Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Russia:
Russia's country code is 7, and St. Petersburg's area code is 812. To call from
another country to Russia, dial the international access code (011 from the US/Canada, 00
from Europe, or + from a mobile phone), then 7, followed by the area code and local num-
ber. For calls within Russia, dial just the number if you are calling locally; if you're calling
long distance, dial 8 (you may need to wait a second on older phones), then the area code
and the number. To call the US or Canada from Russia, dial 8, wait for a tone if needed,
then dial 10, then 1, then your area code and phone number.
Finland:
Finland's country code is 358; to call from another country to Finland, dial the
international access code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from Europe, or + from a mobile
phone), then 358, followed by the area code (without initial zero) and the local number. For
calls within Finland, dial just the number if you are calling locally, and add the area code if
calling long distance. To place an international call from Finland, dial 999 or another 900
number (depending on the phone service you're using), the code of the country you're call-
ing (1 for US and Canada), and the phone number.
Estonia:
Estonia's country code is 372; to call from another country to Estonia, dial the
international access code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from Europe, or + from a mobile
phone), then 372, followed by the local number. For calls within Estonia, just dial the num-
ber as it appears in this topic—whether you're calling across the street or across the coun-
try. To place an international call from Estonia, dial 00, the code of the country you're call-
ing (1 for US and Canada), and the phone number.
Tips on Phoning:
A mobile phone—whether an American one that works in Europe,
or a European one you buy when you arrive—is handy, but can be pricey. If traveling
with a smartphone, switch off data roaming until you have free Wi-Fi. For tips on the
To ensure the best value, I recommend reserving rooms in advance, particularly during
peak season. Email the hotelier with the following key pieces of information: number and
type of rooms; number of nights; date of arrival; date of departure; and any special re-
quests. (For a sample form, see
www.ricksteves.com/reservation
.
) Use the European style
for writing dates: day/month/year. For example, for a two-night stay in July, you could re-
quest: “1 double room for 2 nights, arrive 16/07/14, depart 18/07/14.” Hoteliers typically
ask for your credit-card number as a deposit.
Hoteliers are often willing and eager to make a deal, particularly outside of peak times.
I'd suggest emailing several hotels to ask for their best price. Comparison-shop and make
your choice. Many business hotels use “dynamic pricing,” which means they change the
room rate depending on demand—just like the airlines change their fares. This makes it
extremely difficult to predict what you will pay. For many hotels, I list a range of prices. If
the rate you're offered is at or near the bottom of my printed range, it's likely a good deal.
In general, hotel prices can soften if you do any of the following: offer to pay cash, stay
at least three nights, or mention this topic. You can also try asking for a cheaper room or a
discount, or offer to skip breakfast. In Helsinki, business-class hotels drop prices to attract
tourists with summer rates (from late June through early August) and weekend rates (Fri-
day and Saturday, but usually not Sunday).
