburg meters away from the Palace Square and the Hermitage Museum. Very nice renovation, comfortable and for reasonable price.<BR><BR>For more details visit http://www.tourguide.spb.ru/rent-apartment.htm<BR><BR>The 2 best overnight trains are Troika and Strela (## 1 and 3). They have 2-berth compartments called &quot;SV&quot; in Russia.<BR><BR>For currency info - check http://www.tourguide.spb.ru/russia-travel-guide.htm