How bad is the smoking situation in St. Petersburg, Russia?
#1
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How bad is the smoking situation in St. Petersburg, Russia?
As one who is very sensitive to cigarette
smoke, I am wondering whether people smoke inside restaurants, stores, hotels, etc.
smoke, I am wondering whether people smoke inside restaurants, stores, hotels, etc.
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
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I too am sensitive to smoke, asthma. We were on a Russian river cruise about five years ago, and jumped ship in SP. We wandered around duing day and ate dinner in restaurants for the three or four nights that we were there.
I don't remember being bothered by the smoke either outside or in the restaurants themselves. Obviously people were smoking, but if I can't remember having any problems, it couldn't have been too bad.
You'll love SP, the streets, the river, the museums etc.... If you're there in the summer, the white nights are a visitor's dream. It stays like until 10:00PM at least.
I hope that the smoking part wasn' too vague, but I've had more problems in Italy and Paris.
Nina
I don't remember being bothered by the smoke either outside or in the restaurants themselves. Obviously people were smoking, but if I can't remember having any problems, it couldn't have been too bad.
You'll love SP, the streets, the river, the museums etc.... If you're there in the summer, the white nights are a visitor's dream. It stays like until 10:00PM at least.
I hope that the smoking part wasn' too vague, but I've had more problems in Italy and Paris.
Nina
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Join Date: Mar 2005
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I live in NY, where we have had a smoking ban in public areas for a few years- so when we got off the plane in Piter, my students were immediately sent into culture shock at people smoking in the airport.
Smoking is an issue in Russia, as cigarettes are so cheap and prevalent- everywhere. That said, I have never felt really uncomfortable due to smoking in a restaurant or cafe.
I have never really thought about people smoking in a store- hmm I suppose it must happen, it just never drew my attention. Its not super prevalent.
You can avoid it, just plan on moving away if smokers come nearby.
BTW- I think the smoking situation is much more persistent and annoying in other parts of the world- Paris in particular, where it is still seen as cool.
Smoking is an issue in Russia, as cigarettes are so cheap and prevalent- everywhere. That said, I have never felt really uncomfortable due to smoking in a restaurant or cafe.
I have never really thought about people smoking in a store- hmm I suppose it must happen, it just never drew my attention. Its not super prevalent.
You can avoid it, just plan on moving away if smokers come nearby.
BTW- I think the smoking situation is much more persistent and annoying in other parts of the world- Paris in particular, where it is still seen as cool.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
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We just got back and my teen was amazed by how many people smoked. And, yes they smoke everywhere except in the ballet where they rush outside during intermission to smoke.
It's like it was here years ago. As it was summer, we did not find it a problem, we simply ate outside in streetside cafes which are lovely. It might be a problem in the winter, but certainly no more so than in London which also allows smoking in restaurants still.
St Petersburg is so beautiful we were blown away and can't wait to go back.
It's like it was here years ago. As it was summer, we did not find it a problem, we simply ate outside in streetside cafes which are lovely. It might be a problem in the winter, but certainly no more so than in London which also allows smoking in restaurants still.
St Petersburg is so beautiful we were blown away and can't wait to go back.
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The only time I had an allergic reaction to smoke/pollution when I returned to Moscow after 10 years absense. No problems in St. Petersburg. I am generally not sensitive to smoke, that's why I was so taken aback by my reaction in Moscow (especially after having lived there for many years previously).
So, yes people smoke everywhere, cabs, public and private spaces, you name it. For some reason I found air in Moscow more irrtating to my skin. Still love the city, smoke and all.
So, yes people smoke everywhere, cabs, public and private spaces, you name it. For some reason I found air in Moscow more irrtating to my skin. Still love the city, smoke and all.