Money

[Cash] [Credit Cards] [Prices] [Tipping] [ATM]

Cash

All payments conducted on the territory of Russia are in rubles. However, in many stores you may find the prices indicated in the foreign currency or so-called standard units, which are usually equal to the U.S. dollar.

Foreign currency can be exchanged for rubles at commercial banks, exchange kiosks, and hotels; generally at any place with the inscription “Обмен Валюты” (Currency exchange). Stay away from anyone approaching you offering to exchange money privately for a better rate – you will be scammed.

Credit Cards

Most hotels and larger stores in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities now accept major credit cards. However, try to use cash as much as possible, since Russia is a champion of credit card fraud.

Prices

Russian prices are considerably lower than those in western countries, but if you don't speak Russian and want to experience a Western style vacation, Moscow can be a very expensive city.

Sample of Average Moscow Prices

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more common. Usually, you tip when the service is great about 15%. A 10% tip at a restaurant would be more common, unless you enjoyed your service very much and want to leave more.

ATM

ATMs are widely available in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities.

Also, you may use Russian or western banks:

Raiffeisenbank Austria
4 Romanov Perulok, Building 4
Phone: 745-9820
Fax: 745-9821

Bank Austria Creditanstalt
10/2 Bolshaya Dmitrovka Ul., Building 4
Tel: 933-6300/01
Fax: 933-6302

American Express
21A Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Ul.
Tel: 755-9024
Fax: 755-9004
Cashes traveler's checks, holds mail and has an American Express ATM in the lobby.