Shopping in Petropavlovsk

Before we left for Petropavlovsk, we really had no idea what is and is not available to buy locally. We have since found out there were things we really didn’t need to bring and our balancing act with baggage weight would have been easier.  Toiletries – bring only the the little sample sizes.  Once you get here, you can buy just about any mainstream brand of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, etc. you want.  No need to cart multiple weeks’ worth with you.

The Blue Mall which is within walking distance of the Skif Hotel and on the way to the Baby House is like a farmer’s market on the street level where you can buy fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, sandwich meat, baked goods, etc. etc.  For those who are doing their own cooking, there is a large fresh meat section.  On the upper levels of the mall, you will find kiosk after kiosk jam packed full with toiletries, clothing, shoes, kids toys and clothing, kitchen stuff – the list goes on. It appears that each kiosk is individually owned. The prices are all very reasonable.

So save your luggage weight allowance for stuff you cannot find here.  It would have been really helpful to have had this information when doing our packing.