Money in Russia   Money in Russia is something that many people are concerned about, however, just as in all countries, if you are careful you will not have any problems.   Have a look at our short guide to money in Russia, and as usual  if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

ABOUT MONEY What are the currency rates? What sort of money should I take to Russia? Where can I change money in Russia? What will my money buy? Do I need to tip? What about credit cards? Importing and exporting money.

What are the currency rates?

The currency of Russia is the Rouble, which, after a shaky period during the 1990's is now enjoying an increasing period of stability. At present the Rouble is generally steady around the following exchange rates:

Click here for today's rates supplied by O&A

What sort of money should I take to Russia?

Although the Russian economy is rapidly modernising and credit cards are widely accepted, in many situations you will need cash. You can not generally obtain Roubles in the UK, and will have to buy them in Russia using a "hard currency".

Until recently, the US Dollar was the currency of choice to take and still is accepted everywhere, though in recent years the  Euros also has become equally as well accepted.

British pounds and travellers cheques may be taken, but outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg you may find them difficult to change and even then the rates will not be so advantageous.

When you are leaving Russia you will find it easier to buy Dollars or Euros than British Pounds, and remember, that unless you want some Roubles as a souvenir you will find it nearly impossible to change them when you arrive back home.

If you want to take some Roubles with you then there are selected banks that you can order them from, or the post office though remember the rate is not the greatest typically being about 7%-8% less than what you will obtain in Russia yourself.

Where can I change money in Russia?

Changing money in Russia is not difficult, in many respects it is a national past time! However, we do recommend that you do not change money with people on the street offering a "better rate" as not only is this illegal, it can also be dangerous.

Generally, you can change money in exchange booths, which you will see on every practically every street. These offer better rates than the hotels or banks, though, if you want to draw money using your credit card a bank or ATM is the better option. If you use your card to withdraw cash in a bank you will need to show your passport and it can take 30 minutes or more to complete the transaction. Note that most banks and ATM's will charge a percentage to issue the money even with a debit card, typically this is 1% to 1.5%.

To change money, all you need to do is hand over the cash and in some cases your passport. In official exchange booths or banks you will be given a document that details the exchange, please keep this in case you are asked on departure by the customs where you got your money from. Please see the section below on importing and exporting money.

When you change your money you will get a series of notes (Roubles) and coins (Kopeks). The main notes are:

What will my money buy?

Well, this depends on where you are and what you are doing. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the prices are generally higher than elsewhere in Russia. Also, you may also find that certain establishments charge different rates for foreigners, for example the Hermitage in St. Petersburg charges 100 Roubles for Russian citizens and 1,000 for foreigners.

However, in Real Russia, you can expect to pay the following:

• A loaf of Bread - 25 Roubles
• A trip on the metro - 25 Roubles
• A bottle of beer - 27 Roubles
• A bottle of Vodka - from 100 Roubles
• A short Taxi Journey - 400 Roubles in Moscow or 100 Roubles in the regions
• A cafe snack - from 200 Roubles in Moscow or 100 Roubles in the regions
• A meal for two in a good Restaurant - 2,000 Roubles

In the main, all cash transactions are carried out in Roubles and prices will be marked as such. However, in some places, specifically those catering for wealthier clients the prices will be marked in "standard units", usually as "YE".

This "standard unit" is often US Dollars, though increasingly this may be Euros. So, if you think you have bought a glass of beer for 10 Roubles and the bill arrives as 300, you will know why!

Do I need to Tip?

Tipping is not widely spread in Russia, though has recently become common in the larger cities frequented by foreign visitors. If you choose to leave a tip a figure of 10% of the total bill is the accepted practice. If you are tipping for service, make sure that you give this directly to the person serving you, otherwise they will see it!

Tipping in a place that you visit several times will ensure that you are afforded extra special service.

What about Credit Cards?

Many places in Russia will take credit card payments, however, caution should be used when paying using them. While I personally don't know anyone who has been the victim of credit card fraud, it is generally highly reported in Russia.

Hotels and Banks are considered safe, though when paying using your credit card, make sure that you keep all receipts in case of any problems when you return home.

Importing and Exporting Money

You may "import" into the Russian Federation up to $10,000 (or equivalent) and "export" up to $3,000 without declaring it at the customs. If you export from the country a sum of money over $3,000 and up to $10,000 it must be declared on departure.

If you are exporting from the country a sum of over $10,000 you must provide documentary proof that you either imported it into the country or have legally obtained it whilst in the country.

If you complete a declaration form to state that you are bringing in more than $3,000 you must ensure that it is stamped by a Customs official at your port of entry or it will not be valid. Declaration forms are freely available at the ports of entry.

If you cash travellers cheques, or obtain money from a bank, make sure you keep all documents as proof. Please note, that travellers cheques may be difficult to cash and be charged at a premium, outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Sterling may also be difficult to change so we recommend you take either US dollars or Euros.

NOTE! If you fail to complete a declaration form on arrival or to get it validated by Customs officials your foreign currency and non-declared items may be confiscated when you leave Russia and you may be fined.