Way to Russia Talk Lounge

cpok · Just Starting Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

I will be travelling in St. Petersburg soon for 2 weeks. Is pepper spray legal there? Of course I would only use when needed and will have it in a bag but I am just wondering...?

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

I feel more safe in Russia than in the USA. Unless you are going to do something illegal, I suggest that you do not even think about it.

Only crime you will be faced with is being overcharged for stuff and and taken for a ride on things. Your Capital Washington DC is 1000 times more scary than Moscow at night.

Do not worry and enjoy yourself.

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

As I recall, personal possession of pepper spray is illegal in Russia. Leave it at home, you'd be nuts anyway to try to go through your contry's customs and Russian customs with pepper spray. Bad idea.

gomer · WayToRussified Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 445

Concentrated pepper spray is sold as 'bear repellent' in some U.S. stores but I'm guessing Russian Customs won't buy that answer. Probably wouldn't consider the pun as funny either.

Varrah · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

you could try to buy some leagal self defence-gases or weaponry in Russia if you really nervous about it. There're quite a lot of shops like "Lucky Soldier" or something like that, that sell souvenier and simple self-defence weaponry.

gomer · WayToRussified Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 445

I read the following advice in a travel guide a few years ago.

If you are flying to Russia on one of the Russian airlines ( Aeroflot, Transaero, S7, etc. ), you could discreetly ask a flight attendant where to buy a 'gas balloon' at your destination. If a gas balloon is pepper spray.

I don't know if that advice still applies.

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

Bring a can of fart in can.